Posted by iris2 on September 19, 2004, at 13:59:22
In reply to Re: Walking the Dogs » iris2, posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 11:14:42
> I have felt really guilty about not walking my dogs. I know they love it, and the stimulation is so good for them.
>
> I have done a couple of things that have made it easier to walk them.
>
> 1. Whatever shoes I'm wearing, and whatever clothes I'm wearing are fine for walking the dogs. I don't have to change my clothes to take them for a walk.
>
> 2. It is the act of getting out the door that is important, not how far we go. In the beginning, walking down to the end of the (not very long) driveway and getting the mail with them was enough. I found that I often decided I couldn't take them because I didn't have 30 or 45 or 60 minutes to walk with them. But they really were happier to go out for 5 minutes than to stay in the house.
>
> 3. My doctor said to get some exercise even if it hurt (check with your own doctor about your own particular situation).
>
> 4. I keep a box of ziplock bags handy, and put 3 in my pocket when I go out. They are smaller than the grocery bags, and contain the odor MUCH better. These are in a drawer right next to the drawer where I keep their leashes (the kind that retract are so wonderful!). Very few things in my house have really set places (particularly in drawers) - but if I had to hunt for the leashes we would never get out.
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> 5. I keep a rubber band handy so I can put up my hair, and have learned when I need a coat and when I don't (I tend to get very hot).
>
> Start slowly, and make the walks longer and/or more frequent as you are *comfortable* with it. The enthusiasm that my dogs have as they sniff their way down the street is a good motivator for me. Plus Fall is a wonderful season - I'll probably not do quite as well in the winter...
Thank you so much for the tips. I always have to feel like I went far enough and I know what you said about going even just a little and not worrying about whether I have my tennis shoes on is better than not going at all.I do keep their leashes and grocery bags and mud shoes for me on the way out the door. If I did not do this I also would have a hard time first getting everything together.
My old therapist used to assign me to go to the gym. All I had to do was get ready and drive there and walk in. I did not have to participate. I always ended up doing something once I got there. Getting to the task is the biggest hurdle.
I'll have to get those kind of bags. I always take grocery bags and they are not so great.
I have a tip perhaps for you.
When I used to walk the dogs for longer periods I went and bought a very cheap nylon fanny pack. I used to put the bags in it while I was walking them so that if they both went I would not have to try and carry two bags with two dogs and also I would not be carrying any bag while on a long walk and it made it more enjoyable.
Thanks again,
irene
p.s. I am going to print your suggestions out and put them on my fridge. They really are great
poster:iris2
thread:391916
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040914/msgs/392648.html