1. First, ask yourself what you want your dog to learn. Is your dog like one of the extreme cases on my show "Dog Whisperer"? Then learning “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel” is not necessarily the first lesson your dog needs. Some dog trainers d

on’t do rehabilitation, some don’t do obedience work, and some do both. Choose the right tool for the job you need done.

2. Think about your own philosophy and ethics. For example, some people are opposed to choke chains. I am not opposed to them and find them helpful in some cases, when used correctly. But I will not use a choke chain or any other tool an owner objects to, because if the owner feels badly about the tool, I guarantee you that the dog will have a bad experience with the tool. And there could be other reasons why I might not be the right trainer for you. You have a world of options when it comes to dog trainers, as I hope this book will show you. Make sure that the trainer you choose agrees with and supports your own values, because you are the one who is going to live with your dog and work with him every day.

3. Check out a trainer’s certification. There are many gifted dog professionals out there who aren’t certified (I used to be one of them!), and the truth is that there are no hard and-fast rules that necessarily mean a certified trainer is an expert. But having certification ensures that the person you hire has had to pass some minimum requirements, put in some hands-on hours with dogs, and do some studying. Certification also makes a trainer accountable to some basic standards and guidelines, which you can research.

4. Get referrals. This may sound obvious, but even if you find a trainer in a phone book, ask if you can talk to a couple of his or her previous clients. They can give you an idea of the trainer’s methods, “bedside manner,” reliability, and willingness to follow through.

5. Make sure the trainer includes you as part of the training process. There’s nothing wrong with a trainer who asks you to drop off your dog in order to work with him. I do that myself from time to time, because often an owner is the cause of the dog’s bad habits and he needs to be away from his owner in order to learn new ones. But I make it clear to my clients that I don’t “fix” broken dogs. I work closely with the owners on identifying their own issues and behaviors so that they are able to change as much as their dog changes. If you’ve watched my show, you already know that more often than not it’s the owner who needs the most “training.”

Excerpted from "Cesar’s Rules: Your Way to Train a Well-Behaved Dog." Copyright @ 2010 by Cesar Millan.

What is your favorite Cesar Millan book and why? Share your opinion with us in the comments.

By Jon Bastian

Whether you’ve mastered the walk like Cesar or still have issues with your dog, there are certain do’s and don’ts that we should all follow to make for a more pleasant, safer walking experience.

It goes without saying that you should always pick up after your dog and never go on a walk without an adequate supply of pick-up bags on hand. But there are less obvious rules that, when followed, eliminate a lot of possible issues and problems with other people and dogs you may encounter along the way.

Do...

Know your dog: That is, you should know the sort of thing that might put your dog in an undesired state. Does she have issues with people in uniforms, like letter carriers or UPS drivers? Does she bark at or try to chase bicyclists or skateboarders? Does she go nuts on sight of a squirrel or other dog?

In an ideal world, of course, you will work with your dog to eventually eliminate those bad reactions, but in the meantime you can minimize them by calmly avoiding situations that could trigger your dog.

Note the key word “calmly.” If you become anxious about a person or animal approaching, your dog will sense this and possibly go into alert mode. You need to train yourself to spot the situation without reacting to it, and then change direction, move off of the sidewalk, or whatever else you need to do without making a big deal out of it.

This way, to your dog, you’re simply altering direction on the walk, nothing more nor less.

Be aware of what’s around you: Of course, in order to be prepared to avoid situations that might set your dog off, you need to be aware of them before your dog has noticed. Always walk with your head up and eyes forward, scanning the area.

Not only will this help you to spot any possible things to avoid, but this posture and alertness will help you to assume a calm assertive state naturally. Your confidence will help your dog stay calm and submissive.

Don’t forget that there are probably cars driving around near you — because your dog won’t be paying attention to them. Being aware and staying alert is the best way that you can avoid either of you being struck by a car that suddenly pulls into or out of a driveway, or that doesn’t fully stop at an intersection.

On a related note, it’s always a good idea to train your dogs to stop and wait at the curb until you tell them it’s all right to go; you “tell” them that when you step into the street yourself.

Learn how to read other dog walkers: Not everyone out there is in full control of their dogs on the walk, and the walkers who aren’t in control are also the ones most likely to cause some sort of incident, whether it’s dogs barking at each other, jumping on or snapping at people, or getting loose.

It is an acquired skill, but with practice you can learn to tell whether an approaching walker is in control or not. Is their dog walking next to or just behind them, or is it lunging forward or pulling them off balance? Does their body language project confidence, or do they seem hunched inward and anxious or fearful?

