Reflections on a Decade of Dog Walking

 

Necessity led me to walking dogs for ten years. A decade of observing behavior closely led to the academic seeking of harmony. I coupled this serious approach with a needed entrepreneurial spirit, of fair exchange. With trust and commitment from my original business, before the fires, we had 45 loyal clients. Together, we formed a circle around our cherished dogs.

 

Commitment and Connection:  Clients confidently entrust us with their loved dogs. 

 

With faith in us, our four-legged clients become part of a consistent group. We provide a more gentle and social environment than other places. Our core dogs, some together for ten years, set the standard in a domino effect of kindness. Dogs are easier to manage when they know each other so well. 

 

FAIR TRADE: In turn, we seek to offer fair trade for our clients' commitment to have their dogs with us, monthly.  At our doggie oasis, our private space resonates harmony as commerce and amity clearly intertwine.  The monthly commitment of 2 times or more, weekly, means a more relaxed and evolved clubhouse vibe for your dog and an easier, predictable, loving day for all.

 

Past Dog Park Experiences: There is no safety in public spaces. 

 

A decade ago, visiting local dog parks, with proper assistants overseeing the canine crew, I realized that, even within the rules of a place, there's always an unpredictability element— daily, we would have to factor in the danger of non-social dogs entering our shared public space. I felt that I needed to control the situation, personally. We needed admission limited to dogs deemed gentle and non-aggressive, by ME. To form a 4-legged clientele, who sought out for years a perfect place to be.

 

Certain Dogs/Certain Breeds 

 

GROUP DYNAMIC: Not every dog's able to participate in our group. Certain breeds are not naturally social. All dogs in our group accept the human leaders’ guidance. Dogs unwilling to follow rules pose a risk to other members of our group.  Not happening in our dog universe!  UNACCEPTABLE. 

 

History has taught, there is no getting around certain dog breeds being ill-suited for our relaxed, supervised environment.  Throughout time, purebred dogs are created with a standard in appearance and behavioral traits that have been biologically cultivated. SO HAVING A PLAY GROUP, ONE MUST KNOW WHAT IS LITERALLY IN DOGS' GENES.  Our focus is understanding hereditary traits to maintain a cohesive, happy pack. It's no coincidence what types of dogs flock to what we have created.  (There are exceptions to every rule.)

 

Complacency for certain types of dogs is never going to happen, as their traits are literally bred into their DNA.  For such dogs, our serene setting is unrealistic. It'd be unfair to expect these type of dogs to comply (square peg in a round hole situation). Certain breeds, though initially cheerful and happy-go-lucky, eventually, over time, lean towards asserting dominance. They innately start craving conflict and aggression. Some dog types are just inherently dominant. Historically, it was not until the eighteenth century that dogs became pets. Dog breeding began as people sought working dogs!  There was a time dogs were not pets and all dogs had jobs- a fact that influences all dog behavior to this day.

 

My understanding of group dynamics comes from vast experience. I'm not a disciplinarian, in a Western sense. I believe the best discipline comes from dogs making good choices. Not dogs submitting to obedience, but rising to the occasion and happily complying-hence the term: Loyal Dog. I'm not a trainer. We would never force obedience unless dealing with danger. We segue. We lead, as keepers of the peace, never allowing aggression. Conflict does not happen. With constant watchful eyes we segue negativity into pawsitivity, easily giving our dogs lots of freedom, as long as they are not being aggressive. This includes those subtle dog signals...  If another dog is annoyed, the first dog doing the annoying knows it--The key element here is to watch how ALL dogs relate. Not to be angry at the first dog--S E G U E ---No dog is allowed to dominate. No dogs will be intimidated. 

 

Ours is an egalitarian-Fort Knox- kind of safe, fenced world. All our four-legged clients learn lots in their day with us.  As pack animals, we learn the inevitable, in optimistic camaraderie.  Dogs follow happiness. They join in on good cheer, following suit. Even the shyest and most reluctant dog can open up to the rhythm. EVERYONE DANCES AT THIS PARTY! We keep an even-keeled and content environment but enjoy the thrill of rambunctious silliness too.  All feel respected, regardless of size or age or energy level. 

 

Keeping escalation from occurring involves simple exercises all my assistants are taught. They learn how to diffuse every negative moment, segueing our canine crew into a cloud of dog bliss and backing out, not coddling.  Myself and my assistants anticipate potential friction, before any conflict arises. Ours is truly, an easily super happy dog community. In turn, supportive, special friendships happen amongst our dogs. Percy, the Poodle seeks out Maeve the Doodle—both with us for years-Rocco, the English Creme seeks out Zoey, the herder, for cuddle comfort. They also have been with us for years. Ben, the Cockapoo must find his paramour, the new gal Bella, the Maltipoo. Bentley, the Bichon, is elated every time sees his best friend, Ben. Artemis, the rescued street dog, now adopted in a loving home for years, oversees all, as our mother hen. Our dogs sometimes play rambunctiously, but our priority is the elation of camaraderie.

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WE ARE THEIR SECRET OTHER LIFE, THEIR HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

Peace Out!