Dogs are happiest when they can potter about and sniff – sniffing is your dog’s main sense, and we can help you make the most of it.
How dog parks have resonated with our dog owners
Saturday’s Talking Tip about dog parks certainly resonated with some of you!
Here are some of the comments I received. One owner said:
“I am absolutely furious about the increasing talk of ‘dog parks’. I – as a dog owner – was not filled with joy when they made a dog park in Ballyholme, I was gutted. And when I was shown the muddy enclosure, it didn’t lift my spirits.
I believe they possibly have a place for people with dogs which have proved impossible to recall, and that’s about it. Collies like Millie need to walk with me, sniff the territory, feel she’s going somewhere and has a purpose. The little rules we have are what makes her brain keep ticking, and in my opinion prevents behavioural problems, such as:
– not go up to dogs who are on lead
– only approach other dogs if she has ‘permission’ from me
– knows the ‘leave’ command
– never approaches people.
Also, I will always put her on the lead if there are small children near me or if I suspect an out of control dog is about to cross our path. Because if another dog comes up to her, she takes that as ‘permission granted’ and I am therefore also out of control of her myself.
We both have a more enjoyable experience off lead, as she has a sniff here and there and so on. So, I feel that dog parks are going to cause huge issues if people are forced into them.”
Dogs love to potter about and sniff
As the owner said, dogs are happiest when they can potter about and sniff.
Sniffing is your dog’s main sense.
Do you allow your dog to sniff enough?
Do you play scent games regularly to marvel at your dog’s superpower?
Doing what they were born to do is what makes dogs happy.
People who have been playing the scent games I’ve been sharing each week since Christmas have found out how much their dogs love them, and how happy and tired the dogs then become!
How to harness your dog’s superpower
If you want to join in with the fun and find out more about how to harness your dog’s amazing abilities please come and join me at our free webinar “Your Dog Nose Best” on Wednesday 10th February at 7pm.
It’s the secret to having a well-behaved, happy and tired dog.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
PS If you missed the tip, you can find it here along with all the others from previous weeks.
PPS Don’t worry if the webinar time and date doesn’t suit – everyone who books will receive a link to watch the replay
