Training

Recently we conducted a survey asking our viewers: “What Is Your Dogs Worst Habit?”

40% of those who participated answered – Chews On Everything

13% of those who participated answered - Jumps Up On People

41% of those who participated answered – Will Not Come When Called

6% of those who participated answered – Goes Potty In The House

I encourage all my Boston Terrier owners to participate in Obedience, conformation, agility, flyable or therapy with their new companions. Bostons excel at all of these activities. We prefer to find homes for our puppies that will provide the same natural care for them that we do.

At Puppies Dot Com, we partner with the AKC in providing training for you and your new puppy to get strated on the right foot/paw.

From Lori Mauger–a handout to teach students the importance of playing interactive games with their puppies

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.

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