It is 6:30 pm and I just got home after a day of training and my own work out early in the am. All I want to do now is veg out. No more running around or activity! But wait!
My dogs need a bit more of physical activity before dinner. So I drag myself to exercise them once again.
Tug in hand we go outside. Both Deuce and Rio are visibly excited; do they have an off switch, I wonder? Shortly thereafter I am also fully engaged in the game. All parties are having fun. Deuce and Rio take turns tugging with me. I refined our game based on what I want them to learn.
Using my two hand tug and alternating the pressure of the hands I can exercises their rear legs by having them go in a semi circle - this direction then in the other.
We practice quick drops of the tug toy and remaining in “control” before we launch into another bout of play.
As the temperature begins to cool and the day is coming to an end, but not before a display of colors of the typical New Mexico sky, I can't help but think of how much I enjoy playing with these guys. Indeed, an absolute and simple pleasure of life.
Think about it: How much play is currently in your life? How are the hours of the day spent with our dogs?
I guess I am lucky this way. Even after a day of working with someone else’s dog I still love playing and training with my own. More and more my own training with them involves games while having a good time together.
During our play & training, I also get to practice whatever I am teaching in my classes. Our sessions give me insight into what my clients and their dogs might struggle with in class.
Because I work with both Deuce and Rio, I have the benefit of seeing different learning styles and potential adjustments I might need to make with my client’s dogs.
Forget my dogs for a minute, playing be it to exercise or to hone on new skills reaps lots of benefits for me. I noticed how everything else falls by the waste-side. My attention and focus fully in our interaction. It is also during play where I can let my mind explore new possibilities for classes and exercises with particular goals in mind.
Almost dark, we head inside. Dinner will be served shortly. And another day behind us, but not without reaping the benefits of play!
My dogs need a bit more of physical activity before dinner. So I drag myself to exercise them once again.
Tug in hand we go outside. Both Deuce and Rio are visibly excited; do they have an off switch, I wonder? Shortly thereafter I am also fully engaged in the game. All parties are having fun. Deuce and Rio take turns tugging with me. I refined our game based on what I want them to learn.
Using my two hand tug and alternating the pressure of the hands I can exercises their rear legs by having them go in a semi circle - this direction then in the other.
We practice quick drops of the tug toy and remaining in “control” before we launch into another bout of play.
As the temperature begins to cool and the day is coming to an end, but not before a display of colors of the typical New Mexico sky, I can't help but think of how much I enjoy playing with these guys. Indeed, an absolute and simple pleasure of life.
Think about it: How much play is currently in your life? How are the hours of the day spent with our dogs?
I guess I am lucky this way. Even after a day of working with someone else’s dog I still love playing and training with my own. More and more my own training with them involves games while having a good time together.
During our play & training, I also get to practice whatever I am teaching in my classes. Our sessions give me insight into what my clients and their dogs might struggle with in class.
Because I work with both Deuce and Rio, I have the benefit of seeing different learning styles and potential adjustments I might need to make with my client’s dogs.
Forget my dogs for a minute, playing be it to exercise or to hone on new skills reaps lots of benefits for me. I noticed how everything else falls by the waste-side. My attention and focus fully in our interaction. It is also during play where I can let my mind explore new possibilities for classes and exercises with particular goals in mind.
Almost dark, we head inside. Dinner will be served shortly. And another day behind us, but not without reaping the benefits of play!
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