3 things to fulfill a dogs life from a training perspective
Physical stimulation
Take your dog for a walk, run or bike ride. Play WITH your dog by using food, toys, or personal engagement to make it interactive and rewarding. If your dog is social, meet up with a friend for a walk or play session together.
Mental stimulation
Take your dog on a long sniff walk to explore different trails and new smells. Have a 15 minute training session working on your dog’s commands. Learn how to do free shaping exercises with your dog. Have a really busy day? Let them enjoy a long lasting enrichment toy.
Communication
Be clear and consistent with the name of the command, using your dog’s marker words and follow through to make sure that the command is performed when asked.
Longlines are a great tool to utilize on walks for any dog that can’t be trusted off leash. They give your dog the freedom to run around, explore, and sniff while still allowing you to stay in control and guide them back in your direction when needed.
Most dogs don’t naturally know how to settle on their own. That often leads owners to constantly trying to wear them out with more exercise, more play, and more activity. But a tired dog isn’t always a good dog.
What dogs really need is proper fulfillment, both physically and mentally, along with being taught a healthy off switch. Fulfillment matters. But rest matters too.
Click below to see some photos from Grace’s time at Starmark Academy
