The Art of Walking the Dog

I recently purchased a book titled Enlightened Dog Training. Now, Kona does not need any dog training, believe me she's had plenty in her service dog training but I had heard a radio interview with the author who spoke about "the secret language of dogs" and how to interpret them, which interested me.

I'm reading this book, realizing I indeed have misinterpreted some of Kona's "language" from time to time. Such as when she stares at me, I used to make eye contact with her: wrong thing to do. One should actually look into her eyes briefly, then look away. This is a calming technique and a reminder that you are the "alpha" not vice versa. Also a dog blinking means they want you to calm down. Hmm... interesting. A yawning dog is trying to communicate the same thing: i.e. "calm down." And you can do these cues to calm a dog down. Blink.Yawn. Stare, then look away. (Worked perfectly at church today when Kona was getting antsy.)

But back to walking. A whole chapter is dedicated to "Mindful Leash Walking". Kona is really good on a leash, but "mindful dog walking" is a whole different thing. It's sort of a meditation while walking, instead of the usual sort of "let's get this over with and on with our day" kind of dog walk. This is a peaceful way to start the day. 

I do walk Kona in the mornings. It's pretty much the first thing I do after feeding Kona and Ripley and washing down a few cups of coffee watching the morning news. These past few weeks, I've been practicing "mindful" walking. Part of which involves holding the leash very lightly, keeping a "u" shape hanging between Kona and me, and deep breathing: 1-2-3-4-5 inhale, 1-2-3-4-5 hold, 1-2-3-4-5 exhale.

And being "mindful" i.e. walking without thinking of all the things I need to do that day. Walking without thinking of anything except this very moment, this tree we are passing, this flower, this flock of birds, these steps. Pushing away any other fleeting thought that doesn't involve this very moment. Walking slowly, imagining the vibration of all the nature surrounding us, flowing from the ground, through my feet, through my body, up the chakras enveloping Kona and I in a bubble of white vibration and being totally in the moment. This street. This rock. This squirrel. This sky. This moment in time which can never be repeated again and will be lost forever.

You can't believe the calming effect this has had on me -- and Kona too. I find we are suddenly synchronized in our steps as if we have become one (dog and woman). I find that squirrels and birds instead of fleeing our paths, stop and regard us calmly. I can't believe the flash of joy a breeze brings. And how beautiful this planet really is. We walk about 2.5 miles every morning. It takes a little longer (mindful walking) than "regular walking" used to, but it's much more relaxing and I feel a tremendous peace when we return home.

I never imagined I could love Kona any more than I always have, but find myself more bonded to her than ever before.... It is truly amazing.

The other day I found this painted rock on our walk and couldn't help but think it was meant for me.