Merry Christmas!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With the holidays so close, it gets crazy with last minute shopping and guests and everything. Sometimes I get away from blogging at those moments. I just wanted to take this minute while I drink my yummy coffee on a snowy Sunday morning to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May it be all you want and wish it to be!

Best Christmas presents for your dog

Best gifts for your dog? Exercise, routine, training, rest and fun toys. More exercise instead of less during the holidays. I know it's hard to fit in and cold outside. But a tired dog is a good dog. Especially when you have company coming. Assign one family member the task of: long walk for dog before company gets here.

Next, keep their routine as close to normal as possible. This is also hard during the holidays but believe me, it will really help as dogs thrive on routine.It will help them to remain more calm and stress free. Also, keep up your good training during the holidays. Don't let the excuse of: too busy, too tired, out of town guests, parties and etc keep you from practice. Just let it be a part of everyday stuff. And have company help you. Show off what your dog knows. And be sure he does not jump on company. Sit to be petted.

Which leads to the next one, rest. Be sure he gets some time to chill away from all the hustle and bustle of the celebrations. That way you don't have to keep a constant eye on him and he can be successful and good too. Give him a good chew or stuffed Kong and retire him to the crate or spare room. You both will benefit.

Lastly, fun toys. There are so many interactive toys out now. Thinking toys that are fun for dogs include kongs, food dispensing balls, balls that you can record your voice, puzzles that they figure out how to get the food, little squirrels hidden in a tree trunk, rope and bottle toys that include food and many more. These kind will keep them busy for a longer time than a plush toy with a squeaky that lasts one minute.

Jerk and yell method vs Reward based training

Would someone please explain to me why oh why people still use the jerk and yell training method? It's proven to hurt dogs, hurt your relationship with them and is not very effective and can even make dogs more aggressive? They don't want to use "food" because somehow this is going to hurt their dog? What is it that they eat and need every day? Food. What is it that most dogs love? Food. Why not use something they need and love as a reward for work well done? Why is this a bribe? Does your boss "bribe" you to come to work? No, he rewards you for work well done with something you need and want-money. I am so tired of seeing people yell and jerk their dogs around. And with a metal collar no less. It's medieval and unnecessary. I want my dog to be my working companion, my team mate, not my slave or robot-obeying because they have to. I want my dog to listen because he wants to, because I hold the key to all that he needs and wants. I guess some people will forever jerk and yell at their dogs, I just don't want that kind of relationship with my dog. I want a happy face like the dogs in the picture above. Dogs deserve it.