How do they try to correct their dog? If they’re doing it very quietly or non-verbally, then they’re probably in control. If they’re shouting, “No!” at their dog constantly, then they aren’t in control but are very unstable energy approaching. If you can hear them coming before you can see them, then it’s probably best to cross the street or move up onto a lawn or driveway until they’ve passed.

Change course the right way: Having to avoid other dog walkers or pedestrians is not the ideal situation, but it can sometimes be necessary to avoid a confrontation. The important part is in how you do it.

As mentioned previously, the trick is to make it appear to be just a normal change in course on your walk. Do not abruptly stop and pull up on your dog’s leash, and do not yank your dog to try to change direction. If you’re going to cross the street, approach the curb normally, wait until it’s clear, and then calmly cross the street with your dog.

If you need to use sound or a verbal cue to redirect your dog, that’s fine. The important part is that you do so calmly and quietly. Remember: Dogs interpret loud human sounds as barking, and barking by one dog often induces excitement in another.

Redirect when necessary: If you absolutely cannot avoid the oncoming situation, then you need to redirect both your dog and the other party. Try to move off of the sidewalk as far as possible, using your body to turn your dog facing away, and allow your dog to lower her head; the grass may have enough interesting smells to keep her completely distracted.

At the same time, give a friendly warning to the other person. For example, if they’re walking a dog you can let them know your dog’s issue — “She can be a little leash-aggressive” or “He doesn’t like small dogs.”

If your dog might have an issue with a person, then something as simple as a friendly, “Hello!” can help mitigate any problems by letting your dog know that you aren’t threatened by that other person.

In this dog training video on dog feeding, I'll show you how to use dog food and dog water as a way to bond with your dog and strengthen your relationship with your dog.

By Cesar Millan

Many people don't take their dogs on as many dog walks as they should because they have problems keeping their dog under control. Whether it's the dog pulling, lunging, or other dog problems, there's hope! Here are my tips on how to walk your dog, stay in control, and make sure you have the right dog collar and leash. Please take time this month to work on the dog walk.

1. Be aware of your energy and body language while walking dog.

Make sure you are communicating a message that says, 'I am the pack leader!' Keep your head up and your shoulders back. Think positive thoughts and envision the dog walk going well. You might be surprised at the results.

2. Keep the dog leash short, but not tight.

You've heard me tell this to people on the show time and time again. This simple tip can save you a lot of headache. Flexi-leashes and other longer leashes make it harder for you to communicate with your dog and easier for her to go wherever she wants. But, don't forget, it's also important to keep the dog leash loose. If you make a correction following a problem behavior, it should be quick, and then the dog leash should be returned to the relaxed state.

3. Position the dog collar at the top of the neck.

If you've ever seen a sledding dog, you'll notice that the harness is around the lower part of the dog's neck, near the shoulders. Why? This is where the dog's pulling power is located. You're actually helping your dog to pull you around if you have the collar placed there. Instead, position it on the upper neck, which is the most sensitive area. If you're having trouble keeping the collar in the correct spot, check out my Illusion collar, which is designed to keep the collar from slipping.

4. Film the dog walk.

Ask a friend or family member to film you walking the dog. It may be easier to see your problem areas after the fact. What's your posture like? How do you react when your dog misbehaves? Are you putting tension on the dog leash? These are the types of things to look for while you watch. If you don't have access to a camera, ask someone to walk with you and then share what they noticed.

5. Enlist the help of balanced dogs.

If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs that you pass on the walk, take time to do just that activity with another dog you trust. That way, you can practice remaining calm and correcting your dog. Then, when the dog problem arises when you're not expecting it, you'll feel better able to handle it, and that confidence will be communicated to your dog.

6. Practice the walk!

You and your dog won't get better if you don't go out there and do it! Celebrate every success along the way. Learn from the bad days, but don't dwell on them. And then one day, you'll find you've done it! You've mastered the walk!

Have you mastered the walk? Or maybe you're still having problems you'd like to share? Tell us about your walk in the comments below.

Has the domestication of dogs also changed their ability to learn froMesserli Research Institute at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, seems to indicate that this is the case.

m each other? A recent study performed by the

In a simple experiment, the researchers determined that wolves have the ability to learn by observing a dog carrying out an action, while most dogs in the study did not. In the set-up, both wolves and dogs observed a trained dog using a lever to open a box and receive a treat.

Throughout the trials, all of the wolves succeeded on their first try at copying the actions of the trained dog to open the box. Only four of the dogs were able to do so and, out of these, only two of the dogs succeeded multiple times. The wolves and dogs had all been raised together since they were pups, and had been given equal socialization among other wolves, dogs, and humans.

