The Big Ragu

Carmine and I now walk, walk, and walk. I feel like Forest Gump! Who knows — maybe we’ll walk across America one of these days! It all started when I began limiting Carm’s dog park adventures for various reasons: dogs not being supervised because their owners are socializing; others not being supervised because they’re part of a dog walker’s six-pack; and some tiffs that I’m tired of breaking up.

A couple of weeks ago, Carmine got into it with a chow—they were about the same size. They looked at each other and within seconds: Bam! They went at it. Only this time my usual grab-the-back-legs-pull didn’t work because I lost my footing and slipped on the pebbles. Thankfully a guy ran over and grabbed Carmine for me. I left with my legs shaking and thought “Enough.”

So now Carmine and I walk and walk. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and NYC street fairs because we’ll be hitting them all! And being the magnet that he is, who knows whom we might meet. That’s the beauty of walking a dog.

A trainer friend recently suggested that I hire a dog walker to get Carmine out in the early afternoon so I can start trusting him out of his crate. Tuesday was his first day and he gave the walker a hard time although they did walk a bit before he put on his stubbornness hat. Figuring it was because it was something “new”, the trainer tried again with Carmine on Wednesday. This time Carmine went outside and sat. Then he just flattened out and wouldn’t budge. Not for squeaky toys, sweet talk, not even for treats!  

I’ve heard numerous reasons why it happened: 1)  new routine; 2) didn’t like the dog walker;, 3) he only likes walking with me; and 4) he’s spoiled. What dog doesn’t like to go outdoors
regardless of who’s holding the leash???? Apparently Carmine who is a true mama’s boy.  And now, another problem for me to conquer.  It’s just another day as the boy grows up.