How to Walk Multiple Dogs. Workout Wednesday: Creative Strategies for the Dual Dog Walk

Workout Wednesday!
Life with your dual pooches may be smooth sailing most of the time, but double dog walking duty can make for stormy seas, if you don't take the proper approach. Here are five tips to make walking your doublemint pups a pleasure, not a chore.

(1) Start with one pup, and build from there. Walking puppies is simple enough, because they're... well, little. But if you have more than one medium- to large-sized dog, try walking them singly first to determine what collar will work best and how they react to distractions like other dogs or cats running across the path.

(2) Use the right equipment. If you're walking with pulling pooches, try a head collar or no-pull harness to keep them in check. Stay away from extendible leashes unless you are completely confident in your ability to control both dogs, working instead with sturdy four- to six-foot leashes. There are also a number of tandem leashes on the market for walking multiple dogs, which are built for safety and comfort.

(3) Try a safe test run first. Before you head for a busy city street, try walking around your yard or a fenced area nearby first. Are you being dragged from one end of the yard to the other? If so, you may want to try some more individual leash training before taking your pups into the wide world.

(4) Can you handle the ultimate distraction? Most dogs have an Achilles' heel - one thing in all of the world that makes them sit up and take notice. Whether it's a cat, squirrel, bicycle, or another dog, can you handle both pups when that one, ultimate weakness is just down the road? During your test run, try adding as many distractions as you can and see how well you do.

(5) Invite a friend. If you have a walking buddy to hand one of the leashes off to if things get rough, it will make a big difference in your confidence level and, thus, the way that your pups respond to your commands. During your frist few walks in the world, bring along a friend. Do your best to walk your pups yourself for the entire trek, so that by the time you're ready for a solo flight, you'll know you can handle it.

Follow these simple tips and before you know it, you'll be a master at the dual dog walk. Your pups will be better behaved, you'll all be healthier, and the world will truly be yours to explore.

Workout Wednesday: Pit Bull Leash Training - How to Walk a Whirling Dervish

One sunny afternoon in Kentucky, I put Dave's handsome American Staffordshire mix, Lou, on leash and headed for the wide world. It was a gorgeous day, and I thought it high time that Lou get some one-on-one training time. Did I mention the leash I put on was extendible? And attached to nothing but a regular collar on Louie's big, tough, bully neck? If you know anything about bullies, alarm bells are probably going off already. Sure enough, we got out the door and Lou spotted Dave across the field - the powerful pup took off in a burst, and I was dragged through the field, clinging desperately to the end of the leash.

Whether you have or have not had a similar experience, this post will give you three easy steps to avoiding one in the future. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to spend quality time exercising your bully, only to return home exhausted from the effort of keeping your pooch under control at every corner. So, here are a few keys to a peaceful walking routine for you and your bully.

(1) Use the right equipment. In case you didn't catch it in my disastrous example, extendible leashes are a bad idea for bully breeds. Stick with a four- to six-foot lead, and keep your big guy close to you at all times. Pit bulls are known for their power - if your pup sees something he wants to get to and he has a few feet on the lead to gain momentum, it will be that much more difficult for you to stop him. In addition to the right leash, simplify your life by using a head collar or no-pull harness. One thing to keep in mind with the head collar: to the average, non-dog-oriented bystander, it looks like a muzzle, which can reinforce the public perception of pit bulls as dangerous dogs. There are a number of no-pull harnesses on the market that work just as well as the head collars, and they will keep your bully's good image intact.

(2) Teach basic obedience commands. The three commands your bully should not be without: sit, stop, and let's go. By having a few commands that your pup knows without question, you can have something to fall back on when it feels like your walk is getting out of control. If a cat runs across your path or a dog is walking three blocks away and your bully gets excited, bring him back to earth with a command he knows inside-out; get his attention back on you by making him sit, or switch directions with a quick "Let's go." When your adrenaline is going and your dog is heightened, it's difficult to problem-solve - instead of trying to do that, stick with something you both know by heart.

