Barney Logs 3,000 Miles Walking

Since joining our family in May 2009 Barney has been an avid  walker.  And as of Tuesday, 27-Oct-20, he has logged 3,000 miles!  Here are some lessons learned along the way:

• The first item required for dog walking: Plastic bags. Optional: Latex gloves if one has concerns about the quality of the plastic bags.

• The last item required for dog walking: A dog. Family and friends have plenty to lend. These creatures cannot be shelved like exercise equipment when the novelty wears off.

• Smile and wave at every passing car...even if you don’t know them...especially if you don’t know them...they will remember you in the days to come and will gladly share the road.

• Harnesses must be slack enough to allow the dog to pant heavily.

• Multi-syllable commands are more easily understood than single syllable commands. Examples:

  • “Off The Road” – this means to get off the asphalt. Not all walking routes have sidewalks.

  • “Fall In” – this means to sit next to the pet human.

  • “Hurry Up” or “Bombs Away” – this is an innocuous way of saying “do your business”. They will learn to go on command at the designated time and place. Again, don’t forget the plastic bags.

• If a passerby asks for a name, they want to know the dog’s name, not yours.

• Recognize that not everyone likes dogs...they will make themselves known...avoid them like the plague...and say a prayer on behalf of those pathetic wretches.

• Remember: The walk is all about the dog, not you. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out of self.

• Lastly, don’t forget the plastic bags.
  
  - Dave Stevens, Barney’s Dad