I walking my dogs yesterday. Up ahead, I saw a huge mix breed dog up ahead with her own and told my dogs, "this way" before the dog and owner neared us, heading towards the grassy area near the street. Immediately, after I said "this way," my Poodle decided to go poop so as the dog is nearing us, I'm juggling two leashes, two plastic bags and trying to make sure that they are staying and being calm. As I pick up the poop, their leashes start to get tangled in my hands and my Poodle almost lands on the street but I catch her in time. Meanwhile, my chi-poo is getting hyper as the dog nears. As I try to untangle myself from their leashes, my big running shoe (just bought yesterday, still trying to get used to the added weight) goes on my chi-poo's leash as she starts alert barking, making for an accidentally but somehow well timed "correction." My brain is buzzing: Did I just "correct" her? Where's the poop bag? Is everybody okay?
As the lady and her dog pass us, she said, "Your dogs are well-trained."
"HUH?" I said, secretly wondering if she's being sarcastic as my chi-poo starts to pull on the lead.
"I've seen you walk around the neighborhood. Your dogs always listen to you," she said.
"Thanks," I said and give another "this way" when the dog and owner are beyond us.
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Lesson learned: Management is important. Your situation may not be as bad as you think it is.