(3) Never follow a pulling bully! If it's at all possible, give your dog a little free run before going for a walk - play fetch or frisbee in the backyard, until your bully is just a little less jazzed than he was when you first went outside. Once on leash, the goal should be to have your dog beside you on a loose lead. When that isn't happening, your pup should never feel as though he is being rewarded for pulling. If he's getting where he wants to go by dragging you, he's getting rewarded - a verbal or physical reprimand doesn't really matter, because it's a small price to pay for getting to water that special tree he loves so much. So, that means that each and every time he starts pulling, you need to switch direction. This is often a maddening and slow process, but after you've switched direction a few (or fifty) times, he'll get the picture: calm behavior means he gets to go where he wants, pulling gets him nowhere.

One final note: a pit bull who gets walked once a week will always be a pulling pit bull. Your bully should be on leash at least once a day working on his manners, in order to make walking with you less of a momentous occasion. Follow these simple rules and before you know it, you'll be enjoying those long walks in the park just as much as your bully does.

Workout Wednesday! Book Review: Fitness Unleashed - A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together

With obesity now considered epidemic in both U.S. people and pets, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a weight-loss program for dogs and their owners to do together. In this case, Marty Becker, D.V.M., and Robert Kushner, M.D., teamed up with Hill's Science Diet to create Fitness Unleashed! I was skeptical at first, primarily because the project is funded by a dog food company - which would seem on the surface to be something of a conflict of interest. However, apart from a couple of plugs for Hill's dog food, the book focuses on providing dog guardians with practical advice on how to motivate their dogs - and themselves - to lose weight and gain fitness.

The book is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on an overview of obesity and the canine/human connection while the second provides a detailed "Plan of Action." There are a number of quizzes for both pup and owner (a couple of which I'll post on future Workout Wednesdays) to determine individual strengths and weaknesses and what type of fitness regiment would be most effective. The canine nutrition side of things is a bit neglected, giving the somewhat questionable advice of simply using a commercial food for overweight dogs, with no discussion of homemade or alternative diets. Additionally, there are a few spots in the book where the layout makes it difficult to determine where one section begins and another ends, but all in all it is a pretty easy read.

So... With all of this in mind, would I recommend this book (or this program)? Unequivocally, yes. All of the advice given is practical and geared toward a lifetime of fitness, rather than a quick weight-loss fix. If you're looking to drop fifty pounds next week, this is not the book for you (or your pup!) However, if you're looking for some great ideas on how you and your dog can become more active and energized over time, I think this is a great place to start. You may want to supplement the canine nutrition advice with books like Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats or The Whole Pet Diet, by Andi Brown. Otherwise, though, I say place an order for Fitness Unleashed! through your local independent bookseller or order online through Amazon today. I'm actually following the program myself as of this past Monday, so I'll be checking back periodically to let readers know just how effective Fitness Unleashed is - for both pups and their people.

Workout Wednesday. The Perfect Exercise Partner: Your Pooch!

By now, you've probably heard the statistics: 65-percent of Americans are overweight or obese, and those numbers are growing. And if you're reading this blog, you are probably aware that obesity in American pets is also becoming epidemic - an estimated 25-percent of American dogs are considered obese. Like humans, overweight dogs are more at risk for diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and some cancers. So, if you find that your favorite jeans and your pup's favorite collar just don't fit the way they used to, there may be a solution close at hand.

Personally, I'm facing this very same issue myself. During my animal rescue internship, life was so crazy that - while I was moving a lot for long hours each day - my sleep patterns were interrupted, I wasn't watching what I ate, and I wasn't getting the kind of cardiovascular and total-body workouts I require to stay fit. So... fifty pounds later, it's time to go back to the drawing board. And my pups? Both Adia and Killian are in reasonably good shape because I make all of their food myself and I'm careful about their portions, however Adia could still stand to lose about five pounds. What do I propose to do to shed those excess pounds?

