Living with Dogs

I awaken just before the alarm goes off at 6.00am ( I don't get up religiously at this time but my wife is at work today and so we are both going to be up early) Its still dark and she stumbles out and down the stairs. I stay in bed for another minute, partly because its warm but mainly to lie and listen. As she nears the bottom of the stairs the tap tap tapping of eight paws begins on the wood floor like a well worked dance routine. Barry and Flo (or Fred and Ginger if you like) perform the routine every morning and its quite something to share you house with another mammal that literally break into a dance of joy at the very sight of you. When I arrive down a minute later I am treat to a repeat performance only with slightly less enthusiasm on their part, this is probably because I head straight for the bathroom, I will be with them all day whereas Beth will be at work so she gets her cuddles in nice and early. 

The first walk of the day is the one I enjoy the most, not taking anything away from the other walks but an early morning walk really sets you up for the day in my opinion. The dogs are fresh from a good nights sleep (you should hear the snoring) and are ready and waiting for todays adventure to begin. It may be just because I am used to it but the bad weather never really bothers me. No such thing as the wrong kind of weather only the wrong kind of clothing, God bless Wellington boots! You may not be able to do a unique walk every day but there is no reason why you can't do a different walk every day (i.e. a different walk to yesterday!) Yes dogs love a routine but its the routine of walking that they love and I try and mix it up a little every day . Variety really is the spice of life and you will enjoy it more too when there are new things to explore. I like to do a good walk with the dogs on the leash before they are let off to explore, that way they have earned the reward of some off leash time. Ball or frisbee games always go down well or when we get to the park a game of hide and seek ( good fun, you do all the hiding and they do all the seeking!) And that is just your bog standard walk around the local area, throw into the mix some trips to the beach or the woods, a big city walk,  some running ,cycling or using doggy back packs and you can see it can really be very enjoyable sharing your life with a dog! 

Then once I'm home and they have been fed and watered I can head off to work or wherever else content in the knowledge that you have fulfilled you doggy needs for that part of the day and they should be quite content to relax and wait for next adventure to begin.

I would love to know what other people get up to with their dogs, if you would like to please leave a comment below.

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