The initial studies took place when the wolves and dogs were six months old. However, to rule out the idea that the results were due to the wolves’ earlier cognitive development, the study was repeated nine months later, when all of the animals were adults, with the same results.

The study concluded that wolves are capable of imitation, and so “are likely to pay closer attention to the actions of social partners and thus may have a higher tendency to socially learn from or even imitate each other’s actions.”

In the context of a wolf pack, this behavior makes sense. But domestic dogs are descended from wolves, so why the difference? Researchers still aren’t sure, but they propose that “dog-human cooperation has likely originated from wolf-wolf cooperation, potentially by (dogs) becoming able to easily accept humans as social partners and thus, extending their relevant social skills to interactions with them.”

This is yet another reason that we need to remember to be the Pack Leader. Our dogs are watching us and looking for clues on how to behave. We have to make sure that we are sending them the right message.

Can your dog learn by imitating other dogs or people? Let us know in the comments!

By Nicole Pajer

All across the world, animal shelters are overflowing with dogs that are in need of good homes. But how did so many get there? It can be hard for us dedicated pet lovers to understand how someone could just surrender his or her companion. When a dog ends up in a shelter, it is not their fault. Most behavioral issues, for instance, can typically be traced back to the way in which their former caretakers handled them.

Here are the top ten most common reasons dogs end up in shelters:

1. Lack of training: Many people get a dog without realizing how much training is involved. Dogs do not come trained. They need diligent leaders who are willing to put in the hours setting rules, boundaries, and limitations, and spending time teaching them commands. Puppies do not come housebroken and must be taught to go to the bathroom outside. People fail to take this into account when bringing home a dog and ignore problems, which often lead to behavioral issues. Shelters are filled with dogs that have potty training, socialization, and obedience issues, all of which could have been prevented through proper training.

2. Lifestyle changes: People losing their job, getting a divorce, having a new baby, or encountering difficulties with their health are also common reasons that dogs end up in shelters. A person may become overwhelmed by a dog when they have a new baby, may be unable to attend to them if they are unhealthy themselves, or find themselves too stressed to pay attention to a dog because of a demanding new job.

3. Moving: Sometimes people move and cannot take their dog with them. The home that they relocate to might not allow dogs. They may be moving in with a roommate who is allergic to a dog or simply doesn’t want them in his or her place. There are also cases of people moving into a new house and not wanting to bring their dog along with them so as to keep it clean.

4. Not enough time for a pet: Our lives are busy, and having a dog requires making time to properly care for it. One of the main reasons that dogs end up in shelters is that their people get busy and start to prioritize other things above the dog, thus neglecting its needs. Often, children who pushed their parents to get them a dog by promising to take care of it become interested in other things, thus leaving the responsibility of the dog to their overwhelmed parents.

5. Cost of dog ownership: Between vet bills, boarding, buying food, toys, and grooming, pets can be expensive. Many people underestimate the amount of money that owning a dog will involve, especially if there are special needs or health issues involved.

6. Health issues: Old dogs and dogs with injuries and other health-related issues require more money, time, patience, and attention than healthy dogs. Some people make the decision to get rid of the dog versus continue to care for them once an illness or ailment arises.

7. Biting: Dogs are often hauled off to shelters because they have bitten a member of the family. If a dog exhibits aggressive behavior, it must be dealt with immediately. Biting can be avoided if a dog is properly trained and socialized, and if behavioral issues are addressed before they worsen.

8. Too many animals in the home: Pets are cute and can adopt them impulsively. However, when there are too many animals in the home, it can become a problem. People that fail to spayor neuter their pets may end up with a whole litter and find themselves with nowhere to place the puppies. A dog may be fighting with a cat in the house or may not be getting along with the other dogs in the pack, thus resulting in it being sent to a shelter.

9. Allergies within family household: If someone in the household develops an allergy to a dog, it may wind up in a shelter. People may have developed an allergy to the dog, might have a significant other move in who is allergic, or may have a child that is born with or develops a dog allergy.

10. Strays and rescues: People who find dogs on the street often take them in on a temporary basis while searching for its family. If the dog’s people are not found, these dogs are often given to a local shelter in the hopes that they will be placed in a home.

Ways you can prevent dogs from ending up in shelters

Think before you get a dog

Cesar urges potential dog adopters to carefully decide before doing so whether or not to bring a dog home. Do your research and factor in whether or not you’ll be able to afford the dog, spend the necessary amount of time with them, and meet their mental and physical needs before agreeing to get one. Make sure nobody in the household is allergic before you bring it home, and be responsible and get your new pet spayed or neutered.

Dogs are cute and are often purchased or adopted on impulse without much thought going into what is involved as far as training and care. Those who get dogs without realizing what they are committing to are the first to abandon them.

