Trainer Tip: Doing Nothing...with your dog

So often with our dogs there are expectations that we are attached to. For many of us, we begin to build a relationship by using a very common tool- training. In this sense, there are a LOT of expectations. We immediately begin to operate from a "should" conversation as in, this dog "should" sit, learn to lay down, be quiet when told to be quiet and should do these things in a class with other people and other dogs or when visitors (though we rarely have them) come to our home, he "should" not jump or pester them.

Hurm..

I think for many of us we are under extreme pressure in a class, especially at week 1, or when people visit our homes- we don't want to be embarrassed, we want to look good, we want to be liked, we want people to like our dogs. Oy- all of this swirling around in our heads AND we're supposed to teach the dogs something?

I'd like to suggest that we do a little less "skills training" in our own lives and a little more of this- getting a life (and allowing our dogs to get a life too). I'd like to suggest that if you want your dog to be relaxed- find some activities that YOU enjoy and begin to enrich YOUR life. So often it's all about the dogs (and heck, that's okay too), but when do I feel best and at peace? After a good hike in the sunshine. As a trainer do I spend minutes a day training my dogs? Nope, it's just here and there and as part of the routine. When do I feel like I'm most connecting with my dogs? When I'm being goofy, when I'm playing.

Play? What's that?
Give and take with no expectations.

So, lighten up. Commit to doing some things for YOU, that you've been putting off. You'll feel better, you might even been happier and I guarantee your dogs will notice too. Better yet, find activities that you both enjoy (and have no expectations).

Lost Dogs- Prevention First

When a dog goes missing, it's hard to know what to do or where to start, especially in harsh conditions. This is the first in a series of lost dog recovery tips. First and foremost, we're starting with prevention. We have had at least 3 dogs that we know go missing in the last few weeks!

It's part of our commitment to pass along info that we feel will help you, especially when it's so practical and needed!

1. Get id tags on your dog! If you don't like the sound of clinking tags, get a tag silencer and you'll be set.

2. Microchip your dog.

3. If your dog is microchipped, make sure you register the chip.

4. . Regardless of what company your dog is chipped with, have a second registration with "Home Again"- they are the ONLY company that sends out an "Amber Alert" within 25 miles of your zip code when your dog goes missing and they provide pet insurance for your missing pet- should they be injured when out. Trust us, it's worth the $25.

5. In severe weather conditions- rain, snow- bump up your management- and keep your dog on a leash! Many
dogs wander off in the excitement of the snow and then many not have a clue as to where they are- especially
when you have 2 foot drifts!

6. Get a good picture of your dog, a close up! This is great to have on hand if you need to begin distributing
flyers or posters. Think ahead!

Stay safe and always keep your eyes open. You never know when a 'stray' may be a lost dog. If you have a sighting of a dog and the dog will not approach you (which is very common), post it to craigslist.com with a location and description- it just may reunite a lost pet with a heartbroken owner!

off topic

I notice when I'm incredibly sad or moved...I have to write! So, my apologies to anyone that has clicked and thought that this was just a dog trainer writing about trainery things. Not today. My thoughts and love goes out to the Dimmack family of Washington, PA who just lost their oldest son, Richie, husband a father of three. His death has brought together a lot of hearts and thoughts- messages posted here and there from high school and family friends and "summer" friends from the pool and such. I will remember Richie fondly as a curly headed cutie with a smile that lit up a room- every room. Peace and love to his family.