Topic: Exercise, exercise, exercise

A huge number of my private dog trainings center on solving one problem or another. These problems run the gamut from simply annoying, puppy nipping on through to extremely dangerous forward aggressive adult dogs. These "problem dogs" come in all different breeds, in all ages, and come from very diverse households. They do, however, have one thing very much in common. They all donıt get sufficient exercise to suit their needs.

Proper exercise alone can solve or prevent 90% of common doggy problems 90% of the time 90% effectively.

When I first mention the above written fact, my clients instantly imagine I mean they have to tediously jog for miles with their dogs. Not so - aside from not always being practical or even beneficial - jogging focuses too much on just physical exercise. I prefer to mix active physical exercise with mental exercise as well.

For example:

That jog around the neighborhood is an O.K. idea. But, to make it a really effective canine exercise, try practicing obedience DURING the jog. Every 15 feet or so, make the dog SIT. Make these SITs quick and snappy to keep the dog interested and thinking. Now, instead of having the dog mindlessly trot around (and probably getting more excited, not less), you now are making the dog work.

If jogging isnıt your cup of tea, try playing FETCH with your dog. Get ahold of 3, 4, 5 or even a dozen OLD tennis balls. Several balls allow you to keep the game active without having to stop and retrieve (or fight the dog for ) the ball. In between every toss, though, have the dog SIT or DOWN. As soon as it performs the requested act, immediately toss the ball. After an amazingly short time, your pooch will start to relate the SIT or the DOWN with you throwing the ball. Now it has to think while playing. This game can be played on and off leash, in a fenced in yard or a hallway, or even up and down a flight of stairs.

Further exercise can include simply stimulating ALL the dogıs senses. Take the pooch to different places - parks, shopping centers, different neighborhoods - and practice light controlling obedience. Your dog will now have to actively work to SIT, COME and DOWN while being bombarded by all kinds of stimuli.

Your dog can get in some exercise while youıre sitting watching TV or surfing the Net. Scoot forward in the chair or sofa and place the dog into the SIT in front of you, in between your legs. Keep the dog in this position and ONLY this position by praising, caressing and by constantly repositioning it should it move. Start out by making the dog SIT for only a few minutes at a time, working the dog up to a maximum of 20 minutes. Simply sitting for extended times, your dog is exerting huge amounts of mental energy while exerting some physical energy controlling its movements.

Even while in the crate or alone, your dog can still exercise its body and mind. Stuff special hollow chew toys (such as Kongs or sterilized marrow bones) with VERY tempting treats. Your pup will use up some physical energy trying to open the toy and lots of mental energy trying to figure a way to get the treat.

Try these exercise ideas for at least a week before expecting to notice any results.

So, for those of you who have a jumpy, nippy puppy - TIRE IT OUT ! Nervous or skitterish dog? Lower its energy levels to naturally tone it down. Even housebreaking can be helped along by having your puppy too pooped to run away from you and poop in your home.