Use Goals and Adventures to Train Your Dog

Create adventures for your dog.

Many people don't realize that while dog training is principally the same across a variety of breeds, your dog's individual breed can have a big impact on the techniques that work most effectively. Specifically, a hunting breed that is used to the outdoors and for having some tasks to complete will need to find some sort of adventure in its life; in order to properly train these dogs, you'll have to supply that adventure. But how exactly do you do that, and how can you make sure it's leading to a healthier dog?

We know that even in humans, having few goals and a sheltered life can lead to "cabin fever," or even more serious conditions like depression. Human beings and dogs alike need both social interaction and some type of adventure to feel truly at home. While we may not put a second thought into keeping our dog cooped up all day, we forget that they might want to go out just as much as us.

In order to make sure that a dog is healthy psychologically and responds better to training and discipline, we have to make sure that they get the adventure they need - especially the hunting breeds. To accomplish this, you can introduce small tasks or goals for the dog to carry out. For example, you can toss a stick out into a river or lake for retriever dogs, who enjoy having the task of getting it and bringing it back. This is one of the simpler ways to get a dog moving and putting its mind toward something.

To give a dog the outdoor experience it needs, try two factors: setting goals and making adventures. While running around with no aim can be fun, if you give a dog to focus on - such as giving retrievers something to find - they'll be much happier about their exercise. You can also bring a dog along with you while you seek your own goal, such as climbing to the top of a hill.

You'll also want to incorporate adventure. By tossing a stick out into a pond, you force your dog to swim through water to retrieve it - not necessarily an everyday experience. If you take your dog outdoors, you increase the adventure factor simply because birds and mammals might be crawling around, waiting to be chased by your dog.

Keeping your dog's life active isn't only about your dog, it can be about you. Taking your dog out to the park or down to the river can get you both some exercise and get you away from the TV.

Photo Credits: chefranden

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