Feedback on Exercise Plans
By Lori Mauger, CPDT

As you know, the STAR Puppy program includes a requirement that you submit an exercise plan to your instructor.  The philosophy behind this requirement is to highlight the importance of regular activity in your dog’s life as well as to remind you that one-on-one dog/owner time is a critical necessity for your dog’s overall well being.

The good news is that training your dog counts as exercise—MENTAL exercise.  Dogs need their minds stimulated just as much as they need an outlet for the physical energy in their bodies.  Therefore, those of you who included dog training as part of your exercise plan are to be commended!  By the way, training doesn’t always have to be the “formal” exercises that you learn in class—training includes teaching the dog some tricks such as beg and rollover, and it also includes teaching the dog some games.  In fact, games that are governed by specific rules are the best way to accomplish your total mission:

• To exercise the dog’s mind
• To exercise the dog’s body
• To provide the dog with opportunities to interact and socialize with you

Why are games so important?  Think back to when you were a child.  How did you have fun?  You played games, of course!  Whether it was baseball or basketball, you got together with your friends and played games that had specific rules.  Dogs, like people, are extremely social beings.  Therefore, there’s nothing they enjoy more than to play games with you.  So how do you play organized games with a dog?

• First, you teach them the rules (training)
• Then, you enforce the rules (sportsmanship/good behavior)
• Finally, you have fun! (exercise and socialization)

Games can be anything you dream up.  For example, maybe you already play fetch with your dog, but the only criteria for the game are that you throw the toy, and the dog brings it back.  So how about modifying the fetch game with some simple rules?  First, have the dog sit while you pick up the toy.  If the dog breaks the sit when you reach for the toy, then don’t pick it up!  Start again, and remember to only pick up the toy if the dog remains in a sit.  Next, hold the dog’s collar while you throw the toy (just like we do when the “wait” exercise is introduced using the dog’s food bowl to teach him about self control).  When the dog stops straining against his collar, release him to run and get the toy.  While the dog runs to the toy, you run the other way and hide!  When the dog realizes you’re gone, allow him to briefly search for you (be quiet as he does so).  If he finds you—hooray!!  His reward is another game.  However, if the dog doesn’t fi!
nd you, then peek out from your hiding spot and call his name (which also reinforces the “name game” exercise).  When he gets to you, either reward him with a treat, or start the game again.  Remember, the game itself is rewarding for the dog, so food probably isn’t necessary.  Each time you play, try to pick a different hiding spot to keep it interesting for the dog.  I can’t stress it enough:  dogs LOVE this type of play!  I hope that game playing becomes a top priority in your exercise plan.

©2009 Lori Mauger, CPDT
hipraise@optonline.net
Permission to reprint with credit to author noted

The best thing to do in order to handle this situation is to train them what they can and cannot chew. Keep your belongings out of your pet’s reach. Shoes, socks, books and other things you do not want destroyed should not be left lying around. Even old shoes, clothing and socks should not be given to dogs to chew on because they cannot tell the difference between the old and new.

Since it is not right to totally curtail a dog’s instinct to gnaw on things, direct his attention to things that you want him to chew such as chew toys. Your dog should have lots of it and must be appealing in order to keep him interested. If your dog is fond of chewing things with your scent on them, leave the toy in your laundry hamper for days before giving them to your dog. You may also want to rub something tasty or stuff the toy with anything your dog finds rewarding. When you feel like your dog is up to something, remove the item and give him chew toys instead to divert his attention.

When shopping for dog toys, choose toys that are safe for your pet. Toys that are easily broken or with small parts can be dangerous to your pet so beware of these items. There are also washable toys available.

And just like other behavior problems, the desire to chew can be minimized with regular exercise. Dogs that are physically and mentally stimulated are less likely to get bored thus they are also less likely to chew and become destructive.

About The Author

Richard Cusson is a dog enthusiast and has been writing training tips.

