[nagdu] boredom on routine routes

[Cindy Ray]

o, it isn't about the dog not being willing to go to work. Often they are delighted to be doing that.
Cindy

On May 29, 2011, at 11:23 AM, Robert Martin wrote:

> Hi Em,
> 
> Here's one of the items I was going to send.  We've talked about boredom on the part of dogs once or twice and I thought this was interesting.   I was reminded a little of Gretchen but in her case she just apparently isn't enthusiastic about walking.  This dog apparently just doesn't like going to work since it's fine walking other places.   I wonder if it's the routine of the route the dog find boring or if it's just boring at work and the dog isn't interested in going there.   The person on the list who submitted this got several suggestions but nobody knew exactly how to resolve the problem. It's apparently not  a unique problem.  It probably does say something quite positive about the intelligence or personality of the dog.
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Julie J" <julielj at neb.rr.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2011 8:12 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] boredom on routine routes
> 
> 
>> Hello all!
>> 
>> Monty has developed a new habit of going incredibly slow on our route to work.  It started several months ago, but I didn't think too much about his being a bit slower in the morning.  Now my schedule has changed and he's slow no matter what time of day I go to work.   His pace has gradually decreased from his usual really fast, to fast, to typical pedestrian, to slow.
>> 
>> There is road construction  which means that my route to work has changed a few times in the past few weeks.  The first time we go the new way he's at his usual fast pace, but as soon as he figures out where we are going, it's back to dragging his feet.
>> 
>> My son had to run an errand downtown earlier this week, so he walked to work with me one afternoon.  This is highly unusual.  I always walk to work alone, but my son and I do frequently walk in the evenings for leisure.  When my son was along, Monty was absolutely perfect with his brisk pace.  I think he thought we were going someplace fun.
>> 
>> The places I go on a weekly or less frequent basis, Monty is fine.  I teach a class one evening a week, go to the middle school one day a week and attend various meetings and run errands at various locations.  Monty has his regular pace to all of these places. Some of them are close to where I work, but he must have figured out where we are going because he doesn't slow.
>> 
>> I have a fairly quiet office job.  Monty has a rug under my desk, where he generally sleeps.  He shows no signs of stress or fear while at work.
>> 
>> I'm thinking he's bored with going to work with me.  This is unfortunate because I haven't won the lottery and plan on continuing going to work for the foreseeable future.   I don't see boredom as a reason to not work Monty.
>> 
>> I would welcome all ideas, suggestions or things you have done in a similar situation.  I'm also happy to answer any questions or provide more information.
>> 
>> thanks!
>> Julie
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> 
> 
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