Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer

As the “Dog Days” of summer come to a close, are you looking for some last minute, fun, summertime activities to enjoy with your children and your pet?  There are plenty of ways to let your child have a play-date with your family dog.  Please remember, though, that no matter how much you trust your four-legged friend, we always recommend adult supervision when children and dogs interact. 

We give “two paws up” to the following activities that your child and pet can do together!

New Trick– Have your child teach Spot a new trick through hand targeting.  Have your child hold her hand out, palm up.  When Spot touches his nose to her palm, he wins a treat.  Once he has it down with her, the whole family can stand in a circle and take turns.  From there, your child can help Spot learn tricks by moving her hand in the direction she wants Spot to go.  For instance, she can teach Spot rollover by first having Spot do a down command then place her hand in front of his nose. Next move her hand up and over the dog’s head causing the dog to twist onto his back to follow her hand.  Continue moving your hand around until the dog completes the roll over.  Finally, give the treat.  Keep in mind not all dogs feel comfortable on their back and may not take to learning this trick easily.  And, please don’t try this trick if your dog is dominant.  Dominant dogs do not like being placed on their back.  Make learning tricks fun and enjoyable for everyone and only work on it a few minutes at a time, everyday.

Double Duty– If your dog is too big for your child to walk, get a double-handled leash.  This way, you can give your kid an extra hand.  Gentle Leaders® work well on some dogs as well.  They are like having power steering on a car.  It will make it much easier for your child to control your dog.  Or, if you have a small dog and a child that is still in a stroller, give the leash to your child.  We own a Chihuahua and would always hand off the leash to our child riding in the stroller.  They love to feel like they are helping!  Of course, it is important for your dog to already have good leash manners.  If your dog is lacking in this skill, enroll him or her in one of our amazing courses at www.itsadogsworld.biz!  If you need help sizing or training your dog to wear a Gentle Leader®, we are here to help.  Please call our office at (909) 548-3150 to schedule time with a trainer.

Puppy Parade- For the next play-date, invite over neighborhood kids who have pets.  Have them make fun signs, and have a “puppy parade” down the block.  Everyone including  the parents, will have a blast!  Be sure to take pictures and share with us on Facebook!