The AnnaBlog

Author: Angie Falcsik

Now is the time of year when many of us let our dogs out in the back yard to play thinking they will run around and get enough exercise on their own, and then wonder why they are still acting up in the house.

Most dogs by nature need to have a job to do, whether it is a Police Dog, Search and Rescue, Therapy Dog, or a dog that does agility, fly-ball, runs with its owner, pulls its owner who is on roller blades or plays soccer with the kids.

Dogs who do not get enough exercise/mental/physical stimulation will find other ways of utilizing that built up energy they have – which may be in the form of barking, digging, jumping, chewing, etc.  It is very important to channel your dog’s energy in a positive form, otherwise they will figure out a way to channel it, and chances are, you won’t be happy with their choice.

There are many things that you can do to help burn your dog’s energy.  First of all, do some research into what types of activities your breed of dog is capable of doing, what were they bred for.  Second, check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is healthy, including their joints, muscles and cardiovascular.  Third, what is your time schedule and what does your family enjoy doing?  Try to involve your dog in things that you and your family enjoy – that way it is fun for everyone.  Does your daughter play soccer?  Your dog may love to practice soccer with your daughter for 30 minutes a day.  Is your son on the baseball team?  How about 30 minutes of practicing throwing a ball – it will strengthen his arm while exercising your dog.  Does anyone run for exercise in your family?  Take the dog running with you (don’t forget the doggy poop bags).  Signing up for agility class or fly-ball is a wonderful way of spending time bonding with your dog building his/ her confidence level and burning his/her energy.  And of course, a good obedience class will not only strengthen the bond between you and your dog, teach him/her some manners, but may also help polish off those little lingering habits you may want to fix.

Whatever the activity you choose, remember, a dog who has his/her energy channeled properly, is a much better behaved dog and a wonderful member of your family.

For a fun activity, come to Angie’s tracking/trailing/scent class.  You and your dog will not only learn new fun things to do together, but you may learn something about your dog you didn’t know!

Read more about Angie and check out her entire class schedule. Read the latest testimonials from Angie’s clients, including this one from Erin and Rod R., Samson’s parents:

“My husband and I adopted a 2 year old Doberman from a shelter with little knowledge of his background. He was a handful and obviously not trained. Within minutes, he responded to Angie’s training methods. It was not long before she had taken a wild, rambunctious animal and turned him into a calm, obedient dog. He is now obedient, graceful and well behaved, a true pleasure to walk! We are so proud of his obedience and Angie’s super natural abilities to train any dog – and people! Not only did our dog learn from her guidance and training, but my husband and I learned as well. We are truly impressed with her skills!”