Advent Calendar for all dog lovers! :)

I thought I give you some positive things your dog likes or you can do with your dog so s/he is happy...as a little thank you and happy note for you! So, check in daily to get the next door of the doggy advent calendar! Enjoy!

1st December:
Cuddle time. Most dogs love it if they get petted and cuddled. Mine especially love it when I cuddle their ears or their belly. What does your dog like best - cuddlewise?

2nd December:
Good words. A good word AT THE RICHT TIME does wonders and is something nice for a dog, too. It is praise for a dog. What does your dog like hearing from you?

3rd December:
Attention. For some dogs it's enough to get attention if they did something good. Here as well it depends on the right moment to intensify the behavior. If you give attention when your dog is excited you WILL intensify this ;). Does your dog love your attention? How does s/he show it?

4th December:
Treats. Dogs often can be distracted or directed with treats and connect commands quicker through it. Especially in the beginning (until the dog knows what you want from her/her) you can connect important commands with treats (positive). But be AWARE: If you give treats at the wrong moment or all the time you get the dog "hooked" and s/he will only follow if you have food in your hand... Remember, it's only for connecting a new command. The goal in the long run is to have a connection with your dog and don't need any more treats. Or treats are something else like playing, etc. Dogs are smart. They know exactly when you have something in your pockets they desire or not ;).

5th December:
Playtime. If you can have fun with your dog you can have a special bond between you and your dog. Playing is a kind of treat too for a dog. It is great to implement it into exercises as this makes it more fun for the dog. Games also intensify everything your dog does at that time. If you throw the ball when your dog barks...iyou tell him it's ok to bark - you actually like him barking... If you wait until your dog is calm and then continue the play s/he will learn the other way around, too...and be quiet while playing with you. :) What is your favorite game with your dog? What does your dog like best?

6th December:
Leash. The leash can be something great for the dog. For many dogs it is the "door" to the outside world.
Depending on how the leash is connected it means excitement, joy, fear, etc.  Your dog will react to what is means for her/him. Mine are happy but calm. They know to stay calm before they can go outside. Once we made in with good manners to the fields they can go and run free...and looove it! :) What means the leash for your dog?

7th December:
Running FREE. :) Today I want to remind you about one of the biggest pleasures of dogs...the off-leash running time. Dogs just looove to run "wild". It's their "job" to sniff and look who's been there. They love to meet others and play with you. It's exciting for them and gives them lots of stimulations. So, make sure you give your dog the time to run "free"...and enjoy watching her/him or playing with her/him. And when s/he comes back all brown and muddy, happily wagging with her/his tail you know you did something good ;). Happy FREE time! :)

8th December:
"Mommy/Daddy". Dogs usually love to be with their owners. And owners usually love to be with their dog ;). Your dog loves to play with you or just spend time together or accompany you. Enjoy the time with your four-legged partner. What do you like to do best together?

9th December:
Thinking games. Dogs love to think and do exercises. One of them are thinking games. You could hide an object or treat and the dog has to find it,  for example. Be creative and think about a new game to teach your dog. They will love to think for you ;). What thinking game does your dog like?

10th December:
Work. Dogs need a job. They are bred for one. And they truly love to please their human :)....and if it's just bringing shoes or carrying a backpack. Herding dogs are happy if they can take care of a herd (doesn't necessarily have to be a real sheep herd but also big balls to herd or Agility). Other dogs have other talents they'd love to use. What is your dog talented in?

11th December:
Walk. Dogs love to run and move around. If you go jogging or ride the bike or roller blades with your dog s/he will thank you for it. It satisfies them deeply and fulfills their needs. In wild they would trot many many miles. Often "problem" dogs are just not fulfilled. A long bike ride might change that quickly.

12th December:
Drives. Every dog has drives (hunting, food, etc.) s/he needs to have satisfied in order to be happy. They are more or less marked depending on the breed and genetics. A retriever is bred to bring things...they usually are happy to bring stuff. Think about the breed you have and see if your dogs' drives are fulfilled.

13th December:
Car. Dogs usually love to ride in the car (if the car is connected positively ;)..). They love to accompany "their" human...and have fun when arrived.

14th December:
Time. Time is precious. Your dog loves to spend (quality) time with you. If you use the time to bond with your dog (through games, exercises and fun together) it becomes extra special :). But you can overdo it, too. A dog needs rest, too ;)...and rules...;). Just remember. Finally, your dog is happy if s/he can just be with you...

15th December:
Rest. After having a good time together dogs need a time to rest, too. Sometimes that has to be practised. Some so-called hyperactive dogs are just (uncontiously) "trained" to be that way. Claim it from your dog, too. Rules are important. I use boxes for my dogs...they love to "hide" in there after a long walk and fun time together. Happy resting!

16th December:
Food. You can motivate your dog with food but watch out s/he doesn't get dependent on it. You can use it to teach new things or motivate. With the food bowl in your hand you can train the basics when they are very young already. First the exercise then food as treat. With special treats (things they enjoy best) you can really get them thinking ;). But keep in mind in nature food is only for surviving...no dog would even think about bribing another dog to trigger good behavior! That's what body language is about. ;) What does your dog like best?

17th December:
Pack. Dogs are pack animals. They love to be with other dogs and play and run around together. Often "problem" dogs rehabilitate themselves by being in a pack. It's healing if they are messed up because they were misunderstood by humans. Make sure your dog has time to connect to other dogs. In some cases (e.g. if a dog lived alone with people for many years) they have to get used to it again...but once they are integrated they are just fine. They belong to each other and feel comfortable and safe in their pack.

18th December:
Protection. As pack leader you are responsible for protection, security, health and well being of your animal friend. That might also mean to keep attacking dogs away. Make your job good :).

19th December:
Balance. Dogs quickly get carried away (which is great for having fun with her/him). They react to our moods and emotions. When we are excited or unsure s/he will feel it and act accordingly. If you can send out balanced, calm and assertive energy your dog will feel good around you, too.

20th December:
Limits. Your dog needs limits, too. They are important in a pack of dogs (even if the pack consists only of one dog and human) in order for the dog to feel safe and secure. It is normal - even good - if you set boundaries for your dog (e.g. can't follow you everywhere, only gets his/her food when calm, etc.). Watch out and set limits for the good of your dog!

21th December:
Bones. Dogs love to chew on bones. It keeps them occupied, gives them nutrients and helps against dental calculus. If you give too many it can cause constipation. Make sure they are raw. Cooked bones can be dangerous as they splinter.

22th December:
Clown. Be the clown and your dog loves to have fun with you. You can really motivate a dog and see his/her delight when goofing around with them. Make sure you can stop her/him again... ;). That's why dogs often love kids...they are funny and active. It is important, though, to teach them to be calm around kids, too.

23th December:
Hierarchy. If your dog knows what position is hers/his s/he can relax. Some dogs want to know exactly where they stand and "ask" quite often. Watch out for the smallest signs and make clear where you stand...so the DOG feels comfortable.

24th December:
Very merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate ;)...)!! I wish you lots of fun, love, harmony and bonding experiences with your four-legged friend!! Enjoy the time. I'll be back soon on facebook, blog and twitter....and youtube! :)

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