dog activities

by

Friday Canine Friends: Getting Off the Path

When dogs are tracking a lost person, they walk in and out of the scent cone to actually stay on track. It occurred to me the other day that maybe getting off our path isn’t such a bad thing as long as we recognize it and adjust back in much as our dogs too. Instead of panicking, feeling bad/depressed, we can recognize that our emotions are speaking to us that something doesn’t smell right and we work on getting back on track. We know we are there when we feel great again.

Of course, much as dogs do when they smell a deer, raccoon, or poop, we have to be careful to not get distracted and go further off the path :).

Enjoy your journey!

Sylvie Pleasant
K9 Solutions LLC
Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
http://www.nck9solutions.com

by

Friday Canine Friend: Meeting your Dog Halfway

From my sitting spot in my kitchen overlooking my beautiful garden, I can briefly see my neighbors walking by on the street. One morning, I watched as one of my neighbors was walking her quite elderly Bassett Hound. She was using a flexi and as the Bassett walked slowly in a straight pattern (with his nose glued to the ground of course), his human walked in a zig zag so she could go at her own faster pace and get exercised.

I often get excuses from dog owners on why they can’t do certain tasks such as walking their dog properly: too hot, too cold, too tired, dog pulling, dog lunging or too excited, etc. All excuses with solutions.

I  marveled that this person had found such a simple solution to getting her exercise and still incorporate her elderly dog. And I no longer feel that flexis should be outlawed 🙂 With proper caution, that is actually a good use for them.

by

7 Steps to Eliminating Unwanted Digging

Reasons for Digging

Some breeds such as terriers and terrier mixes have been bred for generations to dig.

Burying bones is a strong impulse for many dogs.

Dogs will dig when they are hot. The cool earth feels good.

Some dogs mimic their owners who are gardening.

Going after moles, voles, etc.

Boredom, frustration, and loneliness.

Recommendations

1.       Burying bones: Do not give your dog bones outside or confine him to an enclosed area.

2.       When hot: Get a kiddy pool or hose him off. Be sure he has shade always no matter where the sun falls.

3.       Mimicking: Leave him in house while you are gardening.

4.       For bored and frustrated dogs, provide plenty of exercise and obedience training. More attention and time with the “pack” is crucial in owning a healthy, stable pet. Make him a part of the family and give him a function.

5.       Get rid of the moles by getting rid of the grubs they feed on. Lowes or Home Depot can help you.

6.       Bury poop into the dugged hole with a thin layer of dirt covering it.

7.       Digging is natural, pleasurable, and wonderful exercise for dogs. Why not compromise and provide them with their own area to dig where holes are acceptable? You can allow your dog to dig under the deck or stairs or fence off his own area. When he digs out of his area, say “no dig” and take him to his own area, get him digging by showing him yourself (it is easiest to get him digging where the ground is soft or a hole is already started), and praise a lot when he does.

Sylvie Pleasant
Certified Dog Trainer
K9 Solutions LLC

by

7 Ideas for Exercising your Dog

Please check out each activity thoroughly and make sure that they are suitable to you and your pets’ needs and likes. Different breeds/individuals have different endurance levels and physical limitations. Also puppies’ bones keep growing for a couple of years so keep this in mind as you buid up their endurance and don’t overdo an exercise. Consult your vet if you are unsure.

1. Power walks or jogging.

2. If you are unable to power walk or jog, walk your dog in Heel position next to you and have him Sit frequenty such as at every mailbox or driveway. You will tire him out mentally.

3. Get a backpack! It will make your dog feel like he is working, give him more exercise, and help slow him down. You can use bottled water, books, ziploc bags with beans, etc. Use 10% of his weight so 5% on each side of the backpack.

4. Swimming.

5. Fetching. And fetching up and down stairs will get your dog more tired but keep growing bones in mind and don’t overdo it.

6. Hiking.

7. If you have trouble exercising your dog, consider a pet sitter who specializes in jogging.

by

Dogs Reaching out to Others

Dear Sylvie, Kathy, and Staff,

 
Teddy

I thought you would enjoy my sharing this little “moment” with you. I have been taking Teddy on therapy dog visits to an Alzheimer’s residential facility in Wake Forest for about a year now. On each of our weekly visits, one lady  has consistently been repeating the same phrase, “Please God, please God” and rocking repetitiously in her wheelchair without making any verbal response to Teddy’s presence. Yesterday, as I was leading Teddy around to each resident in the day room for patting (they all love his soft fur and floppy ears), we approached this lady and she looked at Teddy and at me and said, quite clearly, “That’s a nice dog, that’s a nice dog.” Then, when I lifted Teddy up beside her, she reached out and petted his head and said again, “nice dog.”

Just a little moment, but a very memorable one, thanks to all of your wonderful training, encouragement, and support!

Best wishes,

W.F. and Teddy