Exercise and Enrichment
- Exercise daily.
Walks, runs, and playtime burn energy and stimulate the mind. - Provide mental stimulation.
Puzzle toys, scent games, and training challenges keep your dog sharp. - Offer a variety of toys.
Rotate them to keep your dog interested and prevent boredom. - Encourage safe exploration.
Allow time to sniff, wander, and experience new environments. - Create fun indoor activities.
On rainy days, play hide-and-seek, obstacle courses, or tug-of-war indoors. - Take hikes, if your dog is able.
Nature is great for both you and your dog’s health and happiness. - Schedule dog playdates thoughtfully.
Choose friendly, compatible playmates and supervise their interactions. - Teach fun tricks.
Mental workouts like learning “roll over” or “spin” build confidence. - Allow time for independent play.
Dogs need self-directed activities too. - Respect when your dog needs rest.
Downtime is important, especially for puppies and seniors.
Training and Behavior
- Teach basic obedience commands.
Sit, stay, come, down, and leave it can literally save your dog’s life. - Use positive reinforcement methods.
Rewarding good behavior works better — and builds trust. - Be consistent with commands and rules.
Dogs learn best when expectations are clear and steady. - Avoid punishment-based training.
Fear damages the bond between you and your dog. - Socialize your dog early and often.
Positive experiences with people, pets, and environments create confidence. - Enroll in obedience classes if needed.
Professional guidance can set both of you up for success. - Focus on short, positive sessions.
Frequent five-minute lessons beat occasional hour-long marathons. - Be patient with mistakes.
Learning is a process, not a one-time event. - Address problem behaviors early.
Nipping issues in the bud prevents bigger problems later. - Celebrate victories, big and small.
Puppy sat instead of jumping? That’s a win! Praise it!