Last night, Doubles Shark-Whisperer stopped by for some grub and to drop Miss Phoebe off for a few days of playtime with the Maya. After dinner, we took the dogs on a walk, and I had to teach Doubles Shark-Whisperer the proper etiquette when walking dogs in the city. I feel that I need to share this same information with you.
Before leaving the house (or apartment in our case), the dogs must be harnessed. Like any little wiener, Maya and Phoebe love to bark at lurking shadows, moving leaves, or passersby in general; therefore, to prevent self-choking/hanging (and this will happen), the dogs must be harnessed. After securing the pups on their leashes, an inventory of pooh bags and treats must be taken. Don't ever get caught without your pooh bags; aside from the rude looks, the guilt alone will eat you alive if you don't pick up your dog's pooh. According to recent sciences, they can now link a dog's pooh to the dog....it's DNA, my friends. You don't want these things on your record.
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| Harness....Check. Jealous of their style? |
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| Pooh Bags...Check. Even with a fresh scent! |
On exiting of the building, the dogs must be rushed out of the moving elevator, through the people-infested hallway, and out of the fancy lobby before any accidents should happen (it's like a video game). If they do decide to squat, hunch, or whatever your dog does, best of luck to you. You have been prepped for such catastrophes: clean-up the mess quickly, apologize to any onlookers, and get your team out of there. Once outside, let the dogs sniff as much as they like; however, do not let this interrupt your walking. Also, pay attention to general sniffing and potty sniffing....There is a difference. One will result in absolutely nothing while the other may require some clean-up duties. Allow your dog to enjoy the outdoors as much as you do (this may be for a short or long amount of time....you're a dog owner, stay outside!).
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| Maya is demonstrating a general sniff. |
When approaching other walkers, please use your manners by pulling your dog in close to your side (or heeling, as some professionals might say). I have run into walkers who do everything but pick-up Maya and pinch her cheeks. I have also run into walkers that will do anything to avoid being eaten by Maya; let's admit it, she is pretty scary. It's better to be safe in these circumstances, so keep the pup near. As for other dog walkers, feel the owner and the dog out. If their dog is twice the size of yours and drooling for a small, wiener snack, keep walking. However, if the dog and owner seem polite, allow the dogs to sniff each other. While the dogs are getting acquainted by intimately smelling each others booties, exchange only dog's names with the owner. Kicker....never exchange owner names. That's how one might make friends....Hello....Big sign, and the last thing we newbies would want to do. The dogs want to be friends....not the owners. I have yet to introduce myself or be introduced to another dog owner, only their dogs. I've found that if your dogs are the same breed, however, you may exchange not only names but phone numbers (PDub has experienced this). Go figure.
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| One scared walker avoiding the ever-so-cute dogs....Hope she doesn't set that car alarm off |
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| PDub did not support our re-enactments |
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| Actual walkers crossing to the other side of the street to avoid our shenanigans |
On the return home, there is no need to worry about the maze back to the apartment if your dog has already relieved itself of both numbers (1 and 2). Be sure to give your pup a treat if they have proven to be the perfect little angel you tell everyone they are (Maya, for sure). If the walk was good for both pup and owner, a Stage III (refer to Maya blog) should be reached shortly after. Dog walking in the city can be quite challenging with all of the obstacles, and I hope that this "how to" has informed you on how to attack such a task.
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| Wait at crosswalks for the walker-man-light and look like a happy family....It's the law! |
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| Training them to press the elevator button themselves |
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| Stage III...I still wonder if her paws fall asleep..... |
