| How Bored is YOUR Dog Today? |
It is a simple fact that boredom is the root of many behavior problems in dogs. If you are fortunate enough to own an active breed
(many Sporting, Herding, Terriers and Working breeds fall into this category) then you probably already know the woes of dogs
digging holes in the lawn, barking excessively, chewing valuable objects, etc. Dogs are dogs after all, and if you selected an active
breed then you need to invest some time in redirecting all that energy. Fortunately, there are many options! Look for activities that
engage both the mind and body. You'll get the biggest advantage from your time spent. Here are just a few ideas:
Take a Hike: Walking or running with your dog is one of the best forms of exercise for you both. Even if your dog isn't as good on a
leash as you would like, the more you practice the better your dog will get so get out there and walk! If you are fortunate enough to
have a safe place to run your dog off leash - so much the better! And, there is always the dog park options with 3 dog parks in
Fresno (Woodward Park, El Capitan and the new park at Roeding which includes a separate fenced area for small dogs)! Your
active dogs NEED exercise!!
Backyard Scavenger Hunt: Give your dog something to do by scattering his dinner in the lawn. You can make little hidden
"jackpots" for him to find or you can just scatter the kibble everywhere. This gives your dog a more natural eating experience and
allows him to hunt and forage for his meal.
More Fun With Food: Stuff a Kong toy (or two or three) with his dinner and hide it in the yard. You can use his regular kibble mixed
with a little peanut butter, whipped cream cheese or canned dog food to make the kibbles stick together a little. Stuff the mixture into
a Kong toy and let him search for it! If he gets good at emptying the Kongs quickly, use a little more "sticky" substance and pack
more tightly - you can even freeze them for more challenge. It is wise to supervise your dog the first several times he uses the Kong
toy so that you are sure he can use it safely before leaving it for him to search for during the day. This hidden Kongs work well for
house dogs too! Want to give your dog something fun to do? Hide a Kong in the house before you go to work and let him get his
own breakfast! Tip: Buy a few extra Kongs so you can make them up a day ahead or keep a couple already stuffed in the freezer for
when you need to feed and run. Mix it up - some days hide a Kong, some days scatter kibble on the floor or in the lawn, some days
feed from a bowl - just keep your dog guessing. That will entertain and amuse a dog with an active mind!
Catch the Flying Disc: Whether you play each day in your backyard or aspire to compete locally or nationally with your dog, playing
Frisbee can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, not to mention it is just plain cool to watch! For some training tips check out
How Do I Get My Dog to Play Frisbee? or visit www.skyhoundz.com for a schedule of local and national competitions.
Play Ball!: A good old fashioned game of "fetch the ball" is another great way to burn off that active-dog energy. Want to take it to the
next level? How about Flyball? Flyball is sort of like drag racing for dogs. Running, jumping, ball-crazy dogs are revered. Talk
about a doggie work-out! Mentally and physically dogs are challenged in this sport. Learn more about Flyball and upcoming
tournaments in your area by visiting www.flyballdogs.com. There are several Flyball teams located in the Fresno/Clovis area
including Leap of Faith and Mutts in Motion. You can find contact informaton for these teams on the Flyball Dogs website.
Through that Tunnel, Over that Jump: Is your dog quick-thinking and sure-footed? Teaching him a few tricks in the backyard can
be rewarding for both you and your dog. Jumping through hoops made of flexible drain pipe or over bales of hay can create simple
challenges for your dog. When you're ready for more, take some classes and head out there to compete in trials. In the Fresno
area, contact Rose for training information.
I Herd Ewe!: If your dog is a herding breed, you may consider having him instinct tested on livestock. Herding competitions and
titling events occur year-round and are thrilling to watch. Locally, contact Jeannie Werner at jjworkinbc@aol.com. Jeannie gives
lessons in Caruthers. Another option, if you don't mind the drive, is Drummond Ranch in Acton. Janna Ondrak offer several trials at
her place each year and are just outstanding people to work with.
Whew!
We haven't exhausted all of our options yet, but that should give you a few to think about until next time. Many dogs have been
surrendered to shelters because owners "couldn't handle" the intensity and drive of their dogs. Fortunately, there are a lot of people
who recognize this as a gift and choose to use it wisely. Whether they herd sheep on a ranch or catch a frisbee in a national
competition...these active dogs are inspire and impress with their talent and skill.
