How are you doing on our 21-day dog walking and training challenge?
More details on the challenge here.
Overall, it’s been going well for Ace and I. During the week, I tend to walk him first thing in the morning around 6 a.m.
I don’t do this on the weekends though, and then I find it’s harder to make the time for his walk as the day goes on. First thing in the morning is definitely best for me.
This challenge has really helped me focus on training my dog while also being more fun and relaxed. I split the walk up so it’s some of both.
I work with Ace on focused heeling (which he loves) and then time to sniff and be “free” which is also fun for him.
This is much better than that in-between, zombie-type walk where I’m not paying much attention to him. You know?
Treat winner for week 1
Each week (two weeks to go) I will be giving away a bag of treats to one participant. The first winner is Samantha, who posted a pic of her Doberman on Facebook.
To enter for the next two drawings, all you have to do is participate in the challenge and do one of the following:
[check_list]
- Leave a comment on any of the challenge posts.
- Post a pic of your active mutt to That Mutt’s Facebook page
- Post to Twitter using #ActiveMutts
- Or, email a pic of your active mutt to Lindsay@ThatMutt.com
[/check_list]
21-day dog walking challenge participants #ActiveMutts
About 22 people have told me they are participating in the challenge. Here are some of the participants. If you have a pic to add or if I somehow missed yours, just let me know!
We are all committing to walking our dogs (various distances) for 21 days in a row. Plus, we’re all working on separate training goals during these walks. You can read more about the challenge here, and I hope you’ll join us for the remaining two weeks.
nancyspoint
Thursday 22nd of January 2015
Love the challenge idea and I am enjoying the great photos. And yes, it's cold where I live, but not as cold as last winter. So far anyway!
Rachel @ My Two Pitties
Tuesday 20th of January 2015
Great pictures! I'm the opposite from you, I almost always take my dogs out around sunset or late afternoon. Not only am I not a morning person but since I work from home, I like that reward for myself after many hours of staring at my computer screen or doing chores. Plus our weather here & hiking trails with views make it a really nice time to go out:)
I totally agree with not wanting to go on a zombie walk! Since the dogs are great off leash, I could probably go the entire hike not talking to them or paying any attention but I love interacting with them. I mix in some training practice, tell them to come, heel, stay & then "go running!" which usually gets them to play or chase each other for a while. I also talk to them a bit for no good reason but try not to nag too much;)
Lindsay Stordahl
Wednesday 21st of January 2015
Your routine sounds nice and relaxing. And Kaya and Norman obviously like the routine as well. I love your pics of them lounging around in the morning. You're hard at work and they get to sleep in! And then your hiking pics are always so pretty.
Anna
Tuesday 20th of January 2015
Love all the pictures - what lucky dogs! We're still doing well. I almost "failed" yesterday but forced myself to go out after dinner for 25 minutes. So invigorating. Thanks for the motivation, everyone!
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Tuesday 20th of January 2015
I'm glad I'm not the only one outside at 6am. I have to confess most days it feels pretty early. What helps us stay on track with our walks is that the morning and afternoon pee breaks = walks for us. So if the dog is going outside, we are too and he's getting a walk. We've been doing this for a year and a half and he gets two walks a day without fail. Your challenge has been most helpful for the training side. We've been working hard on recall every morning. This morning was a really good session--much less thinking, "Is there something better that I could be doing rather than coming?" Also last night, I called him to come from the bedroom to the kitchen, and he came right away. Yay for small victories!
Lindsay Stordahl
Tuesday 20th of January 2015
Oh good to hear! Good boy, Baxter! :)
Jessicavy
Tuesday 20th of January 2015
My husband sabotaged my walk last night by stealing the dog! Actually, it was my fault. I put on my shoes and got ready for the walk, and Hiccup was all ready to go, then I started surfing the web until the dog got fed up with me and started giving my husband the sad eyes. When I eventually worked up the motivation to get up I found the leash and dog gone! So I guess my husband is part of the challenge now :) That doberman is beautiful, and one of the best dobie pictures I've ever seen. The red scarf contrasts the dog perfectly and the snowflakes are a nice touch.
Lindsay Stordahl
Tuesday 20th of January 2015
Ha! That sounds like something that would happen to me. I'm sure Josh and Ace get sick of waiting around for me too sometimes.