Down Time

Just like humans, Cura needs her down time. To some extent, Cura is always 'on duty', even at home. So, it is very important that she is given some time where she can just 'be a dog'. That is one of the reasons for running her by the golf cart several times a week -- well, that and the exercise it provides. She loves to run and with the golf cart -- she can really turn on the speed. Actually, if it has been a couple of days and she is not wearing her shoes, Cura can go faster than the cart! Fortunately, she is a sprinter rather than a distance runner, so such bursts of speed are not long lived and she quickly settles down to a pace the golf cart can handle with little trouble.

Running by the golf cart is great, but it is not true doggie freedom because she is still on a lead and restricted in her direction. Where the cart goes, she goes. So, every week, weather permitting, Cura and Skye (our Rescued Cairn Terrier pictured above) get to visit Rick and Heather's land and have a play date with a few other dogs. It is like a private dog park. A place where the uncertainty that can occur at a public dog park is absent. No one bringing food or their female in heat and any aggression, if it occurs, is immediately dealt with. Just a place where Cura and Skye can be dogs. Cura loves it! She can run around off-leash, dig, and play with other dogs to her heart's content. Frequently, she comes home looking brown and she has the added adventure of having to be rinsed off after getting home.

The land is Outside -- so there have been a few challenges, depending on how the weather is and what is going on in the surrounding area. So, sometimes, even Cura's free time is a learning experience for us both! She is learning that she can relax, even with loud noises and wind, and I am learning how to help her feel safe in situations that are challenging for her.

Tonight is the normal night for her independent lesson and it is going to be followed by 'open play'. Usually Cura's play date is on Tuesday evenings, but this week the schedule had to be changed. It is going to be a busy evening and Cura is currently napping -- saving up for all the activity tonight! She had her run this morning, I am working from home today, and there are no errands to run so it is a pretty calm day for her. Tonight will be exciting -- on top of the training and play date, the rest of the 'pack' returns some time this evening (most likely while we are out at Rick and Heather's) so that will be a bit of excitement -- reunions can be such fun -- and definitely a time for diligence and learning on my part!