Until next time...play nice.
(many Sporting, Herding, Terriers and Working breeds fall into this category) then you probably already know the woes of dogs
digging holes in the lawn, barking excessively, chewing valuable objects, etc. Dogs are dogs after all, and if you selected an active
breed then you need to invest some time in redirecting all that energy. Fortunately, there are many options! Look for activities that
engage both the mind and body. You'll get the biggest advantage from your time spent. Here are just a few ideas:
Take a Hike: Walking or running with your dog is one of the best forms of exercise for you both. Even if your dog isn't as good on a
leash as you would like, the more you practice the better your dog will get so get out there and walk! If you are fortunate enough to
have a safe place to run your dog off leash - so much the better! And, there is always the dog park options with 3 dog parks in
Fresno (Woodward Park, El Capitan and the new park at Roeding which includes a separate fenced area for small dogs)! Your
active dogs NEED exercise!!
Backyard Scavenger Hunt: Give your dog something to do by scattering his dinner in the lawn. You can make little hidden
"jackpots" for him to find or you can just scatter the kibble everywhere. This gives your dog a more natural eating experience and
allows him to hunt and forage for his meal.
More Fun With Food: Stuff a Kong toy (or two or three) with his dinner and hide it in the yard. You can use his regular kibble mixed
with a little peanut butter, whipped cream cheese or canned dog food to make the kibbles stick together a little. Stuff the mixture into
a Kong toy and let him search for it! If he gets good at emptying the Kongs quickly, use a little more "sticky" substance and pack
more tightly - you can even freeze them for more challenge. It is wise to supervise your dog the first several times he uses the Kong
toy so that you are sure he can use it safely before leaving it for him to search for during the day. This hidden Kongs work well for
house dogs too! Want to give your dog something fun to do? Hide a Kong in the house before you go to work and let him get his
own breakfast! Tip: Buy a few extra Kongs so you can make them up a day ahead or keep a couple already stuffed in the freezer for
when you need to feed and run. Mix it up - some days hide a Kong, some days scatter kibble on the floor or in the lawn, some days
feed from a bowl - just keep your dog guessing. That will entertain and amuse a dog with an active mind!
Catch the Flying Disc: Whether you play each day in your backyard or aspire to compete locally or nationally with your dog, playing
Frisbee can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, not to mention it is just plain cool to watch! For some training tips check out
How Do I Get My Dog to Play Frisbee? or visit www.skyhoundz.com for a schedule of local and national competitions.
Play Ball!: A good old fashioned game of "fetch the ball" is another great way to burn off that active-dog energy. Want to take it to the
next level? How about Flyball? Flyball is sort of like drag racing for dogs. Running, jumping, ball-crazy dogs are revered. Talk
about a doggie work-out! Mentally and physically dogs are challenged in this sport. Learn more about Flyball and upcoming
tournaments in your area by visiting www.flyballdogs.com. There are several Flyball teams located in the Fresno/Clovis area
including Leap of Faith and Mutts in Motion. You can find contact informaton for these teams on the Flyball Dogs website.
Through that Tunnel, Over that Jump: Is your dog quick-thinking and sure-footed? Teaching him a few tricks in the backyard can
be rewarding for both you and your dog. Jumping through hoops made of flexible drain pipe or over bales of hay can create simple
challenges for your dog. When you're ready for more, take some classes and head out there to compete in trials. In the Fresno
area, contact Rose for training information.
I Herd Ewe!: If your dog is a herding breed, you may consider having him instinct tested on livestock. Herding competitions and
titling events occur year-round and are thrilling to watch. Locally, contact Jeannie Werner at jjworkinbc@aol.com. Jeannie gives
lessons in Caruthers. Another option, if you don't mind the drive, is Drummond Ranch in Acton. Janna Ondrak offer several trials at
her place each year and are just outstanding people to work with.
Whew!
We haven't exhausted all of our options yet, but that should give you a few to think about until next time. Many dogs have been
surrendered to shelters because owners "couldn't handle" the intensity and drive of their dogs. Fortunately, there are a lot of people
who recognize this as a gift and choose to use it wisely. Whether they herd sheep on a ranch or catch a frisbee in a national
competition...these active dogs are inspire and impress with their talent and skill.
Until next time...play nice.
 |  |  |  |
