My hypothesis is that there are three types of dogs in regard to walking on a leash.
Regal
This is Banjo. As the current actor in the role of The Dog, Banjo mostly fancies himself as a regal walker. He likes to be out in front, walking ahead of the person holding the leash. He struts his stuff and hopes that you keep up. If you don't, then he stops and turns to stare at you with a royal gaze meant to wither you and remind you to pick up the pace. This style of dog walking is one of the person serving their necessary purpose of making the walk possible.
Retinue
This was Abby the (Wiener) Dog before she grew old and became ill. She liked to walk alongside the person holding the leash, occasionally glancing up and to her side to make sure that she was keeping pace with holder of said leash. This style of dog walking is one of honoring the holder of the leash, or perhaps dog and person being equals for a few moments of "freedom" on the trail.
Rearguard
This was Abby the (Wiener) Dog after she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and her length of walks was limited by her veterinarian. She tended to walk behind the person holding the leash, slow and deliberate, but still keeping on the guard for stray squirrels or bicycles coming down the trail. This style of dog walking is one of the person being in the lead, but primarily because the dog needs to keep its person under a watchful and protective eye.
---
Now I need to start putting this notion to the test, paying better attention to the other dogs and their walkers on the trail.
No comments:
Post a Comment