Our last blog talked about how the dog training process is not linear. This means you are not likely to see massive improvements every day. You going to have good days and bad days, because that's life. Training dogs can be a challenge for those who are dodging a lot in life and it can be discouraging at times. But don't you fret, here at Run Free K9, we make it easy to provide your dog with their needs in a way that is easy and efficient.
I advise all my clients to incorporate three simple tasks into their daily routine with their dogs. Regardless of how busy, unwell, or incapacitated you may be, these tasks are easily achievable and can be seamlessly integrated into your daily structure. By following these three steps, you can effortlessly meet your dog's basic needs while preparing for work or unwinding after a long day. These tasks are particularly beneficial for my clients with disabilities who are unable to walk their dogs, as well as for those facing rough weather conditions.
Implementing these three actions helped maintain the well-being of my trio of working breed dogs during a 20-day health crisis when I was frequently in and out of hospitals a few years ago. I assure you that committing to these three activities daily will result in noticeable improvements in your dog's behavior and will help you provide the best even when your not feeling the best.
Do something for your dog's MIND:
Allow them to forage for their own food. Explore our DIY enrichment blog post for creative ways to engage your dog's sense of smell and problem-solving abilities, which can help keep them occupied during hectic days or while you're multitasking. Just 20 minutes of mental stimulation can be as beneficial as an hour-long walk; that's the magic of dog math!
Introduce them to new and enjoyable activities. Teaching your dog simple tricks and setting up obstacles can be a fun way to enhance their problem-solving skills. Teaching your dog how to use buttons for communication can provide mental stimulation as they learn to interact with you.
Conduct basic command training in short, enjoyable sessions. Ideally, aim for 5-minute sessions 2-5 times a day. On busy days, you can replace training with activities like using a snuffle mat or other enrichment puzzles. Let's be realistic, life can get busy, and we may not have time to train our dogs daily. However, by offering various forms of mental stimulation, you can help tire them out without focusing solely on training sessions.
Do something for your dog's BODY
 Though mental stimulation is sometimes overlooked, physical stimulation is commonly acknowledged as a necessity for optimal K9 health and happiness. Dogs greatly benefit from activities like running, playing, chasing, and digging, therefore it's essential to engage them in fun daily exercise. Make sure to incorporate at least one stimulating activity each day to keep your dog motivated. This could involve playing fetch, taking a walk, going for a bike ride, practicing agility, and more.
For clients who have difficulty walking their dogs, training the dog on a treadmill can be a helpful way to ensure they get the necessary physical activity. You can also train them to play with a flirt pole which can aid in getting a lot of energy out of your dog, while not exhausting yourself in the attempt. You can also teach your dog how to play with an automatic ball thrower to help get activity in with ease during tougher days.
Do something for you and your dog's BOND
The bond between you and your dog is crucial for a healthy and happy relationship. It's like the peanut butter in a sandwich, holding everything together. Without it, everything else falls apart. Therefore, it's important to take some time and focus on strengthening the bond you have with your furry friend. Spend some quality time with your dog by cuddling up and watching TV, going on a fun adventure, or working on confidence-building skills. These activities will not only strengthen the bond between you two but will also provide mental stimulation for your dog and help them stay happy and healthy. Remember, a strong bond between you and your dog is the foundation of a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.
Work on your dog's mind, body, and bond everyday and you will be amazed with the results you'll see and you will be able to enjoy your life with your dog no matter how busy you are.
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