Your Walk With DOG

Your walk with DOG.

Our family got a dog about a week and a half ago. Bo is a 6 year old Boston Terrier. I really like Bo; he’s my dog (said like Randy Jackson but more sincere). Unfortunately our walks have been a bit of a challenge. He is leading me. He pulls to the right, the left and then as far ahead of me as possible. It’s not fun to yell and yank on your dog.

During today’s walk I remembered our conversation on Sunday about King Josiah. Josiah was a good walker…

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.”
2 Chronicles 34:2.

I wish Bo would walk like Josiah, stop pulling me all over the place. Huh, I wonder how God would describe our walks?

As I went to the inter webs for wisdom on walking Bo, it became almost eerie how relevant these tips are to my walk with God.

1. Position matters – Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.
2. Use a short dog leash – This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. Always keep your dog’s safety in mind when giving corrections.
3. Set aside time – Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to see if his needs are being met.
4. Define exploration time – After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.
5. Don’t punch out – When you get home, don’t stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.
6. Share food and water – By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to “work” for food and water.

I will let you figure out how these practices apply to your walk with God. Have fun with #4 especially…

I am hoping these tips will help Bo find joy and safety in our walks.
I am hoping these tips will make my walk with God more enjoyable. My favorite is #1 “Position Matters” or as I like to say it…let God be God.

Merry Christmas,
Adam