Consider other alternatives to surrendering your dog to a shelter

If you have a dog and experience a lifestyle change, try your best to work through it without leaving your dog at a shelter. If you find yourself with less time on your hands, consider putting your dog into daycare or hiring a dog walker to give it some exercise and attention during the day. If you move and are unable to take the dog with you or cannot afford the costs anymore, seek out responsible new caretakers for your pet. If you develop an allergy, try bathing the dog in hypoallergenic shampoos to alleviate your condition. If you find a stray on the street, foster it until you are able to secure a reliable home.

By doing your part, you will help to ensure that fewer dogs end up confused, abandoned, and facing destruction in overcrowded animal shelters.

By Jon Bastian

Cesar emphasizes the importance of exercisefor dogs, with Mastering the Walk being a key part of his path to canine fulfillment—but there’s another beneficiary of all that walking, and it’s at the other end of the leash.

According to the Mayo Clinic, not only is walking a w

onderful low-impact exercise that can help you manage your weight, it has other benefits including lowering “bad” and raising “good” cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes, and improving your mood.

Many dog owners have discovered this already. According to a recent Mars Petcare Pet Owner Survey, a majority of pet owners would rather exercise with their pet instead of alone. This survey also reports that two thirds of pet owners obtained their pet because they believe that having one supports their well-being.

Unfortunately, many owners do not walk their dogs as often as they should because they have issues with controlling them. This leads to a vicious cycle – a dog that is not walked enough builds up excess energy and become less controllable; the owner skips more walks because the dog is uncontrollable, and so on. Cesar advises, “Make sure you are communicating a message that says, 'I am the pack leader!' Keep your head up and your shoulders back. Think positive, and envision the walk going well. You might be surprised at the results.” What’s good for your dog is good for you, and the Mayo Clinic agrees. “Using the correct posture and movements is essential.”

So is using the right tools. You should wear shoes with a firm heel and thick, flexible soles, and dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Proper leash length and tension are very important, short but slack being the best option. “Flexi-leashes and other longer leashes make it harder for you to communicate with your dog,” says Cesar. “But, don't forget, it's also important to keep the leash loose. If you make a correction, it should be quick, and then the leash should be returned to the relaxed state.”

The leash and collar should be properly positioned at the top of the neck and not at the shoulders, where a dog is strongest. “You're actually helping your dog to pull you around if you have the collar placed there,” Cesar explains. “Instead, position it on the upper neck, which is the most sensitive area. If you're having trouble keeping the collar in the correct spot, check out the Illusion Collar, which is designed to keep (it) from slipping.” Avoid harnesses, because these are designed for – and inspire – pulling. Unless you’re leading a team of sled-dogs, you have no reason to use a harness for the walk.

With proper attitude and preparation, your daily walks with your dog can provide immense health and mental benefits for both of you, as well as an opportunity to socialize with your dog-walking neighbors, expanding your pack and shrinking your waistline at the same time. Exercise is important, and your dog can be your best friend in inspiring workouts that are low-impact, fun and healthy. It’s easy to turn that expensive workout machine into a coat-rack in the corner, but your dog needs you several times every day, and will inspire you when it’s time to get out, get around, and get fit.

There are thousands of exercise programs and an equal number of theories, books, and videos all claiming to have found the secret to weight loss. But there are very few, if any, exercise programs designed to help you and your dog stay fit together.

We went searching for the secret to owner/dog fitness and called on two experts who know something about dogs and exercise. The first isJillian Michaels, the health and wellness expert, bestselling author, advocate, and television personality. The second is Cesar Millan, the star of Cesar 911 whose fulfillment formula of "exercise, discipline, and affection" has changed many people’s lives.

Cesar and Jillian met when Cesar came to help Jillian after she rescued her dog, Seven, from a shelter. They became fast friends and bonded over their love of exercise and discipline as part of a daily routine, and of course over their love of dogs. Jillian has three dogs; Harley, a Terrier mix, Seven an Italian Greyhound mix, and Richard, a Chihuahua rescue.

We asked the two dog lovers how to incorporate dogs in human exercise routines. Here are their tips on how to make your daily exercise routine fun for you and your dogs.

1. How you care for yourself is closely related to how you care for your dog.

“I have found that when people compromise their own health they often follow similar practices with their pets — overfeeding them and indulging them in dangerous ways,” said Jillian. “In addition, if the human isn’t prone to getting out and exercising, then chances are they certainly won’t get out to exercise their dog. This is why pet health is directly linked to the health of the pet’s owner.”

Cesar says, “The dog is one of the most adaptable animals in history and, fortunately or unfortunately, they adapt themselves to the human lifestyle.”

