The Stages of Walking with Scout

STAGE 1: Do yoga to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for Scout's walk

STAGE 2: Optimism.  Scout's too excited to smell everything to forget that he's walking.

STAGE 3: A test of will power. Scout decides to plop himself down anywhere and not budge. I try everything. I try luring him with treats.  I try calling his name. I try petting and talking calmly to him. Scout nonchalantly looks away and pretends to count all the strands of grass. This stage usually lasts 45 mins.

STAGE 4: Depression. This is where I stand still and cry in the middle of the side walk and say things like "I'm only trying to provide you a fulfilling life!" Note: Tissues are a must for walks.

Now here the walk can take separate paths....

STAGE 5A: Walking! If Scout and I can successfully make it out of the apartment complex he can loose-leash walk perfectly. Then I take him for a nice 2 mile walk ending in off-leash time and play fetch time. We are happy and lots of treats are involved.

STAGE 5A

STAGE 5B: Loathing. I give up. I am angry at Scout for misbehaving and I am angry at myself for letting him win. I turn around and march straight home. I put Scout in his kennel for time-out. I don't know if he knows it's time-out but it makes me feel better.  I go on a walk by myself to help release all of my pent-up anger.

**In case you can't tell this post was written after stage 5B.  If anyone has any insight on how to curb this behavior I would be very interested in your opinion. **