It's True

Is the saying, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", true? I think it is. Allow me to detail my early morning walk with Cody.

For a few weeks now I've considered getting Cody a harness. Brad and I have spoken about it together as we were in agreement it might help Cody feel more secure since he's losing his eyesight. In general though, I've been rather undecided considering the use of harnesses since they came on the scene. I think for some dogs it makes sense, especially when you are still in training mode with a dog. But I typically believe a dog should walk calm and polite enough that a harness is unnecessary. Harnesses came along AFTER the boys were pups. I'm not sure if they had been around at the time of the boys puppy days if I would have bought into the argument for them or not. Call me crazy, but as I've stated, a dog should walk calm and polite enough that a harness is not necessary after it's trained. Based on my experience this morning I'm even more undecided if I would do the harness option IF and WHEN a new pup comes into our lives. I guess I'm kind of old school!

On a whim I picked a harness out for Cody yesterday while at Target waiting on a prescription. Upon coming home with the harness I quickly put it on Cody to let him get used to it. I took him out for 2 short walks to get him used to it too.

This morning was the first morning walk with Cody in a harness. How did it go? It was the worst walk I have ever taken one of the boys on. Let me reiterate, WORST WALK EVER! He would take a step then fall over. Take two steps then fall over. He walked with all of his limbs stick straight. Picture a scarecrow, now picture a scarecrow falling over...that was Cody this morning. So there I am "walking" a scarecrow named Cody soaked by morning dew from his repeated falls on to the grass. Mind you all this falling over, stopping, and adjusting of the harness was taking place in front of the outside world. People were passing by with their dogs, we were receiving plenty of stares. It was embarrassing. I tried everything to convince Cody the harness was fine and he could indeed move in it. But no way, he was not buying it. He was convinced the harness was designed to ruin his life. He wanted the confining instrument off of his body right away. After struggling with Cody for about a third of the walk I looked down to see him finally achieve what he would deem "success" as he realized how to squirm out of it. The escape artist pug! At that point I picked Cody up and carried him home. I felt so frustrated that I couldn't get him to realize he could still move in the harness, after all he moved in it the day before. No need to imitate a scarecrow! After arriving home I reintroduced Cody to his collar. Leashed him back up and off we went. World of a difference! He walked like a champ! A slow champ, but with no issues.

Brad thinks we can get Cody used to the harness over time. Cue my skepticism! I don't think I can teach my old puggie to love his new harness. For nearly 16 years he's never been in a harness, I think it's too late in his life to try to make a change. One thing is for sure, if I ever attempt to take Cody on the long walk wearing a harness again I will take the collar along as well.  

Side Story...many cats act just like Cody did this morning. Brad tried getting Storm used to a leash so he could take her outside more. Every time he tried the collar and then clipped the leash on it she fell over. It's a weird animal thing when they are not into wearing a collar, leash, or harness they just fall to the side.