Every Saturday night, Victoria Stilwell helps families with their doggie dilemmas and one of the most important tips she shares is to keep your dog active! This got us wondering: what activities does our favorite dog trainer do with her own dogs? We asked Victoria to throw us a bone and she did! Click below to find out Victoria's favorite ways to spend time with her dogs when she's not training other people's dogs.
1. The Basics
Walking, Running, Swimming, Biking and Hiking. These are basic activities, but some of the most rewarding for both dog and owner to do together. My dog, Sadie, only recently learned to swim, and now we can't keep her from the water.
2. Agility
There are loads of agility clubs around the United States, and it's a great sport that builds confidence in your dog while strengthening the bond between dog and owner.
3. Retrieving
This one is obvious, but playing fetch is one of my favorites for many reasons. You can play it indoors or outdoors, and it provides an opportunity for you to train your dog to give things up when asked, all while having fun and getting exercise. Dogs love playing and retrieving is a great game!
4. Field Training
Field training is great for cooperation and teamwork between dog and owner, and it enables a working dog to do what it's bred to do. Field training can be done by using dummies and duck-scent so you don't have to use live (or once-live) animals, and it's wonderful to see dogs doing what they're supposed to do. It provides a dog with ever-important physical and mental enrichment.
5. Seek
Dogs can use their scenting abilities to seek and find their favorite objects or food which are hidden around the house or backyard. Try hiding a favorite toy with a treat and teach your dog to "go find".
MORE TIPS >> Basic Dog Training 101
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