Having a dog can provide hours of fun and love, but there are always times of frustration and tension. Especially if the dog hasn’t received much training. Here we suggest some simple nosework games for you and your dog to try out and to bond over
We all feel the frustrated with our dogs at one time or another
“Gus, for heaven’s sake!” I exclaimed, as he barked at a plane flying low overhead.
The client I was talking to laughed. “It’s good to see you get frustrated by your dog sometimes, too,” he said.
Having a dog, or children, is not always sweetness and light and #blessedmemories, despite what social media often suggests. Day-to-day niggles are common and there are times when you might not like your charge very much, even though your love never wavers.
Many lockdown dogs are now no longer wanted
There were some horror reports over the weekend about dogs bought in lockdown whose owners could not cope with a dog now they were back to ‘normal’ life. These dogs are being handed in to rescues as strays. Some even have their microchips cut out.
Many of these dogs have behavioural problems. Perhaps they were puppy farm dogs, churned out to meet the excess demand, or because they have not had much, if any, training. For many, they were bought without thought and planning for the next ten to fifteen years that the dog needs care from their family.
The result is overcrowded rescues and thousands of unwanted dogs.
It’s bad for my blood pressure – though worse for those dogs.
Some advice for before you buy a dog
I truly believe that it should be harder to own a dog. I dream that people should have to pass an ownership test to demonstrate their commitment and knowledge before getting a dog. It is far, far too easy for people to decide on a whim – “What shall we do this weekend? Oh, why not buy a dog?” without any planning and mapping out the practicalities and possibilities for the responsibility of caring for that pet over the next many years.
What’s great for my blood pressure is when people watch and read our Before you get your puppy information and seek our (free) help. That sets the odds heavily in your favour of getting the pet that will suit your lifestyle and give you joy for many years to come.
Despite the occasional frustration.
Your dog knows their nosework
- Enjoy a leisurely walk together, letting your dog sniff while you enjoy the views
- Hide a toy and let your dog find it, outside or inside
- Hide a dog biscuit for your dog to sniff out
- Let a family member or friend hold your dog while you go and hide, then let them track you down
There are even more ideas on the website under free stuff.
Whatever you do with your dog today, enjoy it – and remind them of your love and that you’ll keep caring for them, whatever life holds.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
PS If you’d like to join us in future Nose Nerds adventures, you can sign up via our Academy page. You’ll find some free nose work games there too.
