They Know

I've posted before about Tonka, my current foster Boxer from Florida Boxer Rescue. She's still here although I have no idea why. Anyone would be lucky to get this sweet, laid back girl.

The only challenge with Tonka has been walking her because she is so strong. It's not even pulling that's the issue, it's the stopping to sniff things and losing track of what we're doing. The other day on a whim I tried walking her with the Brindle's harness on and it made a world of difference. Enough so that after popping out to pick up a harness for Tonka I decided to walk them together.

I was expecting it to be a challenge because I've been working with the Brindle for some time to cut out the leash aggression. That is going very well. Now when he wants to bark at another dog instead he turns to me and stares at the treat bag.

About half way through our walk I looked up and saw a gentleman coming towards us with the white cane that told me he is blind. I started reeling in the dogs and when we got closer put them in a sit on the grass so he could have the sidewalk.

He stopped and asked what they were and if they were friendly, when I said yes he leaned down to pet them. They both moved into his hand for love, Tonka first, then the Brindle to which he commented how much bigger he is. I laughed and said yes, he's my big boy. The gentlemen and I chatted a bit and both dogs just stood, no pulling, no jumping, no being crazy Boxers.

I was so proud of them for their good behaviour, somehow they just knew.