According to Jillian, “Pets get all the same diseases humans do from diabetes to cancer to heart disease. If you love your pet, I implore you to exercise with your pet and make sure both of you eat the proper amount of healthy food.”

2. Incorporating your dog into your exercise or walking routine can make weight loss fun for both of you.

Both Cesar and Jillian say taking your dog along for walks or runs builds a stronger relationship between you and your dog, in addition to providing good exercise. Jillian suggests jogging in intervals with your dog, and doing hill walks. For those breeds that are more active, she suggests rollerblading, bike riding or skateboarding with your dog to keep your exercise program fun and fresh.

Jillian says her dogs love to hike in the canyons and run on the beach. “They walk every day for at least thirty minutes. If we aren't at the beach we do the canyons.”

3. Match breed and energy with the right exercise program

Cesar says the amount of exercise required for your dog will vary depending upon their breed and energy. “When I’m home, I take my pack out for a run every morning in the canyon,” says Cesar. "Argos, the three year-old Greyhound, and Junior, the Pit Bull, require more than just an hour run, so I usually take them out for a game of fetch or hill climbing before dinner."

While every dog is different, the most active breeds are greyhounds, which can reach running speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Whippets clock in around 40 miles per hour. Salukis, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Doberman pinschers are fast runners and require a lot of exercise. “Be prepared to run a lot if you own one of these breeds,” Cesar reminds us. “They’re great for cross-country runners, marathoners, and triathletes. Several athletes I’ve worked with have used these breeds in their own training.”

4. Your dog will be your best exercise coach and motivator

Set a daily routine with your dog. Try to walk or run at the same time each day. Mornings are best because walks at this time help to disperse the pent-up energy your dog accumulates during the night. It’s also best for the human. The more you run with your dog, the more your dog will expect it. On those days when you don’t feel like getting off the couch your dog will nudge, pull, and whine until he gets his daily exercise. Instead of viewing this behavior as annoying, you can see it as motivating.

Both Cesar and Jillian say they use dogs to rehabilitate people. Jillian added, “I have always used animals to help break down people's defenses and open them up so they are more receptive to training and advice.” Cesar believes the recipe for a healthy balanced life is “Exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order.”

Cesar Millan's Mastering Leadership Series Complete 6 Volume Set, is available only online.

Pack leaders, there's now yet another reason to master thewalk! It’s great to fulfill the needs of your dog, but it's also good for you anJournal of Physical Activity and Health showed that dog owners who walk their dogs are 34 percent more likely than others to be physically fit. And we all want to look and feel good, right? I exercise every morning in addition to walking the pack, and I need that activity to get my blood flowing. It makes me feel alive and ready to take on the day ahead. Calvin and I have been doing jujitsu and besides the physical exertion, we’re both enjoying the disciplineand mental focus required as well.

d your own health. A recent study in the

I learn more and more from dogs every day. In the simplest of times or the most complex, the fulfillment I get from my own exercise brings me fulfillment. I see how that fulfillment transforms dogs, and I work hard on bringing that into my life; constantly evolving, growing, and taking strides to be better. I hope that all people take that approach to life—setting goals but never feeling finished. When I met Mark Zuckerberg—a person who brings that approach to life—it inspired me.

Sadly, the recent JPAH study found that not everyone who owned dogs walked them (only two-thirds do!), and even many dog walkers are not sufficiently exercising the dogs or themselves (about half of the walkers didn't walk frequently enough or long enough to accumulate at least 150 minutes of walking per week, which is the minimum recommendation to be moderately active). Disappointingly, some people didn't walk their dogs at all, mostly because they had a yard and felt that was enough. So this tells me a simple fact—I need to be doing more to educate dog owners and make them aware of how important exercise is for their dog to be fulfilled and live happy, harmonious lives! Plus, the humans will benefit from it too, in more ways than one. So, my mission continues. It’s now spring and the weather is getting warmer, so set some goals and get out there walking.

Please share your goals with us in the comments below!

By Nicole Pajer

Looking for a fun way to bond with your dog and put his natural instincts to work? Check out dog agility training.

Dog agility is a popular canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through a variety of obstacles such as a tunnel, teeter-totter, tire jump, weave poles, pause table, and standard jumps. During competitive agility events, handlers attempt to navigate dogs through a course as quickly and as accurately as they can.

Here are the four main benefits of agility training for your dog and why you should try it.

