Ah, Friday morning! When I used to work an 8 - 5 job, Friday mornings were the easiest ones to get through. Why? Because I had Friday night to look forward to! Friday night officially started the weekend for me, and the whole day was better just knowing I had that waiting after the work day. Do you remember having this feeling about an event, too?
A few years ago, I saw a lecture by trainer John Rogerson. I've been thinking lately about one of the topics he discussed. Rogerson insists that your dog needs "something to look forward to" every single day. It's enriching for your dog and a terrific relationship builder. If you have a good relationship with your dog, your chances of having a well-behaved dog increase tremendously.
What does your dog have to look forward to? Some of you might say, my dog gets to take naps all day, eat, and not work a job he doesn't like! While that might sound great to some folks--to only sleep and eat one's way through each day--life might prove to be quite boring rather quickly. If you haven't thought about this, your dog may be living that kind of life, too. Boring!
What does your dog have to look forward to? Some of you might say, my dog gets to take naps all day, eat, and not work a job he doesn't like! While that might sound great to some folks--to only sleep and eat one's way through each day--life might prove to be quite boring rather quickly. If you haven't thought about this, your dog may be living that kind of life, too. Boring!
So, does your dog have anything special to look forward to each day? Maybe it's your return from work. That's nice, but what else? Besides, as some of you experience each time you return home, some dogs greet their families with a bit too much exuberance. I'm talking bruises and scratches, running reckless circles around the house, or peeing (a discussion for another day). If there were other things going on, that dog might react a bit more calmly at the door. Yes, of course your dog will still be happy to see you, but it might be more controlled (and less painful or expensive).
"Something to look forward to" can be as simple as a walk in the evening. We take our dogs on what we call a sniff walk. We determine the route, but the dogs can stop and sniff almost anything they want to (no lingering by the garbage cans on garbage night!) for as long (well--most of the time) as they want. A sniff walk doesn't have to be a long distance walk (though many dogs appreciate that); just give them enough time to experience a little more of their world. Simple!
My dogs are older and don't play any fetching games, but that could be another fun thing to do with your dog. Try playing a game of some kind with your dog every day. Here are some ideas:
- Fetching a tossed ball or Frisbee;
- Chasing a rolled ball (I knew of a Scottie who loved to nudge and chase a basketball around his back yard);
- Find-it or Nosework (tm)-style games;
- A game of Tug with Rules;
- Hide and seek.
- A ride to the local pet bakery for a treat;
- Riding along with you to run a short errand; (do I need to remind you not to leave your dog in the car unless the air conditioner is running? Some businesses allow dogs inside. Check before you go.)
- Stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing together;
- Running or biking with you
- Spending 10 minutes going through some training exercises that your dog enjoys. (We try to work on a little something every day.)
It's best if the activity you choose takes place during the same part of the day--like an afternoon or evening time-frame. That helps build expectation. It doesn't have to be the same thing every day, either. As long as you have set aside a time for a special activity with your dog.
When choosing an activity, think about what your dog enjoys most. Keep in mind that the most important component of the activity is you! It's not enough to simply release your dog into the back yard. You should be involved in this special event in your dog's day.
Spending a half hour of your day with your dog shouldn't be difficult. If you find this too unpleasant, forget about working on the relationship you have with your dog and get someone else to do something fun with him. You can hire a dogwalker, talk to a neighbor who has an older child who might like to play with your dog, or find a neighbor who has a dog your dog enjoys spending time with. This isn't the most ideal solution, but at least your dog will have something to look forward to even if it doesn't include his favorite person--you. (And, if you don't enjoy spending a little time with your dog, you might want to think a bit about why. Maybe having a dog isn't a good fit for you.)
Your dog asks so little of you. The least you can do is make his life an enriching one.
Want to know more about how to improve your dog's behavior and to improve your relationship with him? Contact us to set up a training appointment today!
Already doing something fun with your dog each day? Tell us what you do in the comments below. It might just help someone else!
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