What does YOUR dog do really well? (Photo: Border Collie leaps to catch a frisbee)
I get a lot of phone calls from owners who are frustrated with their puppies and dogs.
Here are a few examples:
“He bit me so much and wouldn’t stop. I was actually scared of him last night. I don’t know what to do to stop the biting!” - calling about a four-month-old puppy.
“He guards his food, toys, crate, bones, snuffle mat, and water bowl.” - calling about a six-month-old puppy.
It’s scary when your dog growls at you (Photo: Husky on the offence)
“He charged out the front door and bit the furnace man in the stomach.” - calling about a 1.5 year-old adolescent.
“He barks and whines all the time. He’s reactive on the leash. Sometimes he pulls me to the ground!” - calling about a three-year-old rescue dog.
This week, instead of thinking about all of the things your dog does that you DON’T like (or even SCARE you,) we’re going to focus on what your dog does well.
Make a list of everything your dog does well. Can he sit? Can he lay down? Is he gentle with children?
Write it all down.
What does YOUR dog do well? (Photo: toddler standing with a German Shepherd puppy)
Then, make a separate list for your goals. What would you LOVE for your dog to do better? Would you like him to chase fewer squirrels? Would you like him to walk nicely on the leash? Would you like him to nap while you work from home instead of barking during Zoom calls?
One more list. What training methods have you ALREADY tried to attempt to reach your goals?
Feel free to share your list in the comments below.
We are a welcoming, kind community of dog lovers. No one will mock your list (or I’ll block them.)
Happy List Making!
For those of you still in lockdown (as we are here in Ontario - in a state of emergency) - take time to breathe, take walks, reconnect with old friends, enjoy hobbies you don’t have time for anymore, and try something new with your dog.
Try something fun and new with your dog this week (Photo: Spaniel retrieving a ball from the water)
I heard great advice this week on how to keep sane during the pandemic. Stick to a routine. Get up, walk your dog, eat your breakfast, enjoy a coffee, make time to work out (or meditate, whatever keeps you the healthiest!)
Take care, everyone!
Alyssa
Photos by: @k_r_y_s (Border Collie leaps to catch a frisbee,) @jeroenbosch (Husky on the offence,) @walkthecreator (toddler standing with a German Shepherd puppy,) @mitchorr (Spaniel retrieving a ball from the water.)