There are a multitude of ways to spend quality time with your dogs. You can have fun training, going somewhere special, and playing games with him or her. If you are living in a multiple dog family, find a little time to spend with each dog individually.

 Training

Spend a few minutes each day working with your dog. It doesn’t matter which dog training lesson you work on as long as you keep it fun with positive dog training methods. Work on a quick sit-stay before feeding your dog breakfast or shake before dinner. Not only does your dog have fun, but you’ll start seeing results in a matter of days.

Go Someplace Special

Have you ever been confined to your house for several days in a row? Did you get stir crazy? Your dog can get cabin fever too! Take your dog out once in awhile.

Take your dog for a walk or hike. Please obey the rules, pick up after your dog, and keep him on a leash everywhere you go. Even remote places are negatively impacted by things your dog does or leaves behind.

Many cities now have off-leash dog parks – see our list of off-leash dog parks in Metro-Denver, Co. Please follow the rules and read tips on off leash dog park etiquette.

Your dog even enjoys a car ride when you run quick errands. But don’t leave your dog in the car on mild or warm days – studies show even a 72 degree day can turn a car lethal. Go to MyDogIsCool.com to learn how quickly cars heat up even with windows cracked.

Games

There are many tricks and games you can play with your dog. Play “hide and seek” by moving from room to room in your house and calling your dog to you, rewarding with lots of treats, play, or love. Rotate your dog’s toys, pulling a different one out each week, so toys remain new and interesting.

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This past weekend was the Front Range Agility Club’s United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) trial at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland Colorado. Rankine and I have been working diligently on weaves to improve entry and speed. In early February we attended a weave seminar where I learned different methods for improving weave entrances including the two by two (2X2) method. Every night after work, I spend 5-10 minutes working on weave entries using the tennis ball as a reward. Our efforts paid off this weekend when Rankine made his weave pole entry on every course. Although we weren’t perfect this weekend, we did walk away with qualifiers in standard, pairs, and snooker.

Props also go to Rankine’s older brother, TJ, who qualified in pairs, snooker, and jumpers!

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Problems with your dog bolting through the front door so she can run around the neighborhood? Perhaps your dog is always tripping you as you walk through the door. Solve the problem by teaching your dog to “stay at the door.”

Your dog will need a basic sit, stay, and release. But by training a few minutes every day (perhaps just before putting his dinner bowl down…) you can have a dog that behaves well at the door.

Watch this video lesson to teach your dog to stay at the door.

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Your dog just wants to have fun. Capitalize on it and treat life and training like it’s all a game!

Thank you Mabel and Bob Dorman for sharing your video with us!

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Cesar admits to being a dog psychologist, not a dog trainer. In one episode he tells his clients that using “good dog” is for training, not what he was doing with their dog. Not to say training isn’t an answer for psychological problems. I have seen Victoria Stilwell solve similar issues with her training methods many times.

I agree with these aspects of Cesar’s philosophy:

dogs need “discipline, exercise, and affection”

“high-energy working dogs . . . can develop issues when the basic needs of their breed are not addressed.”  –Harley, Annabelle, and Memphis” episode of Dog Whisperer

treat your dog like a dog, not a human

Cesar has a place with some dogs, few and far between. I do not think his methods should be used casually or regularly in any home. Use positive dog training methods and consult a trainer if you need help (make sure to interview the trainer about their methods).

I believe in the following:

• dogs need leadership
• dogs need jobs
• dogs are dogs, not humans
• dogs need communication they understand (more…)

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