Dog Questions

It is important to keep your dogs well exercised in the warmer months, just as it is in the winter months. We know that sometimes as the colder weather arrives, people (and some dogs!) do not want to be out there in the snow. It is important to keep dogs busy in order to burn their excess energy. If dogs do not have an outlet to release their pent up energy, it will come out through bad behaviours. Good training and exercise are essential for your dog to be happy. Here are some games you can play to help keep your dog physically and mentally active.

• Recognize the toy

Dogs learn by repetition and association. You should be able to teach your dog to recognize a few toys by name, and then you can keep him busy by asking him to fetch you certain toys. Start off by picking one toy and giving it a name. Each time you pick up that toy to play with your dog repeat the name and give the toy to your dog. Begin asking for that specific toy. If the dog brings you the wrong toy, do not accept the toy and ask for the one you want. You will need to repeat this until the dog “gets it”. Remember to work in short bursts and make it FUN!

• Hiding items

Hiding items such as toys or treats and asking your dog to seek them out is a lot of fun! Start of easy by showing your dog where you hid the item and then giving him a lot of praise for finding the item will show him what is expected of him. Then work your way up to hiding something in a different room, or even outside if you dog enjoys the cooler weather.

• Fetch

Although this seems like a natural behaviour for a dog, not all dogs know how to fetch and then give up the toy. Some dogs will just bring the toy and then not drop it. An easy way to help your dog learn what you want from him is to use 3 tennis balls. Start by throwing one ball and encourage your dog to go and get it. Once he is on his way back, throw the second ball. Most dogs will drop the first ball as they see the second one fly overhead, as he drops the ball say “drop”. If he does not drop the ball, encourage him to chase the second ball that you threw and he will most likely drop the first when trying to get the second. As he comes back throw the next ball and repeat.

Remember to always be positive, playing games with your dog should be fun and stress free!

Marco Niederegger is a Bark Busters franchise owner. Along with his wife Alana they are dog behaviour therapists and trainers that specialize in behaviour issues such as: barking, jumping, pulling on lead, separation anxiety and all types of aggression.

Check out their website at
http://www.barkbusters.ca/trainers-ottawawest.html
Or
http://www.barkbusters.ca/trainers-kingstonbelleville.html

Areas covered: Belleville, Kingston, Brockville, Cornwall, Kemptville, Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata

Contact them at 1-866-418-4584 or am@barkbusters.ca

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