One of our goals each day is to help Gabe and Rose get enough exercise. We train, play games, walk, let them wrestle, have quiet time, and create new activities.
Training for sit, down, look, stay, come, leave it happens often. Once a word and concept have been introduced, we practice in daily life. Sit happens at doors, for leashing, before eating, to greet new people, etc. These guys are still toddler teens, but there are improvements happening each day.
We also try to find new games to play. Finding treats in a toy, getting treats out of a toy, a little tug to help teach fetch–and anything else we read about to help them really use their minds. We use treats, our presence, our voice, and belly rubs to keep them focused and having fun.
We walk them some and look for new places to walk them. We will be working more on this in the next few weeks. Once we have trained for a command like “sit,” we want to practice on grass, on pavement, on gravel, on slick floor–and at different times of day and with different distractions.
Gabe and Rose chase each other all over the yard! They run, roll, vocalize, and have a marvelous time. We need for them to tire each other out!
We also try to have quiet time together. We want them to choose to be with us when they rest between sessions of play or training. I think the bond grows more in the quiet than in the activity. I’m not sure why because they love the activity! However, when Gabe comes and sits beside me to rest, he feels more connected. When Rose asks for a moment in the sun or flops in front of me and puts her head down, it feels like she is content.
Tired dogs are less destructive and a bit calmer–and less likely to jump up in excitement. For now, this schedule for tiring them out is a daily goal for these active and powerful beasts. They need for us to plan the schedule and events to keep the energy and anxiety burned off. Some of the anxiety is theirs and some is ours. COVID-19, work, responsibilities, maintaining connections with others, and the life stresses we face can influence our critters. They remind me to focus on burning off my own stress. They wear me out, too!
I am still sometimes overwhelmed in the process of helping Gabe and Rose be the best dogs they can be. It isn’t an easy or a quick process! I endeavor to be better, stronger, and smarter to be a better leader for them. I feel like I am working on a PhD in dogs right now! Gabe and Rose are family! We will continue to study and find the right choices to help them–and maybe help me not have so many paw prints on my pants.
Paw Prints on My Heart and on My Pants 