Talking and Walking Your Dog

By Morgine Jurdan

How often do you leave home unprepared, without a destination in mind? If you hike, are your feet bare, or covered with hiking boots, nails trimmed, suntan lotion on your face for few hours in the sun? You decide to take along your dog friend. It seems simple enough. Nice weather, click on the leash, and away you go. The dog seems eager and all is well in the world, or so it seems.

Unlike humans, however, dogs cannot communicate verbally. Their “eagerness” is sometimes that need to please and obey you. Dogs do understand a lot and appreciate when you explain things to them. With just a little bit extra effort, you can transform your outings and help improve your relationship with your wonderful dog friends.

I have been communicating with animals for almost two decades now and it has transformed my life. Animals have become my teachers in many ways. I learned when I would say, “No, don’t get on the couch,” I was picturing the dog on the couch. I would imagine, unconsciously, what I was afraid he would do. Now I start saying, “Thank you, Duke, for always laying on the floor in front of the couch,” as I gently pull him down and place him where I want him to lay. In a few days, he always lies on the floor instead. What I once thought was “ignorance” on his part was caused by my own negative worries and pictures. I was reinforcing the unwanted behaviors by showing and speaking what I did not want, while never being clear about what I did desire. Now I think and speak my desires and eventually I get just that.

This is an important concept to remember when taking your dog friends out walking, jogging, or hiking. Are they as prepared as you are? Remember, they have no shoes between them and the hot asphalt or concrete and sharp rocks can injure their pads. Mud and debris can get caught in the fur between their pads and their nails need to be trimmed to the proper length or jogging can become a very painful experience. They get thirsty and need a drink and a break now and then. Remember, dogs are sprinters and not built for long distance running. Your awareness can play a big role in the success and enjoyment of your dog friend.

Unless you communicate as I do, you have no way of knowing if they truly desire to go with you, or if an ankle aches today, does a nail need trimming, or is there a sticker is caught between some pads? Exchange places for a couple minutes and imagine you were your dog friend. What would you most like your person to know right now and how can you discover that with a couple extra minutes of attention? Slow down. Ask them if everything is OK. You might not hear words and yet, if you pay attention, you can really begin to “sense” when they are communicating to you. Show your love and appreciation by telling them where you are going together today. Make sure they are also well prepared.

What is the “purpose” of your outing? Are you out to get some daily exercise, release some tension due to some personal issues, getting ready for a marathon next month? If you talk to them more and explain things, your relationship can deepen. Animals respond to their environment, and if you are letting go of some aggravation or anger, the dog might think he or she was the source, unless you take time to explain.

My dogs enjoy knowing where we are going and why, and that we are not going to the vet today. They enjoy being prepared to meet other dogs at the park, or knowing the ocean or river is our destination. They appreciate my paying close attention to their needs as well as my own, and the fact that “sniffing” is akin to my eating the greatest meal on earth. New smells are the best!

Morgine Jurdan loves communicating with animals and nature. She is an inspiring teacher, mentor, and speaker that loves writing about her experiences and sharing time with Rowan her sheltie and her cat Magic. Visit www.CommunicationsWithLove.com and www.LiveAsLove.com for more information.