Dogs
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Just as I'm realizing the need for additional time with Jacque's training, Oliver has taken front stage. In preparation for more travel and public outings, he has been spending more time out and about with me. The result has been a noticeably stronger bond between the two of us that I would not have thought possible.
There's no question that time together has helped us become more familiar with our signals, body language and gestures. I'm beginning to read his messages more clearly, while also realizing that more are there and not yet understood. We're working on that!
The other challenge has been in making sure that Tanner and Jacque get their fair share of my time. I don't want to lose the bond that Tanner and I have worked so hard to build, so I've been taking opportunities to sneak in time with him that involves just the two of us. We've decided that getting back to the pet superstore walks during this unbelievably hot and wet Summer is an ideal way to take a cool walk while meeting other dogs and enjoying some shopping. Tanner's favorite aisle is the toy aisle, and believe me, he makes it clear which are his favorite toys--all of them!
Jacque is in leash training now and he's still demonstrating a bit too much assertiveness. The Walk in Sync leash system is working well, however. He responds as he should when I stop and wait for him to quit pulling, by dropping his weight back and waiting on me to continue. I'm practicing the method that involves little vocalizations, as he is definitely encouraged to speed up by any voice commands I offer, including the ones that ask for "slow".
We'll get there, but it may be a longer process since he has had 4 years of practice at being a puller. The old trick of walking a trainee with a good walker is definitely an excellent technique, but doesn't allow me the one-on-one time I'm seeking right now. For now, we'll alternate that in to give him an example, while spending some of our walks in the silence of our own twosome.
How do you spend your one-on-one time with Fido? Share your thoughts, strategies and ideas. We'd like to try some new ones :)
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!
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Dogs
One on One Pet Bonding
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
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| © AllThingsDogBlog.com Time Alone with Fido Strengthens Bond |
There's no question that time together has helped us become more familiar with our signals, body language and gestures. I'm beginning to read his messages more clearly, while also realizing that more are there and not yet understood. We're working on that!
The other challenge has been in making sure that Tanner and Jacque get their fair share of my time. I don't want to lose the bond that Tanner and I have worked so hard to build, so I've been taking opportunities to sneak in time with him that involves just the two of us. We've decided that getting back to the pet superstore walks during this unbelievably hot and wet Summer is an ideal way to take a cool walk while meeting other dogs and enjoying some shopping. Tanner's favorite aisle is the toy aisle, and believe me, he makes it clear which are his favorite toys--all of them!
Jacque is in leash training now and he's still demonstrating a bit too much assertiveness. The Walk in Sync leash system is working well, however. He responds as he should when I stop and wait for him to quit pulling, by dropping his weight back and waiting on me to continue. I'm practicing the method that involves little vocalizations, as he is definitely encouraged to speed up by any voice commands I offer, including the ones that ask for "slow".
We'll get there, but it may be a longer process since he has had 4 years of practice at being a puller. The old trick of walking a trainee with a good walker is definitely an excellent technique, but doesn't allow me the one-on-one time I'm seeking right now. For now, we'll alternate that in to give him an example, while spending some of our walks in the silence of our own twosome.How do you spend your one-on-one time with Fido? Share your thoughts, strategies and ideas. We'd like to try some new ones :)
Happy tails,
- Pet Care By And For Seniors
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Bacon and Eggs for Breakfast A Saturday Tradition that Jacque is Celebrating! As some of you may be aware, I have been caring for my mother's dog, Jacque, for much of 2013. He has integrated into our routines...
- Pet Projects: Helping Seniors Keep Their Dogs
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Puppy Oliver Bonded Early with "Grandma"Having something or someone to live for is such an integral part of life for all of us. This doesn’t change when we’re over age 65. Pets add purpose to our lives...
- Bonding By The Names: Toy Identities!
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com You Said 'Gator', Right?"Yes, Tanner. That's right boy." This is a game we've enjoyed greatly over the years. Tanner has at times known the names of upwards of a dozen toys. Currently, not...
- 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...
- 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...