1. Agility will fulfill your dog’s natural instincts

In the wild, dogs are natural hunters, chasing and running after a variety of prey. While in pursuit of food, dogs must often follow rabbits and foxes through a forest and navigate though a variety of barriers. Their natural instincts involve jumping over fallen logs, climbing up steep slopes, and squeezing through bushes and vegetation. Since the end goal is to catch up with prey, time is of the essence and the faster a dog runs, the better their chances of ending up with a satisfying meal. Agility courses are designed to mimic these types of natural scenarios and fulfill the hunting and chasing desires of your dog.

2. Agility is great exercise for your dog

Agility is a great way to get rid of your dog’s excess energy. Running through a course that involves passing over and through a variety of obstacles will challenge your dog’s mind and body. Involving your dog in agility will help to strengthen his muscles, improve coordination, keep him fit, and increase endurance.

3. Agility will help you get in shape, too!

As the handler, you will be running alongside your dog, and assisting him with soaring over jumps, weaving through poles, and crawling out of collapsed tunnels. While you and your dog compete to swiftly finish the course, you will be treated to a heart-healthy cardiovascular workout.

4. Agility helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog

Agility courses are set up so that dogs would not be able to complete them without the help of the handler. As the dog must rely on the verbal and hand instructions from the handler in order to navigate the course, the trust between owner and dog will be increased. Helping your dog to pass through agility obstacles will help reinforce basic obedience commands, improve dog/owner communication, and ultimately help to improve your dog’s behavior outside of the agility course.

The next Training Cesar's Way dog agility training course starts on February 28th.Visit our Clinics site for more information or to sign up with your dog!

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

Hoping to train your dog for an agility competition? Want to provide your four-legged companion with more physical and mental stimulation? Backyard obstacle courses are a great way to build trust with your dog, provideexercise, and prevent boredom.

But you don’t have to shell out a lot of money for state-of-the-art equipment. You can construct a safe and fun course for dogs of any size with a few inexpensive supplies — or even things you already have in your home.

Let’s look at three common types of obstacles — jumps, tunnels, and weave poles — that you can set up for your dog. Remember, safety is the most important feature of any obstacle course, so keep your dog’s well-being in mind while setting everything up.

Jumps

What to watch out for: When you’re building or buying a jump obstacle, ensure the bar can easily be knocked down so your dog doesn’t hit something solid and injure himself if he doesn’t jump high enough.

How to set them up: You can build one entirely out of inexpensive PVC pipes. Just be sure you’re setting up cups (the holders for the bar) at different increments along your upright so you can adjust the height for your dog. Download these in-depth set of instructions to get started.

If you decide to purchase bar jumps, keep the jump’s height and width in mind — leave enough room for your dog to comfortably jump between the uprights and over the bar. You should also look for lightweight and portable bars that you can easily deconstruct and move around in case you decide to rearrange your obstacle course or take your dog to a different outdoor space.

Tunnels

What to watch out for: Going through an enclosed dark space can be scary for your dog the first few times, and you need to make the experience as positive as possible. The tunnel you set up should be wide enough for your dog to comfortably pass through and sturdy enough that it won’t collapse while your dog is inside it. You’ll also want to look for a sturdy tunnel material that your dog’s nails won’t tear to shreds.

How to set them up: Although it is possible to create an obstacle course tunnel from scratch, a lot of people find that it’s easier and a lot less time-consuming just to repurpose an existing play tunnel. A flexible children’s play tunnel makes a great obstacle, and you can find one at most department stores as well as furniture outlets for around $20 to $30. The tunnel you choose should be lightweight, but also heavy enough that it won’t move when your dog runs through it.

Weave Poles 

What to watch out for: As with your bar jump, avoid hard and immovable materials that could injure your dog if he misjudges the distance between poles. However, you’ll also want to secure your poles so they don’t fall over every time your dog runs through them.

How to set them up: You can easily create your own weave poles by sticking lengths of PVC pipe into the ground with enough space in between for your dog to safely walk or run through.

Don’t want to PVC pipes popping out all over your yard? You can also buy orange traffic cones and space them out at a safe distance. Traffic cones are bulkier than the weave poles used in agility competitions, but if you’re just casually training your dog on an agility course, they’ll work just fine. If you are training your dog for an agility competition, large orange cones can also benefit them because they present more of a challenge than standard weave poles.

Wherever you set up your agility course, ensure that your dog has enough room to run around and that there are no hidden dangers around the course. For example, look out for divots or holes in the yard. As long as you put your dog’s safety first, you should have no trouble putting together an obstacle course that’s entertaining and engaging for both of you.

Do you have an obstacle course in your backyard? How did you do it? Tell us all about in the comments!

By Cesar Millan

I get lot of questions about how the fulfillment formula – Exercise, Discipline, then Affection – changes as dogs age and don’t require as much physical activity and energy draining. Here are some tips to keep in mind as your dog enters his senior years.

