It’s definitely autumnal. The biblical deluge of rain ruined Wednesday and today it was decidedly chilly when Gus and I set off on our morning walk.
The dog days of summer are nearly over. (Interesting factoid: the term “dog days” comes from Ancient Greek times – dog days were the time when the dog star, Sirius, appeared over the horizon.)
When you own a dog, every day is a dog day. Dogs need fed and watered (which reminds me I haven’t yet cleaned and refilled Gus’s water bowl…), exercised, entertained and trained. I’ve taken Gus for a good 45 mins walk already – yes, I got up very early, mainly because Himself wasn’t very well and needed some pills fetching from downstairs.
I hate the act of getting up, but once I’m up I love the early mornings when the air is clear and filled with all the promise of the new day. Unless it’s raining. I don’t much like early mornings then. Too often things can go a bit downhill from then on as life rushes in like a tornado, swirling all your plans around and throwing them to all parts.
How often have you made a list of good intentions (otherwise known as a to do list) only to find life gets in the way of completing them? I have a bullet journal which I love – I started it over a year ago now – I started my second one last month, using all my bestest writing on the first few pages, of course… just like your children will be doing now as they start back at school. There’s something wonderful but pressuring about that first blank page.
I use my journal to keep track of what I need to do, plan each month, week and day and plot out ideas and thoughts. It’s a mix of work, family and pleasure stuff and without it, frankly, I’m sure I’d forget to do important things – it’s m’age, y’know. I need it to plan my life.
Training your dog is another key part of caring for your dog. You’ll come to class or see one of the games in our Canine Challenge group, or hear an idea from somewhere and think, “I must teach Fido to….”. But without making, and sticking to, a plan, it never happens.
I’m as bad at that as anyone. Of course I can just have it on my mental list – but then it doesn’t happen. Writing it down on a physical list that I tick off as I complete each task means I do it, even if sometimes things get put off until the next day – but you feel so ashamed of yourself when that happens, you don’t do it twice. And having it staring at you accusingly when you open the journal reminds you to find the time to just get on and do it.
If you want your dog to do what you want, then you need to practice. Next week we’re kicking starting you into a new habit with our five day Canine Challenge in the same named Facebook group. If you’re not on Facebook, then I’ll be emailing the Challenge each day, too.
Then, from the following week, we’ll set up our new Down Dog Drills sessions. These will be online half hour sessions via Zoom where you can join in twice a week to do some training alongside a supportive group. You’ll decide what you want to train and we’ll all train together for the session. You’ll have the chance to ask any questions about training or things you’re stuck on with your dog. And the sessions will be recorded so if you miss the live session, you can work along with the recording whenever you can fit it in. I’ll be telling you how you can join in, next week.
You can try a bullet journal , or join us to set up a regular training habit.
Remember, Practice Produces Progress.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol