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On Friday, Nemo and I went to Hagerstown, MD to have lunch with about 10 other positive reinforcement trainers from all over the Mid-Atlantic region. We were on an 80-acre farm set waaaaay off the road. And we were allowed to bring our friendly dogs with us.

Our day started with quick on-leash introductions for the dogs and then we were off into the fields. I’m usually quite nervous with any of my dogs off leash if they aren’t in a fenced area – the possibility for danger is way too high for me. I envision the worst: snake bites, encounters with groundhogs, a cut pad, a deer that must be chased, an encounter with a stray unfriendly dog, my dog dashing into the underbrush and getting lost… It’s too much for this worrywart! But we were on a private farm that way way off the road (no danger of getting hit), lots of other friendly dogs, and at least 10 other people who could help in the event of any of my worst-case-scenarios — enough “back up” to settle my nerves.

Nemo’s a bit of a scaredy-cat – he’s not the adventurous type who will go too far out of sight for too long. And he’ll definitely stay with the other dogs even if he did wander off the beaten path.

I needn’t have worried – he ran and ran, but came back (or at least glanced over his shoulder) to keep his eye on my every five minutes or so. He looked so happy running full-out across the fields! The dogs didn’t play with one another like I thought they might. Instead they explored together — parallel activities, rarely interacting with each other, but enjoying the company.

There were two downsides: (1) it came to an end too soon, and (2) Nemo got 4 ticks and I got 1. A small price to pay for the (safe) freedom off leash and fun for all the dogs and people.

We hiked for about an hour then came back to a wonderful lunch. I was worried about Nemo’s table manners (he can reach anything he’d like). Again, no need to worry. Every dog was exhausted and slept for a good hour while we all filled our bellies. It was such fun, all the trainers are talking about when we can do it again!

We spent the 4th of July weekend at Lake Anna and had a terrific time. The dogs swam and fished and retrieved, and then swam some more. Here’s a picture of Tango, finally tired! It only took him three days to get to that point! (Actually, he was bushed every night and stayed awake only long enough to eat his dinner before sacking out.)

Many of us have hectic lives, which leaves us with little time to get our dogs the amount of exercise they need. Which leaves lots of dogs still wanting and needing a lot more interaction and exercise than they get.

Very often, behavior problems aren’t really behavior problems, but more “lack of exercise problems.” I see at least one client a month who wouldn’t need my services if their dog got the proper amount of exercise. The behavior isn’t really the problem, but rather a symptom of too little exercise.

Here are a few ways to get your dog more exercise:

• Increase either the duration or intensity of your dog’s exercise – go longer or go harder. (Check with your vet first, of course and be mindful of the weather – don’t want any dogs with heat exhaustion!)
• Expose your dog to a new activity. Maybe take your dog hiking or swimming. Teach your dog how to retrieve. Teach your dog physical tricks (how to crawl, roll over, walk on his hind legs, beg, spin, etc.)
• Find an appropriate doggie playmate with a fenced yard in which to run. Good for both your dog and the doggie friend!

You can also provide some environmental enrichment in the way of homemade food-stuffed toys. For instance, take the cap off a 1- or 2-liter clean bottle and put some treats inside. Then give it to your dog and let him figure out how to get the treats out. (Always supervise your dog and take it away if it’s looking scraggly or worn out.) Stuff several Kongs with your dog’s breakfast or dinner (and freeze with some peanut butter or yogurt for an extra challenge!).

Post your comments and ideas for ways you’ve entertained and exercised your dog!

Nemo loves to be chased. Here he is trying to convince Lucky to have a go at it. Lucky’s an old man, he’s having nothing to do with Nemie’s juvenile antics.

If Lucky won’t chase him, he usually “asks” me to do the honors. I say “asks” because he does it with body language, of course. It looks like I’m being stalked, but with an hopeful expression.

Generally, I’ll take him up on his request. He loves it and I could always use a little more cardio in my daily routine!

Some people, however, find themselves chasing their dog and not enjoying it. They’re chasing because either the dog won’t come when called and enjoys playing keep-away, or because the dog has something ‘forbidden’ and is running through the house to avoid being caught (or to further entice their person to give chase). This post deals with the dog who enjoys playing keep-away.

If you’re chasing your dog because he hovers just out of reach when you call him, try one of these:

• Bring some really yummy, special, delicious treats in your pocket. When your dog is coming in toward you, drop one of those yummies on the ground at your feet. When your dog gets close enough, gently hold onto the collar and give your dog five or ten of those yummy treats. Then <gasp> let go of his collar and let him go play some more.
• Bring your dog’s favorite toy. When he comes close enough, gently hold onto the collar. Then throw the toy (or tug, or otherwise engage your dog in the fun).
• Run in the opposite direction from your dog. He’ll be curious as to where you’re going in such a hurry!

Dogs learn very quickly if being caught “pays off” for them. If getting caught means playtime’s over, they’re going to try to extend that playtime as much as possible. If you “catch and release” your dog often during playtime, getting caught no longer predicts the end of something good, but is just something that happens during play. Most of the time it means they’ll be released to play again, and occasionally it means the fun’s over (and then you’ve got a really remarkable treat or toy in your pocket to help make getting caught a little more worth it).

 

Every month, I publish a newsletter called Your Smart Dog. It’s free and it’s got some good stuff in it you can use to have a better behaved dog.

This month’s topic is leadership. Read more of the Your Smart Dog Leadership article and subscribe here so you don’t miss next month’s newsletter.

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I just returned from a whirlwind trip to NYC. I caught the Acela at 6:20a on Thursday and returned 48 hours later. My two days in NYC were spent with the other Board members of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The Certification Council sets industry standards for the profession of dog training. There are no federal or state mandates for dog trainers, so the Certification Council is the only way for trainers to receive independent verification of their experience and skill level.

I missed my dogs a lot, even though I was only gone for two days. I saw nary a dog in NYC this trip. I usually see at least a dog or even two out on the streets with their owners, but not this time. I want to go back up to actually sight see one of these days and get over to Central Park. I’m sure there are lots of dogs there, especially when everyone gets home from work.

Do you know of any particularly good spots for dog-watching in NYC? Or cool doggie shops? I hope to get back up during the Christmas season (and drag my husband along, as well!).