I always stress how important it is to get a dog that fits your energy level and lifestyle, but at some point, even the highest energy dogs that are in great health will slow down as they enter their senior years.

Nothing is more important than prevention, so it’s important that throughout your dog’s life, you are providing exercise, a nutritious diet, and supplements like Glucosamine as needed and recommended by your vet. Homeopathic remedies, like acupuncture, are becoming increasingly more popular for all kinds of conditions, especially arthritis which is common in older dogs who have been very active.

Swimming is a fantastic activity for dogs of all ages, but is particularly good for older dogs because it is low-impact and easy on their weakening joints and muscles. Swimming also builds strength, is good for their overall conditioning, and is naturally relaxing and comforting to most dogs.

When we think of aging, we think of medical conditions. But for many dogs, they age without any sign of illness at all. When Daddy was a senior, he had very little physical desires. He would get tired walking from my house to the neighbor’s house – it was like walking miles and miles for him – and we celebrated that walk the same way we did when he was younger and we’d return from a two-hour Pack Walk.

As he aged, it was not so much about the time spent walking, as it was about allowing him to stay where he wanted to be. This was his revised fulfillment formula. Daddy still wanted to be outside and experience nature, but he didn’t need to do it with the one and two and three year old pups. He could do it right in the back yard.

Tailoring the fulfillment formula as a dog ages to fit his needs is something that many humans have a hard time with. It’s no different than the fears we have aging as humans. But this is a natural part of life, and honoring that life is honoring your dog.

You don’t have to feel like you’re no longer giving the dog rules, boundaries, and limitations if you, for example, bring them their food instead of making them come to the kitchen or the yard to eat. “Room service” at this stage of life is acceptable. Remember that their body doesn’t match the mind any more – they might have trouble controlling their bladder and this isn’t something to punish. It’s a result of the kind of care we provide our dogs with in this country and many around the world. You’re not going to see a 14-year-old dog in a third world country very often. They just don’t have the same kind of care and nutrition.

Overall, remember that you don’t need to provide stimulation at this senior stage of their life. What you want to provide is relaxation. Give the dog a massage, help them when they need it (like using a ramp as you would for an elderly human who has difficulty getting up stairs), and be patient. Enjoy this time and celebrate their life!

How do you exercise your senior dog? Share in the comments.

By Josh Weiss-Roessler

For some dogs, even regular long walks and access to a big backyard just aren't enough of a challenge. You want your pup to test their mental and physical prowess and allow them (and you!) to have some fun. How can you do this? Dog sports!

So how do you pick from all the options available? You need to take into account your dog's breed, size, and temperament. For instance, you probably wouldn’t have yourChihuahua compete in Schutzhund, where German shepherds and other large breeds learn to protect, track, and obey commands.

But there are so many different sports that there’s something for almost every dog. Here are some of the more interesting examples and the types of dogs most suited for them.

Earthdog
People with tiny terriers should definitely try Earthdog if they’re looking for a fun and productive way to direct their dog’s desire to dig. Competitors are taken out into the field and tasked with finding and digging out rats (most commonly) that have been buried in a completely safe cage or artificial quarry. But only small terriers are allowed, so don’t even try with larger breeds.

Best for: The American Kennel Club (or AKC) has a long list of the specific types of breeds that are eligible for Earthdog events. But you should be aware that your terrier has to be six months or older and cannot be a mixed breed. Short-legged, high-energy dogs are best suited to this sport.

Splash Dogs

You can probably guess much of what this sport entails — dogs are enticed to jump into the water from a ramp to retrieve a toy. Whichever one jumps the farthest is the winner. It’s provides a fantastic workout, because swimming forces dogs to use muscles they otherwise wouldn’t.

Best for: Water breeds, like Newfoundland, Irish setter, or English setter. But any dog that loves water will enjoy it.

Agility Training

Is your dog incredibly fit and great with taking commands? If so, dog agility training can be incredibly rewarding for both you and the pup in question. It’s basically an obstacle course that’s so complicated dogs can’t complete it without directions from you. Common obstacles include jumps, tunnels, a teeter totter, and more. People (and, of course, dogs) who are really into dog agility as a sport often train for months in order to do well in a competition. It’s so serious that experts recommend you consult with your vet first to come up with an exerciseregimen for your dog.

Best for: Top breeds for agility training include Jack Russell terriers, Pembroke Welsh corgis, Shetland sheepdogs, Border collies, and Australian shepherds, but the most important factors are that your dog has lots of energy, a desire to please, and is physically active.

Music Heelwork

You’ve heard of this. You just don’t know it because most people call it dog dancing. Open to canines of any breed, Heelwork requires fantastic coordination and communication for owners and their dogs to dance naturally together. Many people practice routines for several months before taking an act to a competition, and some even incorporate costumes.