Males vs. Females
Over the years the most common question I have received is not about specific health issues, not about training, or even about the temperament traits of my dogs.  As a breeder, the most common question I have been asked is, “which is better – a boy puppy or a girl?”
I have also found it to be interesting that most often people believe that girl puppies will grow up to be more affectionate and easier to house break than males, and that boy puppies, without exception, will eventually start to urine-mark his territory – thus destroying furniture and carpets.
As a breeder, I have observed female and male puppies, as well as female/male adult dogs, individually and in group environments.  This opportunity has given me some insight to the, sometimes misleading and confusing differences between the two genders.  It is important to understand that an unaltered (not spayed or neutered) dog will behave differently than an altered (spayed or neutered) dog no matter the gender of the dog.
Considering a Female Dog?  Then Consider This. . .
When asked to share my opinion of the temperaments between male and female dogs, I always start off by pointing out that the temperament of one dog can be very different of that of another dog – the sex of the dog having little or nothing to do with it.  However, I have made some observations in regards to female puppies/dogs that I am happy to share with others.
Temperament Traits
Some unaltered (not spayed) female dogs can be described as Diva’s.  This always gets a laugh, especially from those who know what I’m talking about.  These Diva Dogs tend to be very independent – preferring time alone over being petted or pampered.  They can also be stubborn which can make potty training, and other obeisance training, a bit harder.  I once had a 4 month old female puppy that spent the entire one hr puppy kindergarten class (2 days a week) sitting with her back turned to the other puppies in class.    She would half heartily participate, if I was involved, but when it was puppy play time, she would sit looking out the fence – as far away from the other puppies as she could get – giving an occasional glance over her shoulder to  see if I was still there.  It was obvious that she did not consider the other puppies worthy of her time or attention.
Alpha Leaders
Observing my three adult females and two adult male dogs while they are in the kennel has given me insight as to the “Dog Pack” dynamics.  Unaltered females (ones that have not been spayed) are usually the ones that are in control of the pack.  They determine the pecking order, and woe to any dog that does not follow orders.  For this reason, an unaltered female can be intent upon showing her dominance over other females.  Normally I advise people that already have a female dog in the family, and are looking to add a second dog, to get a male.
To Breed or Not to Breed
Depending upon the breed and size of the dog, unaltered females can go into heat every 5 – 6 months.  A female in heat is not a something you want to mess with unless you are prepared to breed her, (by prepared I mean, FINANCIALLY – the medical costs associated with a litter can be very expensive.  SPACE – most people don’t have the appropriate space for a litter of 5 – 9 growing puppies.  TIME – caring for a postnatal dog with a litter of puppies is a full time job.)
With this said, I strongly suggest that if you are not going to show or breed your female dog then she should be spayed.  The best time to spay is between the age of 4 – 5 months (remember some breeds can go in to their first heat at 5 months of age and it is easier on you and your dog if she is spayed before her first heat).  Unlike what you might have heard or read, female/male dogs do not differ in the benefits of spaying/neutering. Spaying/neutering will not change your dog’s playfulness, friendliness, and or socialization with humans.  With female dogs, spaying will eliminate the monthly heat cycle, drastically reduce her dominance tendencies, territorial urine marking, and smooth out mood swings.
Dog Shows
If you intend on entering your AKC registered female dog in any American Kennel Club sponsored show ring, then spaying is out of the question.  According to AKC rules governing dog shows (Rule                 XI), “A dog that is blind, deaf, lame, castrated, spayed, dyed or faked shall be ineligible to compete at any show . . .”  If you have question concerning this topic or any other AKC subject matter you can get more information by visiting their website at HYPERLINK “http://www.akc.org”www.akc.org
Considering a Male Dog? Then Read On . . .
As I mentioned before, it is my firm belief the temperament of dogs differ, just like the temperaments of humans.  It would be unfair to say that human girl babies are better than human boy babies or vice versa – and the same is true of puppies.  However; I have made some observations of male dogs over the years that I can share with others.
Urine Marking
Although it is true that unaltered (not neutered) male dogs have a greater reputation for territorial marking – unaltered females can, and will, mark their territory just like males – especially if she feels threatened.  I have learned that the personality of each puppy and adult dog plays a more important role than gender.  Dominance or lack of it, sociability, and or temperament is seldom specifically linked to the sex of the dog.

Neutering
One option, to diminish a dog’s desire to urine mark, is to consider Spaying/Neutering.  Although I truly believe that having a dog altered is not a substitute for training, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center located in Los Angeles, points out that urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs.
Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as ‘humping’, or ‘marking’ and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors will disappear.  The behaviors that are sometimes changed are; the interest in roaming is eliminated in 90% of neutered dogs. Aggressive behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60% of neutered dogs.  Urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs.
Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70% of neutered dogs, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

Mal