The Longest Run

Bandit and I went on a two mile run yesterday out at Jefferson County Park, and Bandit was perfectly behaved. Running at my side and no pulling whatsoever. That is of course until I needed to walk for a little bit, and then he got all salty, "why aren't we going faster!" So I had a doggie-epiphany. When we are running Bandit feels purposeful, he feels like I am doing an adequate job of leading the hunt and is glad to let me call the shots, running happily at my side. We ran by a number of bunnies, even a deer and he didn't flinch. But as soon as the pace slows he feels that I am doing a poor job of leading the hunt and wants to take over. How to convince him that when we are moving at a slower pace I am really planning our next strategic pounce and attack, like a spying secret agent?

You'd think that Bandit also would have needed a rest or a slower pace at some point during the run. For someone who has spent the first 4-some years of his life in a 9 by 20 foot area he really is in prime physical condition. My ingenious dog! Well I better stop blogging and go play with him.