Exercise, exercise, exercise. And it turns out, walking the dog is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and get back in shape. In the past two weeks, I've increased my daily half-hour dog-walk to two hour-long walks per day. Not only do I feel a whole lot better, but I've lost eight pounds already. And Killian and Adie are both looking more svelte and their energy levels - for better or worse - are soaring. Because they're getting adequate exercise, however, chewing issues and general rowdiness have both been curbed. So, here are three tips for shedding pooch-and-person pounds sensibly.

(1) Know your pup's limits. If your pooch is a senior, has joint or other health related issues, or is seriously overweight, make sure to check in with your vet before starting any vigorous exercise. Just like humans, dogs need to ease into a fitness regiment. Begin slowly - if you've only been walking once a day, up it to twice; once in the morning, once in the evening. Watch how your dog reacts after the fact... Does he have more trouble than usual getting up the stairs or onto the couch? Your dog should be tired after exercise, but not comatose.

(2) Keep your pup motivated. For couch-potato pooches, hitting the streets may not be a welcome notion. Even for overweight or obese dogs, it is okay to use food as a motivator - just beware of what type of food. Read tomorrow's Nutrition Beat post for tips on healthy, lean, and tasty treats that will get your pup moving. Make the walk fun by giving lots of praise and pets. Reprimands and leash-jerking should be kept to a minimum; just as you would a child, you want to convey to your pup that exercise is FUN!

(3) Use the right equipment. If your dog turns every walk into the Iditarod, pulling you down Main Street with no regard for your pleas to slow down, it's time to invest in a nose collar (Gentle Leaders and Haltis are the most commonly used). Avoid extendible leashes, as they make it difficult for you to control your pup, and can be a disaster if he gets some momentum before reaching the end of the leash. You might consider a group class or a one-on-one session with a trainer to get some hands-on experience with a professional, as well.

Finally, remember to be consistent and to have fun! Getting in shape shouldn't be a burden - with a little resolve and a furry friend by your side, every step of the way can be a pleasure. And the reward? Better health, a longer life, and a happier pup. Really, what more could you ask for?

Workout Wednesday: Exercise and Your Senior Dog

Imagine this:
You've reached your 60th birthday - a little achy around the joints, that spring in your step perhaps a little less... sprung, but generally healthy and still in love with life. And suddenly, your family says to you: Now that you're old, we've got a special new food that you'll be living on until your final days, and - because you've gotten old and we don't want to tire you out - from now on, you can just hang out. Don't worry about long walks or running around or anything, because we've noticed you're having a hard time with that stuff, anyway. Just chill out, relax. Sleep the days away.

I don't know about you, but that's hardly the way I want to spend my final few years on earth. And yet, that's just what we do to our beloved senior pups on a regular basis. We notice that getting up is a little tougher, or he may lag behind on a walk, and - because we love him so very much - we decide to either cut the walk short, or just stop it altogether.

What we actually need to do for our senior pups is quite the opposite. Regular exercise has been proven to improve heart and brain function in canines, slow joint degeneration and the aging process, aid digestion, and regulate bowel function. For senior dogs, exercise can quite literally mean adding years to your best friend's life. Here, then, are five tips to ensure that your dog stays fit and happy by your side just as long as possible.

(1) Start by checking in with your veterinarian. Regular visits are critical to maintaining health for aging dogs, in order to detect or prevent life-threatening issues like cancer, heart disease, or even periodental disease. Working with your vet, you can determine the best nutritional regiment and supplements for your pup, as well as ask any questions you may have about creating the best exercise routine for your dog.

