Walking times

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GinaB

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Does anyone here walk at more anti social hours? I think I'm going to have to start walking early in morning and later on until I get Rua more under control on the lead!
Although now it's getting later on in the year many people round her seem to stop walking their dogs anyway ;-)
 
Yes! Worked weird evening shifts. Always walked dog when I came home. Round suburban roads. Wouldn't have risked a trot round park/Heath in darkness, but never felt a problem on our patch of roads. Friend told me I was mad. Maybe she was right. But dog and me are still here - and really quite old now.
 
I can stick to well lighted areas, wouldn't risk fields or anything. Plus I think my lab x Rottie cross would be quick to see off any dodgy characters! lol Rua on the other hand wants to be friends with everyone. And is somewhat exuberant about it, hence walking anti social hours until I get her under control
 
I'm often up walking our two at 6am, but only on the streets never round the fields (unless it's light enough). I like being up and walking when it's quiet and most people are just beginning to stir, it's quite peaceful. I also like walking them later in the evening - we've just got home from a 4 hour walk, we're all shattered!
 
Having invested in some snazzy lights for the bike I can make the woods look like daylight and we're often out at weird hours, both to avoid other people and to catch the colder temperatures. I don't worry about dodgy characters, only sudden deer. :p

I did a night rally last year and it was the most exhilarating thing I've ever done, looking forward to it again in October.

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Don't forget, the early mornings tend to be when everyone with more, erm, uniquely-behaved (:p) dogs walk - a friend of mine with such a unique beastie (RSPCA cruelty case, lovely dog but not so keen on others getting in her face) calls it 'the naughty dog hour'. So you might meet dogs with more problems, which may or may not be helpful for your own training!
 
Sadly I can't take any credit for the amazing picture but we woz there! Absolutely amazing night. Once out of the start chute it's just you, the dogs and the odd glimpse of moon through the trees. 100+ dogs starting up a howling session really gives you the chills as well. Winter is coming again - can't wait! :)
 
Direwolves!! Love it!

I think if the dog is purely over friendly, then perhaps the issue to worry about is loose leash walking as opposed to avoiding other dogs. I walk my very aggressive dog whenever is convenient for me, not to avoid others, I've just got ways and means of keeping him away from other dogs, including a longline. Would it not be better to keep walking and even join a dog walker if they don't mind to get her over her exuberance with other dogs? Mine was teaching a puppy the other day to mind his manners (with very close supervision!) and it did him a world of good as he taught the puppy manners and was kept in check by us.

Sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs here, but the sliplead made into a figure of eight over the nose has been my saviour, I can walk all three 'trains' on one finger each now!
 
She freaked out at the figure of 8 so I had to put it back on like a normal slip lead. I've started now when we see other dogs getting her attention and making her sit and she gets rewarded with treats/fuss if she keeps her attention on me. I've only had her 8 weeks so she is very much on a learning curve!
I put Jess on a harness with a training lead attached to my belt as it gives me both hands free to deal with Rua.
She's doing well in her obedience class too :-)
 
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