January is National Train Your Dog Month. What better time to address some of the behaviors that drove you crazy last year? This month, many Americans will make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives by improving themselves. It’s not much of a stretch to incorporate our pets into our new routines.
Many common canine nuisance behaviors are rooted in boredom. Dogs are social animals, and living with humans often requires them to spend many hours alone while their owners are at work. Boredom can easily escalate to anxiety, and anxious dogs often resort to barking, chewing, biting, and destroying property. Since most of us gain weight over the holidays anyway, now is a good time to get back in shape by taking our dogs on a brisk, daily walk. For dogs that are alone for long periods of time, food puzzles and frozen Kong toys can help your dog’s mind stay focused and sharp. Dogs who do nothing but sleep during the day can be overly excited when we get home. While this is understandable, it also tends to drive dog owners crazy. Interactive toys help them to stay awake and alert, so they are calmer by the time their owners return. And as schedules return to the pre-holiday norm, consider hiring a trainer or enrolling in some group classes. At Casa Kupkee, we will be setting up a canine agility course! Stay tuned...
