Dogs
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
As a dog lover, I sometimes catch myself taking it too far. Well, not too far for me, but for the comfort of others. Everyone, even the dog owners who are not as nuts about their passion as I may be, has their limits on things. I'd like to explore that a bit in the spotlight of bonding with your dog.
Rules don't have to be punishments. If you prefer your dog remain off the furniture or out of the living room, simply teach it. Make it a positive experience when he complies and give him plenty of reason to continue to follow the rules: praise, treats, affectionate rewards. You'll be surprised at how quickly your Fido will be eager to please you and remain on the bed you provide for him, beside your furniture or just outside the entrance to that off-limits living room.
Even rules that have variances can be taught and understood. A perfect example is where Tanner sleeps. At 70 lbs. he's not a logical addition to my bed when hubby is home. Besides space, Tanner prefers a quiet bed that doesn't include inhabitants who pitch and roll a lot, while hubby prefers to be able to roll without coming in contact with a furface. :) That made for an easy decision that Tanner sleeps in his own, very large, dog bed. It's right beside our bed, so he's always with us and keeping watch. We all seem to like it this way.
Fast forward to those nights when hubby is traveling and you'll find that Tanner enjoys sleeping in dad's spot. I'm fairly still in my sleep, so he appears to find me a compatible bedmate, and I rather enjoy the company and security he brings to the mix. With our alert dog, Oliver, snugly warming my feet, I get my pups both snuggling in while hubby is away.
Tanner takes no issue with this rule change from day to day. He understands that when I tell him to go to his own bed, that's that. I mean business, yet it is all said with the affectionate bond that we share.
Join me next week when I explore the balance in our activities. Do you have any problems with balancing your own time management with that of your dog responsibilities and activities? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing mine next week. I hope you join me again for the Weekly Wag each Saturday, and don't forget to leave your comments.
Happy tails,
Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!
- Caring For Your Dog When You're Sick
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com IV Treatments This Weekend Trump Stitched Up Knee in 2011The good news is this treatment lasts only a few days. But remaining hooked up to an IV pole is not exactly my idea of a fun weekend. Crimped lines,...
- Pet Bonding Inspiration: Where Do You Find It?
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com iBark. Do you?Things at the All Things Dog Blog household are a little out of sync this week. With a family member in the hospital, we're caring for another dog. Add an additional pet to the household...
- Dog Behavior: Perception And Protectiveness
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Tanner Socializes at the Dog Park Think your dog is too much of a sweat heart to protect you in a pinch? I used to also, but think again. Fido lives with you, is fed by you in your home, and knows your property....
- Dog Owners And The Behavior Equation
by Carrie Boyko, CEB (c) AllThingsDogBlog.com Keeping Tabs on Mom--Teamwork I'm diving in here today. Please don't drown me before I resurface. I'm a dog owner too, and I speak for myself just as I refer to all dog owners. Our behavior affects...
- Weekly Wag: Fulfilling Your Dog's Bucket List
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Tanner Thrives on Outdoor Activities Thank you all for your patience while I have been away from my duties here. With a son getting married and the Barkworld Expo trip immediately following, I've...
Dogs
Life with Dogs: Building in Balance
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
 |
| © AllThngsDogBlog.com The Napping House! |
Rules don't have to be punishments. If you prefer your dog remain off the furniture or out of the living room, simply teach it. Make it a positive experience when he complies and give him plenty of reason to continue to follow the rules: praise, treats, affectionate rewards. You'll be surprised at how quickly your Fido will be eager to please you and remain on the bed you provide for him, beside your furniture or just outside the entrance to that off-limits living room.
Even rules that have variances can be taught and understood. A perfect example is where Tanner sleeps. At 70 lbs. he's not a logical addition to my bed when hubby is home. Besides space, Tanner prefers a quiet bed that doesn't include inhabitants who pitch and roll a lot, while hubby prefers to be able to roll without coming in contact with a furface. :) That made for an easy decision that Tanner sleeps in his own, very large, dog bed. It's right beside our bed, so he's always with us and keeping watch. We all seem to like it this way.
Fast forward to those nights when hubby is traveling and you'll find that Tanner enjoys sleeping in dad's spot. I'm fairly still in my sleep, so he appears to find me a compatible bedmate, and I rather enjoy the company and security he brings to the mix. With our alert dog, Oliver, snugly warming my feet, I get my pups both snuggling in while hubby is away.
Tanner takes no issue with this rule change from day to day. He understands that when I tell him to go to his own bed, that's that. I mean business, yet it is all said with the affectionate bond that we share.
Join me next week when I explore the balance in our activities. Do you have any problems with balancing your own time management with that of your dog responsibilities and activities? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing mine next week. I hope you join me again for the Weekly Wag each Saturday, and don't forget to leave your comments.
Happy tails,
- Caring For Your Dog When You're Sick
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com IV Treatments This Weekend Trump Stitched Up Knee in 2011The good news is this treatment lasts only a few days. But remaining hooked up to an IV pole is not exactly my idea of a fun weekend. Crimped lines,...
- Pet Bonding Inspiration: Where Do You Find It?
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com iBark. Do you?Things at the All Things Dog Blog household are a little out of sync this week. With a family member in the hospital, we're caring for another dog. Add an additional pet to the household...
- Dog Behavior: Perception And Protectiveness
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Tanner Socializes at the Dog Park Think your dog is too much of a sweat heart to protect you in a pinch? I used to also, but think again. Fido lives with you, is fed by you in your home, and knows your property....
- Dog Owners And The Behavior Equation
by Carrie Boyko, CEB (c) AllThingsDogBlog.com Keeping Tabs on Mom--Teamwork I'm diving in here today. Please don't drown me before I resurface. I'm a dog owner too, and I speak for myself just as I refer to all dog owners. Our behavior affects...
- Weekly Wag: Fulfilling Your Dog's Bucket List
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Tanner Thrives on Outdoor Activities Thank you all for your patience while I have been away from my duties here. With a son getting married and the Barkworld Expo trip immediately following, I've...