Woof, woof....barking happy new year to you!

Woof, woof, till later, 

Zoey

6 great ways to challenge your dog’s mind

Reprinted from FB, Dec 30, 2016

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/obedience/6-great-ways-to-challenge-your-dogs-mind?

By Nicole Pajer

Just like people, dogs get bored with the same old everyday routine. Keeping them mentally challenged and constantly exposing them to new things is just as important as taking them for walks and exercising them. Bored dogs develop destructive behaviors and take their negative energy out on things like your furniture.

Here are some creative ways to stimulate your dog’s mind so they don’t get bored and misbehave:

Related: 5 essential commands you can teach your dog

1. Work on a new trick

Every time you engage your dog in a training session, you are providing him with a mental challenge. Search around for new tricks to work on. If you’re ready to move past the basic commands, check out books, scan the Internet, and ask a trainer for ideas for new tricks and training ideas.

“My dog, Vince just recently turned 4-years old and I finally enrolled him in obedience school. It has changed both our lives. Now on days where I work him on new tricks and such, I have noticed that his temperament has calmed down. Challenging him mentally makes him much less anxious in general and he has become more relaxed around other dogs. Vince is proof that old dogs can definitely learn new tricks.” – Sara Hicks

2. Play with interactive games or toys with your dog

Purchase a doggie board game or a canine puzzle to challenge your pup. Engage your dog in a game of Dog Memory or Dog Dominos. Give your dog one of the many toys that allow you to hide treats and objects inside and engage your dog to figure out how to work them out.

“This sounds silly but I bought this board game that I saw at the store for my dog Snickers and I to play together. I put treats underneath a peg and she has to figure out which ones to lift up in order to find where the treats are. There is another version where I cover up the treats with this piece of plastic and Snickers has to spin the board around to uncover the treats. It really challenges her and I see her brain working so hard to figure everything out.” – Donna Marr

3. Run errands with your dog

Even a quick run to the mailbox, a stopover at a friend’s house, or a spin through the car wash will place your dog face to face with a variety of stimulants.

“Even just taking Ryker for a car ride or to the car wash is stimulating for him. He gets to see lots of different sights and sounds and experience new situations. He loves going and gets so excited. And I can see his brain working as it takes it all in. And when we come home, he falls right asleep, even though it wasn’t physically taxing.” – Jennifer Brody

4. Give your dog a job to do

Dogs are bred to complete tasks such as hunting and herding. When they aren’t able to fulfill these types of duties, they can get restless. Engage your dog in a game of Frisbee. Get him involved in a sport like agility or Flyball. Take him for a long walk, hike, or swim. Find jobs that fulfill your dog’s breed. If you have a retriever, for example, nothing will leave it more satisfied than a hearty game of fetch.

"I can take my dog for a walk or a run, but the thing that really makes her the happiest is a hearty game of fetch. I take a tennis racket to the dog park and hit a ball as far as I can. She will bring it back to me over and over again like it's her job." – John Kurmai

5. Introduce your dog to new faces

Every time your dog meets a new person or fellow canine, they are introduced to new sights, sounds, and butts to sniff. Taking your pup to places like the dog park will provide him with ample opportunity to engage his senses.

"I frequently take Bruiser to the dog park, which he absolutely loves! Bruiser constantly meets new friends there and finds people to sniff and get petted by. This has really made him listen better, less anxious and truly more satisfied." – Kat Malkowych

6. Give them new toys and rotate out the old ones

You wouldn’t want to play with the same thing every day would you? Then you shouldn’t expect your dog to continue to love the same toy that he’s had for months. Give him a toy to play with for a few days and when he grows bored of it, replace it with another one.

“Moogly has so many toys but still gets bored. It’s ridiculous! I am constantly bringing new toys into the house but he has a short attention span so they only keep him entertained for a while. We started keeping all of his toys in a bin in the closet and rotating them out. He has so many now and we’ll change up a new toy with one that he’s had for years and that he may have forgotten about. He loves this and whenever we switch them up, he is just as excited as when he gets a brand new toy.” – Katie Adams

Children and puppies

Reprinted from FB: Cesar's Way

http://cesar.mn/eYrnhw

Few images are as evocative of trust, loyalty, and friendship as a child with a puppy. Bonds formed between humans and dogs can be made incredibly strong when the relationship is formed early on, but it's very important that our children be taught how to interact safely and responsibly with their canine companions.

Greeting a puppy:

• Teach the child about "No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact."
• The introduction between puppy and child should be delayed until the child's excitement has passed and he or she is in a calm state of mind, able to focus on adult instruction. Never allow the child to make the first move.
• Keep an eye on the child's energy levels and note the puppy's reactions. Once you are satisfied that the situation is safe and under your control, show the child the proper way to give affection.
• Safety first! Don't be afraid to say no... if the situation appears unsafe for puppy or child, inform the child that the dog is in training and can't be pet.

Playtime:

Keep an eye on the scene at all times! Puppies and children should never be left alone together without adult supervision.

• Set some ground rules for off-limits play. Be sure that the child understands not to pull the puppy's ears or tail.
• Keep watch for signs of rough play, and correct the child or redirect his or her energy when needed.
• Observe the puppy's body language. Step in when you believe the puppy has had enough of playtime.

Photo not taken from Cesar's Way. Photo by David Citarella 

Heath issues and cleanliness:

Children are more vulnerable than grown-ups to the illnesses that pets can carry. Here are some helpful tips to avoid risks to your child's health.

Related: How to choose the best dog for your kids

• Make sure the puppy sees a vet regularly.
• Make sure your child washes his or her hands thoroughly both before and after playtime.
• Do not allow playtime around or near the areas where the puppy or dog relieves himself.
• Any and all excrement should be picked up from the lawn and surrounding areas frequently and properly disposed of.

It has been 3 years

since Danielle rescued Zoey and brought her to us to foster. Fred still believes we are fostering her and no one has come to adopt her. I guess we should let him in on the truth--Zoey found her fur-ever home 3 years ago.  (Although, sometimes it feels like 30 years!) She has come a long way in the time she has been with us. 

Arrival Day