Hello Breed, Who Are You?

Dog owners may not all see eye to eye when walking or hiking a pet out on the open trail. Throughout the years, I have raised many eyebrows, telling stories about how my dogs and I have discovered our world, venturing out on an ever changing four-season environment. The risks involved out there are always a challenge for us, from the weather, to wildlife, to other dogs, and to people, even other dog owners.

For instance, many pet owners do not fathom allowing their dog to walk off-leash while hiking out on an open trail. For me, I believe it is important to teach my dogs to be somewhat independent and responsible while walking with me. That being said, let me be clear, I think there are absolute environments where dog’s on-leash is unarguably appropriate, no questions asked; as in public environments (unlike; my previous video blog - posted last week).

But out on the open trail, as loving dog owners, we have learned how much better it is for us to acquaint ourselves to our dogs breed by allowing them room to discover who they are in relation to the world and our personal relationship to them, by using verbal commands, vocal tone, and physical gestures; like pointing directions. Now I do understand that my opinion on this view may not be widely supported or encouraged by some. See: (http://www.allgoodogs.com/dl2_html/index.html).

But utilizing common sense and understanding for knowing ourselves first, and then understanding the relationship we have to our pets is an ever evolving process for both the pet and the human being.  This means learning proper skills of pack leadership in relationship to the animal and developing mutual trust is a must.

Learning to trust ourselves requires honest insight, but trusting an animal that is born with a natural sense of limited intelligence, the need to explore, and plain old fashion curiosity can be the dog owner’s greatest challenge. Dogs are led by their muzzles; they have no boundaries for exploring their senses while out on a trail; especially when discovering an ever rejuvenating earthly environment. My canine’s greatest sense of motivation comes from a natural instinct they have to work, to hunt and to herd; simply put it is fun to watch them learn something new about themselves every day.

Like every living creature, the need to feel protected within our pack environment is of foremost priority to me and dogs are no different.  I am learning more about my dogs breed by walking them off-leash out on the trail. Observing how they respond to outdoor stimuli and to the sound of my voice is both enlightening and fascinating lesson on how we are all connected through life.

(More on this topic in my next blog post)