(2) Take it slow. With the exception of the dog who has spent his life sprinting by his guardian's side, it is typically best to avoid strenuous aerobic activity with your senior. Dogs will push far beyond their physical limits to please us; it's our job now to tell them when to quit. A regular walk of from ten minutes to half-an-hour twice a day is a great way to keep your senior limber, active, and interested in the world around him. Senior dogs have the added challenge of requiring more frequent bathroom breaks, so a short walk in the morning and another in the evening helps your pup get into a more bladder-friendly routine. Try to stay consistent, be patient, and watch your pup for any changes in behavior, increased stiffness, or shortness of breath. If any of these occur, consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

(3) Watch the weather. Cold, wet days exacerbate joint problems, while hot days increase the possibility of heatstroke. Whenever temps dip or soar, indoor activities like hide and seek, fetch, or tug of war may be best. For cooler weather, invest in a doggie jacket or sweater to ease joint pain.

(4) Swim it out. If you have an aging water hound on your hands, now is the time to focus on the healing power of the sea. Because swimming is a low-impact exercise, it's perfect for painful joints and arthritis, and is also a great way for overweight dogs to take off some pounds. However, it's still important to watch temps - warm spring and summer days are great, but avoid icy dips. Even on warm days, have a towel handy to dry your pooch before he becomes chilled.

(5) Listen to your pup. If you have a senior dog, chances are good that you've spent considerable time getting to know him; you can tell when he's dragging. if he's having a tough time getting up when sitting or lying down, it means there is probably some arthritis or other joint-related issues at work. Limit physical activity to shorter walks on a more frequent basis, and look for a quality canine supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin. You may also invest in quality essential fatty acids like those found in cod liver, flaxseed, or salmon oils, or a quality pet product like Dream Coat.

In my experience, the senior years can be some of the most cherished you'll ever spend with your dog. Now is the time when you know each other well, discipline isn't as much of an issue, and you can relax and just enjoy life together. Be sure to include him in as much of your life as possible, and your aging pooch will truly learn to love retirement.

For additional information and some excellent articles and tips on senior dogs, you can check out The Senior Dog Project, or this article from petplace.com. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out next Workout Wednesday, when we'll look at the benefits of turning your hyper-hound into a Working Dog.

Workout Wednesday: Three Super-Charged Exercise Ideas for High-Energy Pups

We've all seen them - the Jack Russell who springs five feet in the air every twenty seconds or so, or the border collie yipping wildly while she tries to round up the neighborhood kids, or the pit bull pulling his owner down the street in a desperate attempt to get to the next great smell. You may even be the proud owner of just such a dog yourself. If you are, you have probably wondered at least once, "Is there nothing that will tire this dog out?" Take heart, because the answer is yes - and I'll give you a few ideas of how in this post.

Dogs like terriers, border collies, some hounds, and many of the dogs known as "working" dogs, were bred to keep going and going and going and... Well, you get the picture. Terriers were designed to be hunters - to track and kill rodents all the livelong day, and to be happy doing just that. Herding dogs have the instinct to move - to keep things tidy, make sure everything is running smoothly and everyone is where they ought to be. When you put these types of dogs in a setting where they are not physically and mentally challenged, something's bound to give. You're likely to see excessive chewing, barking, digging, even obsessive-compulsive behaviors... When all else fails, that energy may be turned inward and manifest as depression and self-destructive behaviors like tail chasing or chewing, or even obsessive nail biting.

So, to prevent all of that and not actually spend hours exercising to keep your high-energy pooch sane, what do you do? A long walk is a great start, but dogs like these also need to run. To complicate things further, working dogs are highly intelligent - they were bred to perform a job, not just sit around and look pretty. What you want to do is engage not just the body, but the mind as well. Here are a few ways you can do both, and enhance the bond between you and your dog to boot.

(1) Fetch. It's not a new game, but there's a reason it's one of the most enduring sports for pups and their people. It keeps you and your dog connected, provides a structured outlet for your dog's energy, and re-enforces recall. So what happens if your dog has no interest in the game? There are usually a couple of scenarios that result when fetch is introduced: either your dog has no interest in the object being thrown, or is psyched about the object but has no interest in bringing it back to you. Either way, it is possible for your dog - particularly your high-energy dog - to become a world-class fetching champion. Here's how to get him interested.

