An interesting walk this morning. First, because of a close encounter with Paul McCartney, on Madison Avenue, near the Carlyle Hotel. Be still my heart.
After I regained my composure, Springer Spaniel Rochester and I continued walking down Madison Avenue. He was such a courteous dog. When we encountered a woman with a rambunctious and young wire haired terrier of some sort and the woman was having a difficult time with the dog who was a little dog aggressive, Rochester sat, looked at me, and put himself in a down/stay. I blocked the terrier’s view of Rochester as the woman passed by. And was very happy when she called “thank you!” Two little words go such a long way to making a person feel good.
For the remainder of the day, I made a point of being extra courteous to everyone, with the magic phrases that can move mountains: pardon me, please, and thank you.
Try it. You’ll like it!
Hey, Paul McCartney will be single soon. And see what a little kindness does. If you would have walked my dogs, they would have circled the leashes around you, one would have the leash under their body, and Jonesy probably have been shaking in his “boots” when he saw the other dog. Chihuahuas are a little neurotic.
I know what you mean. My own dogs are little ones, two Maltese and one Toy Poodle. They get very excited when other dogs are nearing, especially larger dogs. I have worked with them to get this under control because I can’t afford a broken leg from getting entangled in their leashes LOL We worked hard on basic obedience training so that they all three walk to my left in a standard “heel” position. They all sit when I stop walking. And, they’ve learned the meaning of “leave it.” I also use a phrase of my own that works even better than “leave it.” I give everyone treats when we first do out and say “be good.” Then, when we see another dog, I say “be good” and they usually pay attention–even without a treat.
Great tips!