How are a Dog Trainer and Dog Walker alike?

Both can help you with behavior problems.


According to Andrew Daigle of the Dog Training Advice and Tips website, “Lack of exercise is the root cause of many behavioral problems among dogs.”

In other words, just like us, dogs need exercise for physical and mental well-being. Not only that, but regular exercise expends the energy that might be used to chew shoes or create holes in furniture.

Daigle recommends 60-90 minutes a day of walking for your dog, divided up into morning and evening sessions. If you’re like me, you don’t have that kind of time every day, or your schedule varies too much to build in a regular routine.

Although it is ideal to set your dog up with a professional obedience trainer at about 16 weeks old, any dog can benefit from a regular walking routine. That’s where your local dog walker comes in.

Dog walkers can vary from the teenager next door to a seasoned professional. Either way, you’ll get what you pay for. Can’t afford it? Can you afford to replace that $100 pair of designer shoes? Can you afford to spend every morning and every evening tied to the other end of a leash? Your time (and your dog) is worth enough to hire someone to help you keep your “best friend” in the best shape possible.

Not to say you shouldn’t spend time with your dog from time to time... but a little help once in a while can go a long way to make your relationship with your dog a pleasure rather than a burden. Let Leashrly Life help you take better care of your dog, with dog obedience and dog walking available.

Are you spending enough time with your dog?

Ever feel like your beloved friend isn’t getting enough of your attention? I do. As much time as I spend walking her, stroking her and taking her out for a hike or a swim, I sometimes feel like I’m not a good owner. Here are some quick ideas on things you can do with your dog to make him feel special:

Brushing. Some dogs love to be brushed and others simply tolerate it. In any case, brushing your dog is not only a good hygiene habit, it’s another way of showing him you care. Tender stroking of his hair feels good so try to be gentle especially if your dog isn’t one who seems to like it. The more you do it, the more comfortable and enjoyable it becomes for him.

Talking to your dog. While we know our dogs don’t understand complicated language, they do understand words. More importantly, they understand tone. By speaking softly and gently to your dog, he knows you are there and are being a good friend to him. Don’t be afraid to talk calmly to your dog. You will only put him at ease! (Note: If your dog is frightened or alarmed, you should not speak to him in a soothing way. This will only encourage your dog to be more frightened or alarmed. It is as if you are saying “that’s right. You go ahead and be scared. You should be scared. Good dog.” If your dog is afraid of a sound, for example, simply ignore the frightened behavior and go about your business. Your dog will learn by your behavior that there is nothing to be frightened about.)

Playing with your dog . I know we don’t always have but a few minutes a day, but playing fetch or keep-away is so much fun – not only for our furry friends but for ourselves as well. Throw the ball, tie a string around a toy and when your dog runs to get it, snap it away from her, toss a stick, or chase her around the yard to get her moving.