The Shocking Truth about Exercise

Here is it, are you ready for it?

I don't exercise the dogs I walk.

There. I've said it. I've confessed. This dog walker does not exercise the dogs in her care.

So what do I do with them?

The dogs and I go on expeditions around Brentwood instead. I don't even 'lead' the expeditions. I guide the dogs around interesting places, and let them find out things for themselves, by sight, scent, sound and skin (ie touch, I do like my alliterations).

I don't cycle, I don't jog, and I don't force the dogs to keep moving. We walk briskly, but there is always time to stop if there's a particularly interesting smell somewhere.


We'll also stop for a few minutes if we see another regular walker with dogs. The scary truth is that dogs will meet other dogs through their lives, and although there are times when it's best not to let the dogs greet, seeing regular dogs on our travels is a good thing. The more dogs interact appropriately, the more they practise their communication skills. And practise makes perfect! Plus they get to learn that sometimes they just have to hang around for a few minutes while the grown-ups talk and they learn to do so politely, quietly and calmly, as they know the fun will start again very soon.

I'll also randomly drop treats, and send the dogs to find them where possible. Or ask for a sit or two. To begin with at the end of a walk, slowly moving towards being able to get calm behaviour as they leave the van ready for their walk, and eventually, to sit and focus on me in the presence of other dogs, humans, or other distractions.


Or we might do a bit of 'wild' agility, climbing over logs, ducking under low hanging branches, jumping over puddles, dragging the biggest branch in the world along with us for a few feet (the smaller the dog, the bigger the branch they want to bring on the expedition), or just zooooming around as fast as they can for a mad few minutes. I prefer that as a spectator sport...

The dogs really appreciate being taken outside to explore the world, especially when they have members of their own species to explore it with. Another dog might pick up the scent or sight of something not to be missed! Two sets of eyes, ears or noses are better than one!


The dogs are always keen to come with me, happy to be taken home at the end of the walk, and, according to the owners who are home, content to spend all afternoon sleeping off the energy burned!


'Exercise' happens while we're doing other things.

36 Claws

That's how many I clipped this morning. I guess I must be good, the dogs travelled 234 miles for their appointment!

They are two Jack Russels who are owned by my son's aunt and uncle, who happened to move to Yorkshire some time ago and I clipped them on a visit to see family here. Sounds good though, all that travelling just to have me attend to them!

I've always clipped my dogs claws (except for Fred, as he'd rather chew his own leg off), so now I know I can be trusted not to take a 'strange' dog's foot off I think I'll offer it as a service.

I think I'll offer furminating too. I love using mine, but don't really have a breed to get the best out of it. I don't think I'll ever stop wishing I could try it on Buster - who I could brush for hours and still have fur coming out.

Two Years Ago Today

Buster left for Rainbow Bridge.

Now he's lending his name to all the dogs I care for, and every day, they all make me think of him. Especially the one that looks like him, and the one who shares his name.

Buster, you are my sunshine.