Four Legged Scholars LLC – Ravenna – Dog Training and Surrounding Areas
We know how busy the holidays can be especially if you have children and a large family. Many times are dogs get put on the back burner during the holiday season. This can create much sadness for both you and your dog. We understand and we can help.
Below are some tips to make sure that your dog stays busy during the holidays.
1.) If you have a large family encourage everyone to work as a team. Maybe your older child or friend can go to the store while you walk your dog or maybe they can walk the dog while you go to the store. Encourage your family and friends to collaborate and work as a unite rather than being segregated.
2.) Think of easy ways you can entertain your dog. I love antlers, Kongs, and bully sticks, If you freeze almond butter or peanut butter and mix it with some of your dog’s treats or your dog’s kibble it will keep your dog busy for a long time period.
The Buster Cube is awesome too. You can put your dog’s meal or treats in it and your dog can push it around to get the food out. Check out pet stores near Ravenna. Dog training isn’t something you need to incorporate when you use these ideas because your dog will naturally like to do them.
3.) Stop feeding your dog in his food bowl. Every day think of ways you can use your dog’s kibble (meal). You can put it in a toy as stated above. You can also use it during dog training. Ravenna homes will be much more calm if dogs have to work for their food.
Dogs are scavengers so they will enjoy this. You can also spread the kibble on the floor or in your yard. Hiding the kibble in your home can be fun too. Both of these will make your dog search for his food.
4.) When you have family gatherings at your home, give everyone some treats or some of your dogs kibble. Instruct them to give this to your dog when he is performing a fun trick or performing good obedience. Ravenna families will have much peace when they incorporated their dogs in their family gatherings.
If your dog is ignored he will likely cause trouble.
5.) Also during a family gathering you can delegate older children to play with your dog. Have fun toys that will get them to include the dog in the fun. There is also a fun Board Game that you can play with your family that includes your dog too.
It is called Funagle. Each person has to get their dog to perform a behavior or trick with a treat. Kids love it and adults will too!
6.) Send your dog out for play dates. If other family members or friends have dogs have them over a play date or send your dog to them. Your children have play dates with their friends. Your dog wants that too.
7.) If you have spare time or your children do, have them train your dog some tricks. Then do a talent show of your dog’s tricks during your family gatherings. These tricks could include the following: rollover, shake, wave, kisses, spin, jump, sit pretty, sit in a chair, kick a ball, bow, etc.
In the picture above, Julie a client of ours is getting her dog to “spin” through dog training. Ravenna dog owners can do this too!
8.) If you have extra money, you can consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. It is always good to include them in your dog training. Ravenna has many on leash areas and you don’t want your dog walker encouraging your dog to pull on the leash. You can also send your dog to doggie daycare.
Remember your dog wants to be included in the fun and deep down you want to include your dog in the fun too. Remember you can both have a blast this holiday season!
Happy Training!
Johanna Teresi, Ravenna Dog Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC, Ravenna, Dog Training and Surrounding Areas
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