For the dog who just doesn't care what you're throwing, start at home by incorporating the object into life around the house. If it's a tennis ball, for example, toss it to your pup while you're watching TV some night. Give ample praise and get genuinely excited when he shows any interest whatsoever. You can also up the ante by giving him a little treat each time he keeps the ball in his mouth for more than a second or two. The key to all of this is that fetch is a game - be animated. Your dog will respond to your enthusiasm, and, after a few days of associating treats with the tennis ball, he'll start to get genuinely excited every time the ball makes an appearance. Once that happens, it's time to venture into the great outdoors. Ideally, you'll have an adequate space for your dog to run - it doesn't have to be huge, simply secure. The great thing about fetch is that it requires very little space but still uses up a remarkable amount of energy.

Now that your dog is nuts about the tennis ball, you may encounter the second problem: he'll fetch the ball, but he won't bring it to you. This, once again, is where treats come in. Some trainers have mixed feelings on the wisdom of using treats as motivators, but I have found that they are, without question, the most reliable way to positively re-enforce any desired behavior. Over time, the treats will no longer be needed - to begin, though, use a pea-sized treat and show your pooch once he has the ball in his mouth and is about to either run off with it or settle down to destroy it. If he keeps the ball in his mouth and comes to you, give lots of praise, along with two or three treats. It's more likely that he will drop the ball and come to you - in that case, don't give any treats. Instead, go to the ball and pick it up; put it in the dog's mouth. Very quickly - before he has time to drop the ball in favor of the treats he now knows you have - take the ball from him and give a treat, with an enthusiastic "Good boy." Try again, and provide verbal praise for every step your dog takes toward you with the ball in his mouth - even if it's only two steps before he drops it. Before long, he'll understand what you're after and you can phase out treats, as the game itself will be reward enough.

(2) Search and rescue. This is a particularly good game for hounds, as they truly do "see" the world through their noses. With their muzzles to the ground ninety percent of the time, these pups are all about the hunt. Whether or not your high-energy pup is a hound, however, this is a great game to pass a rainy afternoon inside or, even better, to spice things up in the yard. Simply get five to ten natural dog biscuits and plant them in different places around the house. Lead your pup to the first couple of hiding places, bringing him within a foot or two of the treat - his nose will do the rest. Soon, he'll be busy foraging through the house for the rest of his treats, tail wagging. A word of caution: When you're "planting" your items, never bury them so well that you're dog will be tempted to dig or chew through your things to find them. This is especially true outside - hounds have powerful noses, and if you bury the treat a couple of inches down, he will dig up the entire yard to find his treasure. Put treats inside boxes to increase the challenge, or inside one of his favorite stuffed animals. Be creative, and - just like with fetch - remember to have fun!

(3) Doggie play groups. My first dog, Moonshadow, was a solo dog - she was a big, alpha female who loved other male dogs, but was very intimidating around females. For that reason, and because I was not yet well-versed in canine behavior myself, Moon ended up living a fairly solitary existence. When I interned at Clean Slate Animal Rescue, I had an opportunity to see firsthand just what a tragedy that was for Moon. Dogs are very social creatures. At the rescue, I ran "play groups" with anywhere from five to fifteen dogs. The play was often rough and there were certainly some encounters that were not the ideal, but for the most part I was able to watch these animals interact the way that they would in the wild. They sorted out the group dynamic, played, wrestled, and left the group at the end of their hour utterly exhausted.

It's unlikely that you have access to a fifteen-dog play group, and that's probably for the best. However, if you have friends or neighbors who have dogs, it's worth the time and effort to organize "play dates." When first introducing new dogs, make sure to go to neutral territory - a park, beach, or any area your dog has not "claimed" as his own. Be relaxed - remember that you have control over the situation, and can always cut the session short if things don't go well. There may be some posturing initially, but the dogs will in all likelihood work out the issue of hierarchy themselves. If your dog does not have a lot of experience with other pooches, it's a good idea to choose a dog of the opposite sex that you know is relatively submissive. The younger you can start socializing your dog to others, the better - my pups Adie and Killian grew up with no less than ten other dogs around them at all times, for the first nine months of their lives. Today, Killian - an eighty-pound male - flops over and shows his belly to even the tiniest of dogs at the slightest sign of dominance.

