04/04/2026
I have taken a break from dog training for many reasons: education, teaching and also because I knew I needed to grow and understand our relationships with dogs more deeply and how that relates to training and helping people develop a relationship with their canine friends. In learning to understand Buddhist practices, I have found what I was missing in training dogs. I am beginning to find my voice again and will be sharing more writings with you.
Here is the first:
Walking with dogs and monkeys.
I am in southern Baja California camping in an ancient river canyon. While the monks walked for peace I “walked” in spirit beside them as our journey with our 3 dogs and cat in a van took us south to wild beaches, whales, cacti forests and now this ancient river canyon. Each day I am inspired by the reading on the Walk for Peace page as I begin and end the day.
Today we start our walk with the dogs early before the day gets too warm. We walk toward the river along sandy paths overarched by trees losing their leaves in the dry season. The air is still before the daily winds begin.
In past times, I would walk the dogs but we were in two different worlds. The dogs present in the world that is and me in my mind walking monkeys instead of dogs. Sometimes I would even have my cell phone to my ear. Today the cell phone is in the backpack, only to be taken out for pictures.
My intention today is to be present in this walk together. I watch my dogs and imagine the experience that they are having. The texture of the sand and rocks touching their paws. The multitude of sounds around them: small creatures rustling in the fallen leaves, the variety of bird calls. And, being dogs with an exquisite sense of smell, the absolute delight and meaning in all of the scents around them near and far.
As this is a working ranch with cattle, horses, donkeys and the resident ranch dogs, they need to be on leash. They are impatient with the slow plodding human on the other end of the leash as they are excited to explore to new sights and smells. The horse and donkey road apples are oh so tempting! A smell catches their attention and they instantly stop, pawing at the earth to understand this scent more. I can only imagine what that must be like for them: so meaningful and intense. Because it is their nature, they also leave their scent at this spot.
I have become more aware of my breathing and footsteps. I make my steps with purpose. I pay attention to my breaths as I walk as my breathing comes into rhythm with my pace. Today is a walz: breath in two three, breath out two three. Then there are the rocks and climbs and descents. My dog Rose shares the leash with me. We need to work together. She is far more fit and dexterous. I go slowly and awkwardly on the rocky descents and she pauses while I find my footing. I am grateful for her mindfulness and patience.
Finally, we reach the river and they are free from their leashes. They are Border Collies and not necessarily attracted to swimming. But they wade into the water and the deep emerald pools offer refreshing relief from the increasing heat. There are more scents to discover in the wet sand along the shore. The two girls, Rose and Yuki, resort to their Border Collie game of staring at each other. Ancient instincts driving their purpose. They stare at each other, still and intense for minutes. Their focused gazes allow no monkeys to interrupt them. Our little man, Artu, lays in the shade after exploring. He goes along with his sisters’ game good naturedly, but far less intense.
A few monkeys join me this moment; It’s hot. When will the breezes start? What will we eat for breakfast? Where will we camp tomorrow? I bring my mind back to the present: the coolness of the clear green water, the bubbling of the river upstream, the company of my husband. I am grateful for the shade provided the palm trees and for the small breaths of wind beginning.
We sit quietly. Rose and Yuki are still intently staring at one another, they have not moved. Eventually we head back.
The monkeys try to take more space in my mind on the return journey. Concentration and mindfulness are skills still in development. But now I am aware of the monkeys and notice them. I bring my attention back to the present, the dogs, the trail, my steps and my breathing.
The dogs find more scents and raise their heads and noses to the sounds to the side of the trail. We come across a horse out on a walk on the trail in front of us. I tell the dogs to be still and hand the leashes to my husband. I walk gently toward the horse. She is wary of my presence. Slowly she moves to the side and we pass each other peacefully.
On the trail back I notice a baby Ceiba tree that someone has thoughtfully protected with a ring of rocks.
We return to camp and I am grateful that the daily breezes have started. The dogs drink fresh water deeply.
A few monkeys in my walk for sure, but how much richer are my walks with the dogs when I leave those monkeys behind. I am grateful to my dogs for teaching me to be present.
This writing is in gratitude to the Monks who walked for Peace; for what they have gifted to my perspective, deepened my understanding and made my life (and my dogs’ lives) better.
