A Little Wordy, With A Few Good Lessons (pictures)

Ok, back to Life With Lewis!

The other day Lewis and I walked to a park that allows dogs, not all parks in our city do.  This particular park is at Lake Michigan and dogs are allowed on the beach here, too.  It was a very hot day, which I didn't realize was going to be the case when we set up the date meeting with Mocha and her mom.  

As Lewis and I were approaching the park, Mocha's mom drove past us and waved.  When we got there, we waited for them to get situated.  The whole plan today was to work on Lewis' excitability when he sees other dogs, including Mocha.  His usual response is to jump and bark scream at the other dog, sometimes he "chomps" at things-usually the grass.  He gets very loud, and I think a few naughty words even come out.  I'm pretty sure they're intended for me since I'm the one holding the leash.  

Anyway, as Mocha approached, no screaming.  No jumping.  He got excited, tail was wagging, and then the most amazing thing happened.  He sat down!  HOLY CRAP HE SAT DOWN!!!  You may not think this is a very big deal, but IT IS!!!!  Lewis does NOT control his emotion very well, I guess you could say he wears his heart on his sleeve.  You always know how he's feeling.  And this time, he sat and waited for her to get to him.  This was a very proud mommy moment!

And then........"that guy" came to the park.  You know, that guy who believes he doesn't need to read the sign that he parked his big truck in front of.  That guy who says, "my dog doesn't need to be on leash, he listens".  Yup, "that guy" pulled into the park.  Now, mind you, this is NOT an off leash park.  We do have one of those about 1 mile from where we were, but this is not one of those parks.  

So, as "that guy" opens his door the dog runs out, and bolts across the park.  This sets Lewis into a frenzy of screaming.  All I could think was, this could end very badly if "that guy" doesn't get his dog back soon.  Well, the dog ran back to him, and we were left with, "now what".  Now what do we do with a jerk face guy and a crazy off leash dog?  So, we started walking around the park, slowly and in the other direction.  Lewis was able to contain himself after a few seconds of barking spitting obscenities at said dog (and hopefully his person).  I think this has much to do with the fact that Mocha was there, and he was WAY more excited to be with her, than worry about crazy off leash dog. 

After some time, we decide to take the dogs to the beach area.  Now, remember, it's a hot day, and there were a lot of people seeking the cool water.  

As we walked down the path, we only noticed 1 or 2 people with dogs, and they were at a good distance.  So, we let the dogs play in the water.  

I am the strange shadow lurking in the background!

It didn't take long before all was good and play was starting.  I will also add, that we were not one of "those people" who lets their dog off leash in a leash required area.  I have a leash for Lewis that has 2 latches on it.  One to attach to his regular collar, and one to attach to his harness, or gentle leader, or prong-what ever I'm using that day.  We attached one latch to his regular collar and one latch to Mocha's collar, which left the handle still available if we needed it.  This system worked really well.  

Lewis and Mocha played and investigated the waves together.  They ran around together. 

Lewis got more and more brave in the water, with Mocha his girlfriend by his side.

He even tried eating the waves.

This went on for about half an hour, and then another group came down the hill with their totally off leash, running full force at us, dog.  Lewis barked screamed and lunged at the dog.  The dog bee-lined out of there.  So, we called it a day. 

Lewis shook it off, and we headed home.

All in all it was a successful day.  We had moments of greatness, and then, well, not so much.  But, by doing these little excursions he is building confidence, and learning how polite dogs behave.  I really don't think he knows how polite dogs behave, but he's learning.  

He's not perfect, but neither am I.  Together, we will figure it out!

Have a great day everyone, and when the temperature cools down today, GO PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

~Tracy & Lewis ♥