In the fall, I spent nine weeks giving doggy seminars all around the U.S. When I got back my dogs treated me like a stranger. I explained that I had been away earning money to buy dog food and toys, but they were unimpressed.
When Kelly commented that I often ignore the dogs even when I am at home, I had to admit she was right (as usual). I have always spent substantial evening time with the dogs, reading on the couch with snoozing Dune and Hugo and Claude sleeping around me, but this really can’t be considered quality time. In all my busyness, I had simply not been giving the dogs the attention and affection, or even the time of day, they deserved. So I decided to reconnect.
My days now start with bedroom greetings from Hugo and Dune. I am not a morning person; in fact, I’m a real grouch when I wake up. But I now wake up in good humor “The French Bulldog Way.” As soon as I have sniffed and sipped my coffee, little Hugo is allowed to take a flying leap onto the bed and kiss me to full consciousness. These are not delicate kisses, mind you — more like slurps and snortles – and they do the job. I wake up immediately with a smile on my face, having learned that if I don’t respond quickly enough, Hugo will break-dance on my face. Next Dune jumps on the bed, puts his front paws on my chest, and gives me a few licks of his own. (Claude refuses to move from his bed until I get up, so we say good morning in the dining room.)
In recent years, we have walked our dogs individually because they have such different needs and interests. The hound, Claude, likes to amble and sniff; Hugo is eager to pull and pee; and Dune loves power-pacing for miles. Now I have pretty much taken over walking Claude first thing in the morning. Watching him thrill to the newness and intensity of every odor reminds me how amazing the world truly is. Life is not a warm-up lap, there are no do-overs. Miss these moments and that’s that. In a few short weeks, Claude’s taught me lots.
As part of our new regime, Kelly and I have also started training the dogs more. We’ve revamped Hugo’s leash-walking and heeling by putting “pulling” on cue as his favorite reward for walking on a loose leash. Also, we have classically conditioned him to enjoy walking past the yard of his nemesis (the little white dog on the corner) and the lovely Shepherd on Shasta. Now, rather than lunging and yapping like an idiot – which really isn’t good for our street-cred as dog trainers – he slows down, walks in a mannerly fashion, and looks up at us (expecting a reward) as we approach their yards.
And even dear old Claude, not generally the brightest bulb in the string, has come alive with this training regime and seems years younger. He walks with new purpose and will interrupt a sniff to recall and sit in a flash.
In addition to the increased smooching, walking, and training, we’re playing a lot more games with the dogs. Dune’s favorite game is for me to chase him all over the house. By putting running away on cue, it becomes the very best reward for his brilliantly fast recalls. When we have guests, we let the dogs do Nosework demonstrations in the living room. Hugo and Dune search for various objects that we hide, but Claude only likes to search for lettuce. He is absolutely crazy for lettuce and is simply the fastest lettuce search dog I have seen. (Actually, he is the only lettuce search dog I have seen. Maybe I can get him a job in Customs or Agricultural Inspection.)
This week I found a tennis ball on our walk and I kicked it along the road. Claude ran after the ball and chased it down Rose Street. I haven’t seen him run so fast in the ten years since we adopted him. He was like a puppy. When he trapped the ball, he carried it all the way home without sniffing and without peeing. Who is this ball-crazy Claude? It’s reassuring to know that old dog’s can indeed learn a few tricks.
In short, I’m spending a lot more quality time with my dogs these days, and loving it. I highly recommend that you, too, find time to enjoy your dogs. Those dear canine friends that we will grieve tomorrow are right here with us today.
Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, canine behaviorist, and puppy-training pioneer. He is the founder of SIRIUS® Puppy Training and Scientific Director for www.dogstardaily.com.
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