Lucky's Day At The Beach

We are doing everything possible to be good and responsible owners and leaders to Lucky. We want to make sure that Lucky is a healthy and happy dog. I’ve checked out books from the library regarding dog and owner training and we’re learning a lot.

One thing I have learned is to try to stimulate the dog as much as possible. This will promote socialization and continued learning for the dog. If the owner becomes bored, the dog will sense it and become bored as well. So, I’ve been trying to do different things with Lucky to keep him happy, as well as keep me interested. One thing I have done is taking him on different types of walks. We went to Howarth Park the other day and had a great time. There’s an off leash area on the other side of the train tracks, which actually was a beach. Not the sandy beaches I’m use to, but beach just the same. The weather was perfect. There were people and dogs around to help stimulate Lucky. I’m happy to say both dog and owner had a good time.

You have to understand that Lucky is a shy dog. So, people and other dogs startle him easily. I believe there must have been something in his past or how he was treated within his litter for him to behave this way. It will take time, but he’s slowly getting there.

Case in point: We started walking along the edge of the beach. I had him off his leash. There were two yappy dachunds near by and startled poor Lucky. He turned and bolted away from the dogs and me. I had to chase him for about 25 feet in order to retrieve him. I put him back on his leash and we continued to walk down the beach. We were then approached by two big dogs, which were quite friendly. Lucky, again, was nervous, but this time I gave him lots of reassurance and he did fine. We found a private area on the beach and played fetch for a bit. He was having a good time, as if he was in his own backyard. He was lying on the rocky beach with a content look on his face. Afterwards, we headed back to the car. Whenever any strangers passed by, Lucky would cower behind until they passed, and then he’d walk his merry way. The moment we got back home, he beeline towards his couch and remained there for the rest of the day.

It is safe to say that Lucky is at home in his new surroundings. The love seat in the living is his throne with the house being his castle and the backyard his lands. And his personality would change back to the cute dog we know and love. I believe Lucky needs more socialization. I can’t seem to understand why he becomes so anxious, nervous and scared when strangers and dogs come by. There are times I think he’s just a housebound dog, but I would like for him to become more social. I tend to hesitate to take him along with me because of his personality; however, I want to show him off to everyone because he is such a cute dog. I don’t know. I’m hoping after some time, he’ll find the big dog inside him and become more social and confident.