Southern California is known for its sunny weather all year long. While a lot of people treasure the idea of a “White Christmas,” I usually spend mine in a tank top and jeans… well, if its raining I might throw on a sweatshirt when I go outside. In other words, we don’t get a whole lot of real weather, just occasional rain storms and lots of fog. And while those of us that walk upright might enjoy the occasional lazy day on the couch with the rain falling outside, our four-legged counter parts might have a bit of cabin fever. So how do solve this dilemma?
Well, according to an article in the “Sacramento Bee”, Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori suggest exercising the mind. Obesity has recently become a concern in the United States, and now it is carrying over to our pets as well. Exercise will not only help prevent that, but it will also improve the mental health of your pet as well. I just saw on an episode of the Discover Channel show Mythbusters that it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks!
So why not try? Becker and Spadafori believe that training is a way of communicating with your dog, and the more communication there is the stronger a bond can form. When teaching a new trick, it is ok to do one at a time, or a few, just as long as you go over them several times a day. An important thing to remember is that some dogs are physically able to do some tricks better than others. The article uses the example that a terrier can jump through hoops with more ease than a bull dog… but you have to admit it would be pretty cool to see a bull dog jumping over the moon through hoops. Whatever type of dog you have, find out their talents and bond over them!
Mikai, the Honest Kitchen puppy pictured, learned how to sit at an early age.
Want more of the article?
Pet Connection: Tricks are actually a treat for your dog
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