These are the best photos featured on my blog from 2008. There was no formal voting or traffic stats like I used to select the top posts on That Mutt. Instead, I picked these photos myself. It’s my blog, I can do that. My favorite is the top photo of Ace wearing his dog backpack …
Dog exercise
Note: This is a guest post from Apryl DeLancey who writes the blog
Dogs do best if they have a job to do, something that helps them use their physical and mental energy. Here are some examples.
One of my goals for this loose-leash walking challenge was to be able to take my dog out in all situations without a pinch collar or Gentle Leader and have him under control. To me, under control means Ace is not pulling, whining, choking himself or fixating on another dog or person. Before this challenge, …
A good way to get my dog to pay attention to me is to turn around and walk the other way without saying anything. I do this when Ace (not pictured) sneaks ahead on a walk, but I also do it when he is “free” and gets too far away. When Ace is off leash …
Ace has made great progress with loose-leash walking over the last 25 days. Here are some changes I’ve noticed with his heeling: – When I tell Ace “OK!” he chooses to walk at my side. “OK” is Ace’s free word. It means we’re done working for the time being. He enjoys running ahead of me …
One of my dog-running clients wanted her dog to socialize and practice walking with another dog, so Ace and I met up with them Saturday. Ace was the perfect match because he is calm and submissive. Of course, the meeting benefited both dogs. It’s always good for Ace to be around other dogs, especially to …
30-day challenge: Loose-leash walking A good trick to get my mutt to walk nicely at my side is to give him something to carry in his mouth. Since he is a retriever, carrying is serious business. I try to avoid tennis balls and give him something like a stick or water bottle. Carrying the stick …
From the car to the dog park is a challenging area for most dogs to walk on a loose leash. Ace (not pictured) and I went to the 45th Street dog park in Fargo today to practice some on and off-leash heeling. There were no other dogs at the park, so it was a perfect …