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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Dominating Playtime With Your Dog: Creating Limitations

Developing a healthy routine for you and your dog to play together is just as important as any other aspect of training. Playing a game of fetch or having a tug of war can be the most fun activity you could engage in. However, it's important to make sure that your dog respects your relationship while in such an excited state. This can also be a great time to take advantage of training techniques and provide your dog a chance to have fun while you continue to reinforce your position as the leader.
The main idea to focus on is to make sure you have control throughout the play session with your dog. When you use keywords with your dog, like "let's go play", it's okay if they get excited but I would avoid anything over-zealous and getting them too wound up before you head out. The same as when you go for your daily walk, you want to leave the house with your dog paying attention to you and focusing on your commands. A good place to start is by having them sit while they wait for you to get ready. If you have a walk ahead of you rather than going to the backyard, leash your dog and keep them walking nice and easy on the way, correcting any over excited behavior.
Once you're ready to start a game, for example, a game of frisbee, have your dog sit again to start off with them listening well. Let your dog stand up and get ready to let loose! When you play a game like fetch, be sure that your dog brings back the toy and gives it on command. Like any other training, this could take some time and effort but once you get them going it'll be like clockwork. It's okay to use treats to reinforce good behavior in this routine, and after a nice play session too. You want to avoid letting your dog develop unwanted behavior like running away with the toy when you call for them to bring it back. It may be funny or cute at the time but you don't want your dog to ignore you when you're calling them for a good reason, like to keep them out of harm's way. The commands I use for my own dog in a routine game of frisbee are usually "ready", and she'll sit. After I throw, "bring it here", and when she comes back with it "give". I always like to keep her following along, when I can see she's slowing down or needs a rest I tell her " take a rest". It's good to teach a command for taking a break, when a dog's having that much fun they can easily over-exert themselves (always have some water on hand).
Considering a game like tug of war, it's especially important that you keep mental control over the game. It can be a lot of fun to wrestle your dog for a favorite toy, and quite a challenge if you have a large breed, but you have to make sure that your dog doesn't become aggressive over their possessions. You should be able to stop and have your dog give that toy at any time. I've had a few issues with my dog over some particular toys. We have one that she would always want to pull with, even if I wanted to take her out to fetch it. It took a quite a while before I could fully establish that toy as one she has to give me whenever I ask. Remember that playtime is ultimately meant for you and your dog to have some fun together, but you should always be in charge. The minute that your dog claims control over a simple game, they will gain more confidence in challenging your role as the leader. It's up to you to lead your dog through a healthy and happy lifestyle!
Learn more about exercising your dog and how you can keep them as safe as possible as they live and grow with you. Including safety tips and product reviews for every activity you and your dog can enjoy together at SafeForDogs.com, Stop in and get to know my dog and I, Help yourself to read more about what you can do to ensure a healthy life for your dog. Thanks and be safe!
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Interactive dog toys

If there is anything that dog's love almost as much as their owners, it has to be playing around and having a lot of fun especially with interactive dog toys. A lot of dogs, even those who seem very stern and serious, or those who are from working breeds, often find it very hard to resist the urge to play especially with their owners and the rest of their family members.
Much like us humans, our pets also want to spend a lot of time trying to relax, and have a good time. They are playful and active, and there is nothing more they could ever want to have during an activity, aside from treats of course, than interactive dog toys.
Dog toys are more than just boredom-busters; they are actually very helpful tools that can be used by the owners to bond with their beloved pets. In fact, there are a lot of benefits that you and your dog can enjoy when you are both playing with the toys, more so when you are actually playing with interactive dog toys.
First of all, these kinds of toys help a lot when it comes to giving your dog the exercise and the level of physical activity that they all need each and every day, this effectively helps your dog stay fit and strong at the same time.
Dog toys often pique the curiosity of our beloved pets, and this allows them to get the stimulation that they need; but more than just its physical benefits, dog toys, specifically interactive dog toys can also stimulate their mental acuity and intelligence.
Another type of interactive dog toys is the distraction and comfort toys. These types of toys can help keep your dogs busy by teasing them and by giving them different kinds of treats at the same time. These types of toys do not require much physical activity, yet they are great mental stimulator since they keep your dog occupied, they are also very easy to use.
Comfort toys on the other hand, are used mostly to help your canines get rid of stress, they help your canine get rid of anxiety, they also help your canine learn new commands at the same time.
But if you do want something a lot more challenging, and something that will help your dog receive a lot of mental stimulation, you might want to get interactive dog toys which are in the form of puzzles and games like the Nina Ottosson dog tornado toy. These kinds of toys are also known as "smart" toys since they generally require a lot of skill and patience on the part of your canine.
There are actually toys which are specifically meant to cater to certain dog breeds, but in general, different dogs can actually enjoy all the ones that I've mentioned above. The interactive dog toys are also highly recommended for destructive dogs and for dogs that are very hard to control, this is because it will help them release pent-up energy and it will also effectively help them shift their focus and attention away from your furniture and belongings.
Amongst my most favorite interactive dog toys for my dog Oz, are the Nina Ottosson toys, especially the dog tornado. This is because the dog tornado is highly challenging and it builds up my dog's problem solving skills. I can simply place a piece of dog food or kibble in one of the toy's compartment and my dog can get his reward by spinning its layers at the proper speed. It truly is a uniquely fun and entertaining toy that both my dog highly enjoys.
A pet enthusiast always wanting the best for my little buddies! For more information on pet supplies, food and reviews visit http://www.naturallydoggy.com
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