Walking

Just as with parenting, how you treat your dog feels like a political act.

So I have been letting her sniff around on a loose leash.

Apparently this is not good. So I am attempting to keep her on a short lease and walk like I mean it.

Darkness

On our last walk, it is now dark at nine. She spotted or sniffed a raccoon and went a little frantic. Then when we came back, I let her off the leash in our backyard, she ran into the bushes and growled at something. Then under the cabana. Then it occurred to me that she could get rabies from a raccoon or sprayed by a skunk, so I got her out of there.

Dog Park

The dog park is full of surprises. This evening r approached a German Shepherd with Cookie on leash. The man said to be careful but it was too late. Cookie barked and the other dog lunged and r screamed. I thought it was going to be over, but no blood as far as I could see.

Dog Whisperer

I saw an episode with this guy who knows dogs.

They used video to show all these subtle things going on when two dogs fight.

It would be interesting to figure out what is going on when Cookie growls at other dogs.

Dog Park

L & r went to a local dog park and met a dog trainer, who suggested Cookie has some issues itch other dogs, as a result of her mysterious dark past. So all this barking at other dogs is going to take some effort to deal with.

Schedule

Cookie goes for a walk at 7, 9, 1, 3, 5, 7, & 9.

Lately, r & L take her to a little park nearby and run her around. I have become lazier so most of the time I go only a few blocks. I guess I should increase it, for her and for me.

Grooming

I took Cookie in for a grooming.

This seems like a weird idea to me, but her nails are getting scratchy and L's aunt is looking after her, so we decided to do that. She cleaned up nicely and did not seem to bark with the other dogs, which quite surprised me. And she was all nice and clean and smelling like roses.