Check Twice; Walk Once
There is an old rule - to be ignored at your own peril - in carpentry that says, “Measure twice, cut once.” In other words, make sure you have it right before you proceed.
A similar version of that wisdom can be applied when out hiking with your dog: “Check Twice, Walk Once.” If you are in an unfamiliar park and navigating by map, before proceeding at a questionable intersection, check your map and then put it down to look around. Then check your map a second time, taking special note of things you may have missed the first time such as a shift in terrain or an overlooked landmark. Then move on with confidence. Although your dog probably won’t mind it is never fun to have to turn around, retrace your steps and walk the same ground twice because you only checked once.
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