You should note that there are dogs who will inherently have trouble with others. If you own a pit bull terrier or "bully" breed (American Staffordshire Terriers, bull terriers, etc.) then you should exercise caution before introducing them to other pups. I had the opportunity to work with many bully breeds at Clean Slate, and personally found them to be, without exception, the sweetest, most devoted breeds out there, however you must recognize the limitations - the fact is, these dogs were bred specifically to be aggressive toward other dogs. Work with your dog one-on-one to ensure that his recall is at its best, and make sure that you know the potential play-pal well. Again, it's wise to choose a dog of the opposite sex that is moderately submissive and no less than half the size of your dog. Bullies are strong and they love to play rough!

In addition to the three ideas listed above, you may want to consider "rally" classes for your high-energy dog. An obedience class is a great idea for every dog, in my opinion, but rally classes - in which obedience training is taught experientially through a series of activities and actions - are great for high-energy dogs who love a challenge. Agility training is also an excellent option for these types of dogs; as agility sports gain in popularity, it is becoming increasingly accessible to more rural areas of the country. Check out The Dog Agility Page for instruction, links, and ideas on how to get your dog involved in this rewarding activity.

There's no question that keeping your high-energy pooch pooped is hard work. But, with a little time and creativity on your part, it is definitely an attainable goal - and will not only work wonders for your dog, but has the added bonus of keeping you fit, active, and involved. Stay tuned next Wednesday when we look at the other end of the spectrum - Exercise and the under active dog, focusing specifically on older dogs and those facing hip dysplasia and other joint-related disorders. Until then, be sure to send any questions or comments to thedog_ma@yahoo.com, and thanks for reading.

Workout Wednesday: Exercise - The Great Equalizer

If you've ever had any behavioral issues with your dog and consulted a professional trainer about them, you were probably asked one question first: How much exercise is he getting? Whether you're facing excessive chewing, barking, digging, jumping up, even aggression... the first, second, and last answer is often more exercise.
Not so long ago, dogs were wild animals. They traveled for miles on end, hour after hour, searching for food. They hunted, they fought, they played, they mated - all of which requires a remarkable amount of energy. Needless to say, times have changed. Dogs, however - at least physically speaking - have not, to any great degree. Specially "designed" breeds may be less inclined to roam, but for the most part, dogs are still animals who require a significant amount of physical exercise to not only stay healthy, but to stay emotionally and mentally balanced. How much exercise does your dog get? Does she have an opportunity to play with other dogs? How often do you get in the mix and actually exercise - whether walking or running - with your dog?
Exercise is not only great for the pup, but we all know how essential it is for people. If you've been looking for a way to shed a few excess pounds but haven't found a fitness partner, look no further than that fuzzy lump by your bed. She'll be more than happy to roust you every morning and get you pumped for the rest of the day.
Wednesdays at The Dog-Ma will be devoted to exercise: How much is needed, how much is too much, what type is best, and how do you achieve the optimum level of fitness for your canine companion? To prepare for your new, active lifestyle - or to simply enhance what you've already mastered - take the next week to take stock of how much exercise your pooch is actually getting. How often do you go for walks, and how long do they last? Is your dog panting by the time you head for home, or ready for more? When you get the leash out, does your pup beat you to the door or do you have to pry him off the couch?
Exercising with your dog is an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and enhance both of your levels of fitness. It is the most likely answer to most behavioral issues, and - best of all - it doesn't cost a thing! So saddle up in the coming weeks to learn how best to get you and your canine companion in the best shape of your lives, one four-footed step at a time.
Thanks for reading, and, as always, drop a line with any questions or comments, to TheDog_Ma@yahoo.com.