Meet Your Dogs Needs

Meet Your Dogs Needs

I’ve actually said to people, “Don’t you dare complain about that dog when you’re not meeting his/her needs.”

By taking the time to meet your dog’s needs, your dog is more likely to be relaxed and well-behaved. Dogs are meant to move their bodies, use their noses, use their brains, and be active. They are not meant to sit in kennels all day, be relegated to the yard, or only interacted with when a person feels like it. I’ve actually said to people, “Don’t you dare complain about that dog when you’re not meeting his/her needs.”

Treat dependent dog?! A fun game to help change that.

Treat dependent dog?! A fun game to help change that.

The goal of this game is to help teach the dog that they don’t get paid for every behavior, while also teaching you, the human, not to pay for every behavior, which helps with fading the treats and asking the dog for more.

Social butterfly or dog selective?

Social butterfly or dog selective?

We humans have this odd notion that our dogs should love all other dogs and be fine with all of them in proximity, all the time. Not only is this unrealistic, but it can set your dog up for failure. Let’s dissect this odd human notion by asking the following questions:

"True Rest" and why your dog needs it

"True Rest" and why your dog needs it

A common problem I see with pet dogs, especially puppies and adolescents, is not from a lack of “training” but more so from a lack of what I call “true rest”. What is “true rest” you ask?

Bored Dog? A few simple tips to help.

Bored Dog? A few simple tips to help.

There are plenty of fun and safe options to ensure your dog is getting mental stimulation, exercise, and a healthy dose of novelty. It is up to you to provide this – dogs often will not self-exercise, they certainly don’t self-train, and they can easily get bored. Here are a few ways to help ward of canine boredom.