Amateur Dog Fighting Tip Of The Day

I'm sure many of you out there with dogs have had these thoughts pass through your mind at one point or another: "How can I ensure my dog is well-balanced and prepared for the future? Should I try to get them interested in athletics, or would that merely be pushing my own expectations onto them? Well they come to resent me later in life?"

These are important concerns, but they can be easily dealt with. Simply present the opportunities before your dog, and let them move forward at their own pace. Don't urge them to conform to your own wishes, don't hassle them about practice, and don't critique their play after the big event. This should be fun for your pup, not a chore!

Most importantly, don't pressure them into a certain position - instead, let them develop their own roles. Some dogs ("playmakers") are naturally exuberant and love to take a leadership role, instigating plays and trying to match wits with other dogs around them. Other dogs ("reinforcers") are more content taking their cues from the playmakers, following their lead, while still developing their own techniques. And still others ("coaches") might prefer to stay out of the action altogether, instead cheering their teammates to success and offering strategy and encouragement from the sidelines.

As always, it is important that the game remains fun. If you see your pup getting too emotionally involved and/or frustrated, it may be time to give them a breather, to focus on something else, and return to the game another day.

Comments

JCo said…
I think Pablo played coach when Elsa and Brindy were playing at Julie's recently. Barking out encouragement.