Golden Moments and Dog Training

Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and Benny are my therapy dogs, and Dukie is my blind dog. Nikki is a 1 1/2 year golden retriever and Benny is my 5 year old black lab. Dukie is now 10 years and also a black lab.

Today I saw a picture of a ceramic rabbit statue for the garden; boy did it bring back loving memories. It also made me think of the importance of training your dog. That is why I am writing this article.

When we first took our golden retriever up north to the cottage she loved it. Of course she would, she was a golden after all, and goldens love cottage life, the outdoors and the lakes!!

Now, my golden was running around lose, just having a great time. My husband, Chris and I were sitting outside talking with our friends who had a house beside the cottage.

All of a sudden my golden comes running right over to us, all exited and happy. Our golden always ran to us when she had something in her mouth, never away from us. WOW, she had gone hunting, and she was proud of it.

There in her mouth, was a rabbit!!

I started to freak, of course, but then on closer inspection (from my husband) we saw it was a "plastic rabbit" out of our friend's garden. This was one of those golden moments. My Katie Bear is gone now, I still miss her so much, and I will always miss her. I have a new golden, and I love her very much, but she does not replace my Katie Bear....

I shed a few tears of sadness because I still miss my Bear.

Thanks for letting me share my memories. Dog obedience, has always been very important to me. So, please please, train your dog. I can just never say this often enough. Your dog must obey you. Simple commands like: come, sit, stay, STOP! It is so important for the safety and enjoyment of your dog, especially during the holiday and travel season.

There are many training methods available. You need to find the method that will work for you and your dog, (a humane method of training, of course.)

I was thinking about this as I was taking my 3 dogs (one is blind) out for a walk today. Just as we were getting into the jeep (I drive to where I walk), a lady pushing a stroller came past my house.

Now, you need to understand, that my now golden retriever, Nikki, seems to think the whole world is out to play with her. She is only 1 1/2 years old. I thought to myself...WOW! What if she had decided to take off and play with the lady and her stroller? Would she have come back to me instantly when called? Stopped instantly on command? I am not sure. This gave me reason to reflect seriously about obedience training. Now, you may be thinking that because she is a therapy dog, she is a well behaved trained dog. And yes, she is. But even a therapy dog gets their moments when out and running lose. And for some reason, my dogs can be total pests at home, and total angels when visiting the seniors.

A dog must, for their own safety and security, and I will repeat myself here, a dog MUST stop and come on demand. This can never be an option. Whether your dog is a therapy dog, like mine, or a house pet the same rule applies.

Check your neighborhood for training classes. Also, there are many different types of programs available, including online downloadable programs, which are very,very good.. Check them out. Find the one that suits your lifestyle. And, do it. Both you and your dog will be happier!

My two passions, health and pets.

Doing therapy dog work is one of the most rewarding activities I can do with my dogs. Pet health care is one of my passions.

http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

---

Dog Training - How To Win Your Dogs Confidence

Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More

How to Housebreak Your Dog or Puppy

Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More

Why the Heck Would You Have a Pet Snake (or lizard, crocodile, monitor, frog, turtle etc)?

This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More

The Geriatric (Older) Dog

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More

How to Play Safely with Your Westie Puppies

Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More

Are You Really Ready For a Boxer Dog?

The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More

Apistogramma , Dwarf Cichlids in the Aquarium

The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More

Keeping Gars - A Short Review

If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More

Dog Tricks: Understanding Your Dogs Capabilities Before You Teach Buddy New Tricks

The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More

How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens

Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More

Tips For Dog Toys

Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More

Worms in Your Dog... Gross!

Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More

Good Dog Health and Happiness For Charlie

Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More

Tips on Easy House Breaking Your Puppy

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More

Introduction To House Training

The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More

House Rabbits are Fun and Cute Pets

House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More

The Truth About Declawing

There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More

West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home

Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

A Review of Cat Fancy Magazine

Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More

First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More

Dog Food - Which Diet is Best for Dogs?

Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More

Protecting The Family Pet

Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More

Give a Homeless Cat or Dog a Gift of Good Cheer

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More

How to Create Your Own Monster

"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More

7 Good Reasons to Have Your Cat Spayed or Neutered

Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More

Amazing Insights Of A Horse Training Expert From The Late 1800s!

Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More

Dog doors ? dog and owner reprieve

Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More

Clown Loaches

Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More