The Walk...

When we got Bauer at 8 weeks old we began to go on short walks to get him accustomed to leash walking and for exercise of course. He pretty immediately took to it and we both really enjoyed the walks. It really relaxed both of us, and it added to his trust in me and mine in him. My hubby also walked him a couple of times, and he walked on a loose leash just like a champion.

Earlier this week, after staying in his outdoor kennel during the day and only a lunch hour to run and play in the yard, Bauer was really hyper when I got home. I thought that the walk would calm him down, but instead it was a disaster. He just could not focus, and even though I was trying to be super patient and encouraging, I think he ended up confused and I ended up frustrated. I just could not figure out why all of the sudden there was this change. So, the next day I let him run around and play in the yard a bit after I got home, and played a long game of fetch with him to use all of that puppy energy in a positive way. Then we went on our walk. He was perfect! (Well, maybe not perfect but close to it.) All of the reading I have done says that a dog that gets regular exercise, they are more balanced and happy. I am a believer! I have truly seen how puppy behavior changes when a dog is not getting enough exercise. It isn't that they are hyper, they just need the chance to burn off energy in a positive way!