For a very good guide to all sorts of dog training processes and dog behavior challenges, I use and recommend Clickertraining ...that link goes to the description of this terrific ebook you download immediately, wherever you are! -- Rosana

Here are six ways you can increase your dog’s satisfaction and enjoyment. Not all will be right for every dog. I’ll give you the list first and then discuss each one.

  1. Dog training, whether on your own or in a good class
  2. Trick training
  3. Dog agility
  4. Play Frisbee with your dog
  5. Start a dog owners group
  6. Train your dog to be a therapy dog

DOG TRAINING: I write a lot about dog training at home as a way to keep your dog mentally alert, as well as to obtain the behaviors you want the dog to have. But because I have not tended to go to dog training classes myself, maybe I have underestimated how useful and enjoyable they can be.  IF you can find a good instructor, someone who uses positive reinforcement such as food rewards or clicker training rather than “you’ve got to dominate” attitudes, this can be great fun. Some such classes are intended to teach obedience for dog show competitions, and these can be fun even if you don’t plan to compete.

TRICK TRAINING: This is a great way to improve your training skills in a more light-hearted way. It’s popular too! I blogged recently about how to teach your dog to “wash its face”, and it’s been seen hundreds of times in just a few weeks. Here is one of my favorite books for trick training:

101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog

AGILITY is great for dogs and people who like to be active; you do need some equipment.  There are clubs in many places. Here’s a good introductory book:

FRISBEE: You can toss a Frisbee® in many place, from your yard to parks and beaches. It’s good exercise and fun, specially for active dogs and people! And there are good books on this too: try Disc Dogs! The Complete Guide

START A DOG OWNERS’ GROUP: Here is something for dogs and people in the same neighborhood, or with similar interests. Get a few people and their friendly dogs together; do require that the dogs who come be compatible with the other dogs. You could hike together, or just visit at a local park or in someone’s yard. This would give you a support group for all aspects of dog owning. You might even end up pet-sitting for each other at times!

TRAIN YOUR DOG TO BE A THERAPY DOG: Here temperament and gentleness are essential, as therapy dogs are used with people who have various kinds of problems, from being in a nursing home or hospital to suffering from emotional problems. Your dog should be able to pass the Canine Good Citizen test before beginning to work as a therapy dog. Find an organization to work with for this. Or start out with this book:

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