LIL' BUDDY'S BLOG - HEY, DAD - WANNA GO FOR A WALK?
THE CHICAGO REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
Show of paws! Don't you just LOVE to go for a walk? Taking in the scenery from a dogs-eye point of view? Sniffin' with your friends? Giving your humans a little exercise? Leaving your little mark in a place or two, maybe three, along the way?
As a matter of fact, I love walking about as much as I love to write my blog - maybe even more! Each day, Dad and I take our nice, long walk, down Mason Street, Miami, and Marmora Avenues. Sometime, we get adventurous and stroll along the Indian Road Park. Woof! All those light standards and trash containers make for some mighty fine sniffin', and, you know . . . !
I checked in with my friend Wendy Bumgardner on the web the other day, on About.com, for ten tips and advice on walking with your humans. We're ALWAYS ready to take a walk with our humans - unlike many human friends and family, who just want to lie on the couch and catch the soaps!
Here are Wendy's ten tips -
1. Make sure we dogs get properly trained! Mom and Dad took me to Petsmart, near the house. I got an Advanced Degree in Obedience. (As a matter of fact, I graduated with honors - Magna Come Woof!) Good training calms us down, gets us to walk, at a comfortable pace, beside you, without pulling or tugging. Who wants to be pulled down the street by their companions without being able to catch your breath. That wouldn't be much fun for me. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Award is something to strive for, if you have four paws!
2. Put us on a leash! You know, if we dogs are leashed, we really can't get away and cause problems, for ourselves, and for others. Some humans use a pinch collar, although I personally prefer a harness. Retractable leashes are also popular, but I really don't want to feel like a fish, being reeled in!
3. Make sure not to go where we're not allowed! Make sure the parks you are walking us in allow dogs. We don't want to be yelled at, or disrespected, you know!
4. Please bring a pooper scooper, or sealable plastic bag! Doesn't need much explaining, right?
5. Take water, especially for longer walks, or on hot days! My Dad uses his hand as a water dish. Collapsible cups and resealable plastic bags also work for dog water.
6. Take Rest Stops as needed! You know, we dogs don't sweat (except through the bottom of our paws). We keep cool by panting. Every once in a while, find a shady spot, and RELAX. Cool us down a bit. Visit with other dogs, and growl at their owners. (This is my favorite part of my walk - often times, I encounter a HOT BABE or two - Grrrr!. You know, I am a CHICK MAGNET!)
7. Bring your DOG-ID! In my wallet, I bring several forms of identification. I have an implanted microchip (didn't hurt much, they knocked me out first), my blue bone-shaped metal tag reading "Buddy Holly Moss," and my Dog License and Rabies Tags. In some places, you need to bring a Rabies Certificate with you, and it's always a good idea to make sure your humans bring a clear photo of us dogs, in case we get lost along the way.
8. Are you healthy enough to walk? I'm a young pup, aged 2. But some of you old codgers out there, aged 7 or more, get tired more easily. You humans, be careful with older dogs, or dogs that are overweight or have certain medical conditions. Check with your vet first! Also, start slowly when planning a walk - work up to longer distances!
9. Head for Trails with those of us that have Tails! Boy, it's a real treat for me when we all go out for a walk in the country, away from major streets and noises. One problem, however - you might occasionally encounter a skunk or a raccoon or two. Watch out!
10. Read more about Walking with Your Human! The About.com Bookstore offers a few titles of interest to any dog or human.
Well, LET'S GO! I'm ready to book - let's go for a walk! Hey, you dogs, where have YOU been lately on your walks? Let me know, with a bark, or a growl!
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS
