I finished reading 'Cesars Way' and one of the interesting parts I took from the book made the observation of how dogs with the homeless behave - surprisingly quite well according to the book.
Page 202 of the book
Count 10 dogs and their owners and observe how many you can count obediently walk beside or behind their owners? Not Many? Now check out the homeless side of town. See any difference in the body language of both the person and the dog? Ironically the homeless seem to have the art of walking with a dof down part." They aren't being dragged behind by their dogs: their dog doesn't set the agenda of where they're going or what they're going to do. Why, number one because they travel together for so many miles a day, every day. And second, because the dogs see the homeless owners as their pack leaders. The homeless owners aren't pampering their dogs, giving them treats, or petting them all day- although the dogs can sense that their homeless owners are happy having them around. The owners are providing leadership--someone to follow, who'll eventually lead the dogs to place to rest. Their lives are simple, but structured."
Living on the west coast for seven years in Seattle where the temperature in moderate, I can attest that where the homeless were, around town or on the busses, they would often have their dogs with them. It always struck how they were extremely obedient these dogs were - and many were the pit bull type. Even on the public busses or walking down the ave in Seattle's University District you could find these dogs hanging out.. Additionally, one reason the homeless in this area often avoided public shelters because of their policies of no dogs. I thought this part in the book was interesting.
Page 202 of the book
Count 10 dogs and their owners and observe how many you can count obediently walk beside or behind their owners? Not Many? Now check out the homeless side of town. See any difference in the body language of both the person and the dog? Ironically the homeless seem to have the art of walking with a dof down part." They aren't being dragged behind by their dogs: their dog doesn't set the agenda of where they're going or what they're going to do. Why, number one because they travel together for so many miles a day, every day. And second, because the dogs see the homeless owners as their pack leaders. The homeless owners aren't pampering their dogs, giving them treats, or petting them all day- although the dogs can sense that their homeless owners are happy having them around. The owners are providing leadership--someone to follow, who'll eventually lead the dogs to place to rest. Their lives are simple, but structured."
Living on the west coast for seven years in Seattle where the temperature in moderate, I can attest that where the homeless were, around town or on the busses, they would often have their dogs with them. It always struck how they were extremely obedient these dogs were - and many were the pit bull type. Even on the public busses or walking down the ave in Seattle's University District you could find these dogs hanging out.. Additionally, one reason the homeless in this area often avoided public shelters because of their policies of no dogs. I thought this part in the book was interesting.