Keys to Successful Dog Training #6

This week’s blog is very much a Key to Successful Dog Training because it helps to support the rest of your training program. The key is for both of you because it helps you be healthier, together.  Take a guess at what it is:
1. Eat together
2. Sleep together
3. Do activities together
I hope you guessed #3 because this week’s Key is, Activity.  This is not training but instead time to have fun, relax a bit and be active together.  For a dog, that’s about running, sniffing, jumping, chasing and just being a dog.  For you it’s a time to interact with your dog in a fun way. So put the phone in your pocket and go!

How much time does it take and how often?  The answer is a bit of a formula, and one that changes with your dog’s age.  The formula looks like this:

Breed of Dog + Age of Dog = Amount of Daily Activity

On average a dog needs about 30-60 minutes of fun activities every day.  That may seem like a lot but when you look at it from their perspective, it’s a very small proportion of their 24 hours.

Do you have that kind of time on a daily basis?  Maybe and maybe not. If not, you can incorporate others to help.  For instance you or someone else can take the dog to a dog park, on a fun walk (dog walker) or to doggie daycare.  The dog gets to do its thing and you either get to walk the perimeter and get your steps in or have free time while your dog plays to its heart content.

What tools do you need to have on hand?  When I work with my clients one of the first things we discuss is the need for 2 leashes, one for training and one for fun.  One of the biggest mistakes I see is an owner out for a fun walk on a 4-6’ leash. That is a training/working leash. When you are out for fun you need to use a flexi-leash.  Why? It allows the dog to do what they love to do, sniff, pee and leisurely walk close to you but not heel. Also, they get a lot more steps in because they aren’t at your side.  I recommend always having both leases with you so you can toggle between them as needed. During In Home Training we spend time learning how to use both leases. You start out with the flexi leash so your dog can get the wiggles out, then stop and change leashes to the 4-6’ leash, for about a block.  During heel time you are in good form with your dog by your side. While your dog is in ‘work’ mode you can be creative and do a sit, sit stay and about turns to engage their mind. Then switch back to flexi fun time and let your dog relax and walk along being a dog for a couple blocks. Before you know it your 30-60 minutes is done and your dog is in a balanced state of mind because it has worked and played along the way.

If you are the one doing the 30-60 minutes, make it work for both of you.  Be creative and mix it up. Doing the same thing every day gets boring doesn’t it?  Right now

I am doing Orange Theory 4x/week and all I know when I sign up for a class is the time it starts.  When the instructor walks in, he/she tells us what we are doing for the next hour. It’s spontaneous, creative and challenging.  And it works because I’m gassed afterwards and excited for when I get to go back. It could be that way for the two of you. Another idea is to join my brand new AKC FIT DOG CLUB.  You sign up to join me on 30 minute adventures in the area.  I plan it and let you know where and when we go. Check here for details.  I hope you will give it a try!

Is the investment of time worth it?  Yes because it pays off with double dividends (mental and physical benefits) for both of you.  I’m not sure what behaviors might improve for you but for dogs, once they are in their balanced state of mind they are much less likely to misbehave with things like excessive barking, chewing on things other than toys and digging holes in your yard.  For me it’s a win win key to successful dog training. I hope you will embrace it and get moving, together.

Happy Training,

Julie