Best for: One of the best things about Heelwork to music is that dogs of any breed can participate, as can those at various levels of physical prowess. More physically fit dogs don’t necessarily have an advantage, because owners can tailor routines to their dog’s strengths. That being said, Heelwork is best for dogs who are well-trained and remain completely under their owner’s control even while off-leash. If your dog hasn’t received any kind of obedience training yet, you’ll need to provide that first.
                                                            
Is your dog an athlete? Tell us in the comments what your dog’s favorite physical activity is — besides the walk, of course.

By Josh Weiss-Roessler

Do you get lonely when walking your dog in the mornings or evenings? Interested in making thewalk a social experience for your pooch by involving other people and dogs? Just want to meet more pet parent friends in your area?

Whatever your reasons, starting a dog walking club in your city — or even just your neighborhood — can be a fun and rewarding experience for your and your pup. And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to do! But where do you begin?

Think About Your Goals
Do you only want to find people who have the same breed of dog that you do? Are you trying to socialize a pup that’s not completely friendly? Do you want a come one, come all kind of experience? The kind of group you want to form will influence the types of people and dogs you seek out, so it’s important to decide on these goals going in.

Start Close to Home
If you want to find dogs (and people, of course) to walk with, the best place to start is by talking with dog owners whom you know to see if they’re interested. You can also put up signs around your neighborhood, at work, and other places that you frequent. One place that can be a goldmine is the dog park, so the next time you’re letting your pooch run free, chat up other dog owners and see if they’re interested or know others who would be.

Approach Dog Groups
Anyone in an even moderately-sized city should have no trouble tracking down a few dog rescue organizations and speaking with members about creating a dog walking club. They’re almost guaranteed to know some people who might be interested, and may even be willing to help you get the word out to other dog lovers. A great resource for finding these groups (and like-minded folks) is your veterinarian, and even nearby pet stores may be able to help.

Go Digital
After you feel like you’ve exhausted your in-person connections or once the group is up and running and you need some way to coordinate, the web is a goldmine. Build profiles for your group on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites.

Join Dogster and post pictures on Pinterest, Instagram or similar photo sharing sites to get the word out about what you’re doing. And use a site like Meetup to easily schedule walks with group members. Truly ambitious people may eventually want to start a blog or a website about the group, but that’s something that can be done at a later date.

Do you belong to a dog walking club or have you tried to start one? Tell us your story in the comments.

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

The walk is the foundation of a good relationship with your dog, so when humans struggle with it, those problems aren’t just confined to time on the leash, but also carry over into all aspect of their dog’s behavior.

So what’s a dog lover to do? For many, the solution is a backpack. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful tools that an owner can put into practice. Here are a few of the benefits of adding it to your dog’s walk.

It Gives Your Dog a Job

Your dog wants to contribute to the pack, but most companion dogs don’t have a way to do so. Instead, they often direct that energy into problem behaviors, like barking, hyperactivity, andanxiety.

So let your dog feel useful. Allow him to carry a bottle of water, a ball, or even the spare poop bags on his back. It’s a task that he has to focus on as he walks alongside you. If your dog isn’t big enough for that, don’t worry. Even an empty backpack can give him or her a sense of purpose.

It Presents a Greater Physical Challenge in Less Time

Most dog owners have busy lives balancing the demands of their work and home life. Even if you’re committed to providing a long, regular walk, sometimes life just gets in the way, and you may have less time to dedicate to it than you intended.

The backpack can help maximize the time you do have with your dog. In most cases, a 15-minute walk using a weighted backpack provides the same physical challenge as a 30-minute walk without one.

It Re-focuses Your Dog’s Attention

Is your dog ready to chase after every squirrel or bicyclist that crosses your path? A backpack can help redirect that focus. After all, they’ve got a job to do. They don’t have time to bother with those pesky passersby. They have to get this backpack where it needs to go, even if that’s back to the house.

It’s Easy

Learning to rollerblade or bicycle with your dog alongside you are both great ways to increase the exercise they receive, but those activities typically involve a learning curve for both of you. But the backpack is simple. Once you’ve learned how to strap it on, you’re halfway there. The only question you have from there is how much weight to include.

For most dogs, a good rule of thumb is 10 to 12% of their body weight, but you need to take into account your particular pup’s health and energy level. If your dog suffers from any health issue, or you’re uncertain about their ability to carry the weight for any reason, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Many owners also find it beneficial to start out small and increase the challenge as your dog gets more fit.

What has been your experience using the dog backpack? Tell us in the comments.