Going out for walks

[bubonicapple]

Chaplin and Lucy get out for a walk every evening, since there's a park right down on the waterfront. Lucy is a walker, but Chaplin roots himself to the spot and sniffs - when it's time to drag our butts outside, we call it taking Lucy for a walk and taking Chaplin out for a stand...

Risks have been made painfully clear to us already. Chaplin was recently attacked by a terrier during his walk - I've been vigilant for dogs since day one, having owned three terriers myself in the past, I know what little punks they can be (big dogs in little dog bodies!), and sure enough, this white terrier stole up, unleashed, silent as the grave, and immediately seized Chaplin by the back. I kicked the dog away and he dropped Chaplin, who darted off down the sidewalk about ten feet before collapsing on his side, and while I ran after him my lady kept the dog at bay. I wasn't thinking clearly, I didn't bother waiting for the owner to appear, and I picked Chaplin up and wrapped him up in my hoodie and ran home. Angele (my lady) appeared about twenty minutes after me, and told me the dog had been owned by a very young boy.

Chaplin is better now (one tearful, hysterical vet trip later), he bled out quite a bit that first night and was extremely tensed, his normally soft tummy was rock-hard which had me terrified of internal damage, but he just suffered an awful scare and a hard bite to the skin of his back. He's all healed up, but since then and quite understandably, he's been timid on his walks - he loves getting outside, but he just plain won't sniff around unless I'm sitting nearby; anything suspicious has him diving into my lap to duck-and-cover.

[pear2apple]

I'm so sorry to hear about this! That is so scary and I would have been hysterical! I'm so happy that he has healed up though, it is unfortunate that he will be scared now when he is outside!

[suds]

How do you keep them in thier H harnesses with oout making them to tite ? Correct if i am wrong but you should be able to fit a finger between the harness and body ? My little brat know's how tyo get out of her's I tried 2 of them and both she gets out of so I am afraid to take her out she has no fear at all , every dog, cat ( my poor cat) , and bird she see's she thinks is her playmate and pounces on them with out fear and i am afraid is she gets loose and goe's after the wrong dog .... well you get the ideal any sugestens ? oh I should mention when in the house training she is a perfect angel its when we get outside she gets excited and gets out of the harness.. and runs way faster then my fat but can move hehe

[Forum Administrator]

Yes, you should be able to fit a finger, but if you think about it everyones finger is a different size. Use your pinky finger Basically, just be sure it isnt digging into the skin. See if when Hershey moves if it cuts into her. If it doesnt, you are good to go

[wepamperpets]

My kids go outside dailey (when weather allows of course), they just love it!

I take them both on thier harness lead set, we go for walks, i take them around the yard, they love digging in the sand and dirt! and i also take them to the local parks to play out in the wilderness there.


Indeed i think its very enriching and my kids absolutely love it!