Let's first start by acknowledging the fact that most of the things that dogs do that drive us crazy are, well, normal behaviors for dogs. Dogs bark, dogs jump, and dogs are excited to see people. Those things are inherently "dog." We can't change the fact that dogs are dogs and do doggie things. What we can change, though, is when and where they do these things. And that's what this month's newsletter will focus on.

Let's take our dogs serious and honestly.  You may not believe it, but we have more interactions with our dogs than anyone would believe.  Does this sound familiar:  "Hi doggies, good to see you again.  What did you guys do all day while I was at work?  Here is your dinner, go eat and lie down so I can get through all the mail, eat my dinner and let me relax for the evening".  This is not uncommon.  When you work a 9-5 job, it is tough enough to find time to get everything you want done in the few hours you have in that evening.  But, on the other hand, it is not like us to ignore the dog either.  Below, you will find some ideas that just might be able to help you and your pooch to meet somewhere in the middle! 

Way back when dogs had jobs too.  If the doggies didn't do their jobs, they didn't exist.  The doggies would work all day and sleep all night long.  The pooches probably didn't get in trouble much because they were too exhausted from working all day.  TODAY, the doggies have it made.  All they do now is sleep all day, eat and take a walk or two around the block or even in the park.

We notice quite a bit of a difference on our four doggies when we take them camping for just long weekends.  They would get so worn out by days end.  The canines would spend hours outside doing all kinds of activities such as running, swimming and just playing with all the kids.  When it was time for everyone to come for dinner, the dogs would gulp their food, drink water like it was going out of style and then collapsed in their doggie beds for the night and wouldn't get up until morning.

On a normal day at home, the dogs are eating their bones, chasing one another around in the yard, playing tug a war with each other, playing ball,  jumping on and off the couch barking out the window when they see another animal or people walking, or just in general causing chaos.  Just remember this is considered a normal day.  These sessions end when the exhausted canines collapse in the shade, come and drink lots of water, or take a nap on the chair.  Even with all this activity several times a day, it is still not even close to being enough play for our energetic dogs.

Also, our pooches need both physical and mental activities as well.  So, what does a busy, but loving doggie person have to do?  Well, there is quite a bit we can do to have our doggies involved with their physical and mental activities.  Just remember if your dogs are happy and tired, they are leaving us to relax.  What can do to help with the mental activity?  We take the pooches for a hike in the park that is more than just a mile with no strenous effort at all.  Being outdoors in a wooded area brings joy to the dogs.  There is lots of shade with all those hugh trees around.  We cherish the wildlife that surrounds us through the woods.  We think the most important point is that it is quiet and it helps the mental state of both the doggies and the owners.  We may be at the park for 1-2 hours which is sufficient for the canines to have fun and be exhausted from the walk.  Unlike being at home the dogs do play and run but don't tend to be tired enough to rest and let their owners relax for a while.

Just remember, the next time your pooches are causing all kinds of chaos, try a few of the suggestions in our newsletter.  It can only help you NOT hurt you anymore than it already did.