by Andy Sands, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
It’s Training Tuesday Suncoast! We are in the middle of the series “The Year of the Dog” in which we are discussing the 10 Resolutions for Rover. We are half way through, and without further delay, here come resolutions 6 and 7.
Resolution #6: Take a Walk with your Dog.
Walking your dog is an extremely healthy activity. Not only because it’s good exercise for each of you, but also because it gives you a chance to spend meaningful time together. During the walk you are actually giving your dog a job to do. He has to pay attention to you, follow your lead, respond to commands, and be a good companion during your outing. At least two healthy walks per day will help reinforce the behaviors you want to see repeated. In addition, the walk will help tire him out, satisfy his need for attention, and give him exercise to boot. It’s not such a bad thing for your health either.
Resolution #7: Stick to a Routine.
Dogs prefer a life that is predictable. They respond best when they understand the routine.
Keep feeding times, walks, play sessions, etc. on the same schedule each day. If there is a slip and you take the dog off the routine, expect the dog’s behavior to slip as well. Stick to a routine as much as possible, and your dog’s behavior will benefit.
We have now covered 7 of the 10 resolutions for your dog. Join me next Tuesday as we move on to resolutions 8 and 9. To see more tips for Resolutions for Rover, Click here for 1 , Click here for 2 & 3, and Click here for 4 & 5
Andy Sands is the owner of Good CitiZEN Dog Training here on the Suncoast. He is also a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. Good CitiZEN Dog Training serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
