How to get Dog Training into Every Day

Many of us are really good at scheduling more stuff in a day then we actually have time for. Or maybe we did have time, but because it’s so tight one little hiccup sends the whole day into a tailspin. This can cause us to sideline our agility practice until we have enough time. This might be due to the fact we get caught into the trap of thinking we need to spend one big chunk of time on practice. Your dog doesn’t care how long the session is as long as they get some of your undivided attention. If your day is getting hectic, just stop for 5-10 minutes playing their favorite game, taking a couple jumps or some recall work. Remember, dog agility is far deeper than running an obstacle course. It is about developing your partnership and that means simply spending time together in play is enough for your dog.

One of our viewers had the following words to share as well:

Sharon Empson shares, “I think our dogs are healthier mentally when they are stimulated by play (training) a little each day. My dogs love it. Even if it is review, or playing a game such as 100 things to do with a box! My three love games, puzzles, recall games out in the back yard, using the treadmill, going for a ride, and a walk, and learning something new they can use around the house. I am working on giving all my dogs a job around the house. Right now my Cody’s job is to pick the dog dishes up after breakfast and bring them to me, and he also enjoys closing the cabinets in the kitchen when I open them and picking up laundry I drop on the way to the washer and bringing it to me.”

Try to spend time doing something with your dog and including them into your day. It may not seem like a big thing to you, but it is everything to them.