Do you want a sneak peak into one of my training sessions?
Here’s a little smattering of my favorite toys and enrichment activities you can do with and for your dog which will add another outlet in guiding your dog towards some relaxation!
First, meals don’t need to happen in a bowl.
You can feed meals in a variety of ways which gets your dog thinking, doing something fun and productive and even slows down those Hoover dogs!
Using a snuffle mat (see below) have all sorts of nooks you can hide food in which encourages your dog to forage.
If your dog enjoys a bit more of a challenge like Jack, up-cycle those empty egg cartons into a puzzle feeder and place your dog’s meals in them.
Foraging Fun!
Watch the fun your dog’s have when they are finding all the bits!
Other great options of adding in some enriching activities your dog can do with you are using your broom and make it into a jumping pole.
Place it flat on the ground and encourage your dog to step over it.
As your dog is comfortable, you slowly raise it up off the ground.
Even encourage your dog to crawl underneath it!
Try them out and share what your favorite enrichment activity is to do with your dog!
Looking back on where Jack was when we first brought him home until now, it’s night and day.
Jack was frustrated, his social and emotional needs weren’t met in the beginning which resulted in barking and lunging at anything and everything.
Jack was thirsty to learn.
I needed to listen, but in the beginning I didn’t know how.
I struggled with his separation related behaviors, his panic attacks in confinement areas, his barking and lunging on a leash at people, cars, trucks, other dogs, runners, bicyclists and I recognized he was struggling too.
I needed to find how to help him understand he’s safe when we didn’t speak the same language.
The first thing I did was discover his favorite things-FOOD! 😂
Food is important for any animal’s survival. You don’t have to teach another living being to like food (maybe the type of food ect).
What is necessary to understand is a more pleasurable food will for sure boost morale which in turn will encourage more motivation.
The power of food can change minds.
Then I began bringing his favorites everywhere I went with him.
This not only helped him engage with me, but I also recognized when I was wearing my treat pouch, I was also engaged with him too.
It was a physical reminder, I’m here for Jack and I want to teach him, much like when a person brings a briefcase to work or puts on a uniform.
We worked together in more distracting environments and together he built his toolbox of coping skills and increased his self control.
Not only did Jack learn the reward of something delicious coming his way when we saw another person, or even another dog, but he started to “see” me too.
Jack began checking in with me on his own because I consistently showed up for and stayed engaged with him.
The ongoing practice is a game changer for him.
He’s learned to change his mind about all the things I mentioned. We passed by a person walking their very excited dog while in the car and Jack watched without getting excited or barking and lunging.
We drive through the gate at JBLM and Jack is content with the window being rolled down and the gate guard and I sharing pleasantries and getting ID cards scanned.
These things did not happen in the beginning.
He changed because I changed.
I know it’s scary, but you can change too.
Bring the rewards.
Praise and reward for the behaviors you want.
Be consistent.
Take your time.
Look to set up for success always.
If a mistake happens, because it will, be kind to yourself and your dog.
You’re both learning together.
You will see the relationship unfold and your dog change too.
Are you tired of being the referee with your dog and kids?
Do you just want to enjoy the time when your kids are playing amongst themselves and your dog is quietly joining them?
I bet this doesn’t last long.
You hear MOM or DAD! Fido stole my race car!! And now a chase ensues around your home. Your kids are crying, your dog is excited and you just want all of this to stop.
But you’re at a loss of what to do.
You adopted your dog from the rescue, you don’t know what your new family member went through before and you do want the best for Fido, but the constant refereeing has GOT. TO. STOP!
I completely understand.
The craziness is getting on your nerves.
All you want to do is enjoy your morning coffee with less drama.
Even though you may see Fido mirroring you and following you around to get his needs met, your kids can become the great equalizers.
Your children can also become those Fido seeks out for breakfast and dinner and to even be let out in the backyard for a potty break.
Your kids can also teach Fido news skills and be able to take some of the burden off of you.
How?
Get them involved with caretaking and training responsibilities in age appropriate ways.
Finding the motivation to jumpstart your kids involvement may be necessary if they haven’t had to do these things before.
Then as your kids see the enjoyment in spending time with Fido, the whole atmosphere of the home changes.
Here are some age-appropriate ways you can involve your kids as well as what they can learn by getting involved:
Children younger than 5 years old can help alert you to when the dog needs more fresh water. This can encourage your child in developing a sense of responsibility.
Young children can also help to stuff kongs or other puzzle toys. This not only encourages your child helpfulness, but it also develops your child’s fine motor skills of pinching small objects as well as hand eye coordinator of fitting the food or treats in a kong.
Scatter feeding is another way young children can be apart of the caretaking responsibilities. Not only does this teach children that dogs require food to survive, it also builds on your child’s gross motor skills of being able to raise arms and toss.
Older children can also take on a caretaking role too. Older children can be responsible for cleaning bowls and toys. Also, older children can practice training cues. Older children can also be responsible for Fido’s walks as long as Fido is comfortable seeing other people, dogs and experiencing trucks go by.
Shadow relaxing with his human bros!
Learning how to become more effective communicators can really fine tune how they relate to another and build their confidence in teaching another something new.
🤔 Now, since you know your kids best, how you can motivate your kids to take an active role? 🤔
Four Paws & You Dog Training 