The Dog Walkers Dilemma

As I write this blog post with a single thumb, my dog Siena is on the end of a very short leash held by my other hand, ready to lunge, bark, and growl at the nearest stranger. Siena has a difficult time going for walks in the neighborhood especially if there are other dogs around. Unfortunately, for me, the time I spend writing this blog is typically the time I spend walking my ticking-time-bomb-of-a-dog.

From Consumption To Creating

I used to mostly listen to podcasts whenever I walked Siena, but a few months ago, my headphones were destroyed when they went through the wash (see previous post “Best Productivity Hack…”). I do have regular headphones but they are a tangling disaster. Considering the option to buy a third new pair of AirPods feels silly.

The Cutest 55lb Mutt

Everyone Siena encounters from afar is always convinced that she must be the sweetest dog on the block. Just look at her! Consider this adorable face, the fluffy reddish brown coat with white socks and a floppy left ear! But when they finally come within petting distance, the angry barking is in full swing.

Sometimes, when another dog walker is at a distance, coming in our direction on the sidewalk, they sense my desire to cross the street and avoid them completely and say to me, “It’s Okay! My dog is really friendly…” I always have to provide a 3 word explanation which summarizes the crux of the problem, “MINE IS NOT.”

Learning From Conflict

We’ve tried all the classes, scripting stressful scenarios with positive reinforcement “high-value” treats, using large stuffed dogs to play the part of scary dog neighbors. Most of what I’ve learned from spending all that money dog training was mostly about how I chose to react to conflict. My behaviors impact all of those around me.

If she’s had some exercise, she’s usually able to cope much better with problems—reminds me of me! The best policy to deal with Sienas reactive nature is complete avoidance, requiring considerable clairvoyance and split second decision making. With some years of practice, I now have a pretty good sense of what sets her off—but that doesn’t mean we avoid conflict 100% of the time.

Sometimes, I get lost in thought and turn a corner too quickly only to be face to face with the most menacing shitztu Siena has ever seen.

Writing Under Artificial Pressure

I can choose other times to jot down ideas for videos, blog copy, or to-do lists, but giving myself the artificial pressure of constantly meeting Sienas needs forces me to write faster.

Now if you‘ll please excuse me, there’s a bulldog coming this way.

-Reuben