Day 195

11/26/22

When I "walk with my goldens," I always start with Gus. He is the most patient boy, but I know he needs to expend some energy at the beginning of the day. This morning, I got his collar off the hook and bent to place it around his neck. Pausing, I asked him if he would like to forego the prong collar and try his regular collar. He actually looked at me as if he thought that might be a good idea! When I placed his cloth one on, he looked almost grateful.

Now this pup has been a challenge every step along the way. He is my boy who needed private obedience training and never met a shoelace that he didn't want to get to know better! However, since our little Sammy appeared on the scene, big brother Gus has turned a corner. His "Squeak Toy", as we lovingly refer to his new best buddy, has made him slow down, become more gentle and actually put someone else first! I still felt the need for the prong collar on walks for his own safety due to unexpected "ZOOMIES"!

Perhaps it was the look on his face this morning or my own questioning of the habit of reaching for the same collar, but I decided to risk it. He was perfect! Putting the prong collar to rest was a ritual worth breaking! I am sure Gus agrees!

Habits are funny things really. Driving routes, starting the day, walking paths, getting ready for bed...all are so routine that the mind doesn't even question them. That got me to thinking...what if I were to examine some of my "rituals" and try something new.

I could do simple things like take a different path with the Goldens. I could shop at a different grocery store or read in a different chair. Breaking those habits might have positive potential, but what if I really shook things up?

I am going to examine my daily and weekly habits and try to make some shifts for the better. Perhaps, if I set a goal of walking a different direction AND engaging with one new person on the new route, that might be a start!

As for the Goldens, these creatures of habit can't be tempted by change...unless it's a new type of doggy treat!