3 Fun and Easy Ways to Prevent Dog Boredom and Boost Mental Stimulation
3 Fun and Easy Ways to Prevent Dog Boredom and Boost Mental Stimulation Keeping your dog mentally engaged is just as important as physical exercise—especially for energetic puppies or dogs recovering from injury. This article explores three creative boredom-busting activities that keep your furry friend’s mind active and tail wagging! 1. Sensory Treasure HuntTap into your dog’s natural instincts with a scent-based treasure hunt. Hide [...]
Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors
The Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors by Courteous Canine is your go-to guide for mastering every level of AKC Fetch — from Novice to Retriever. Designed to support both judges and handlers, this quick-reference tool simplifies the rules, requirements, and expectations so everyone can focus on teamwork, accuracy, and fun. At the Novice level, dogs fetch from 30 feet using a [...]
Boredom Busters and Brain Games for Dogs
Every dog deserves a fun and engaging life. That’s where Boredom Busters and Brain Games for Dogs come in! This playful, science-based guide from Courteous Canine, Inc. is filled with enrichment ideas to keep dogs happy, calm, and mentally sharp. Whether you have an energetic puppy, an athletic adult, or a wise senior, these games bring joy to every stage of life. They strengthen [...]
Dog Dock Jumping: Fun Dry Land Games to Build Drive and Motivation
Dog Dock Jumping: Fun Dry Land Games to Build Drive and Motivation Keep your dog active and focused with exciting dry land games. Build motivation, toy drive, and confidence before hitting the dock. Learn how preference testing helps you choose the best rewards. Discover if your dog prefers new or familiar treats. Understand how novelty can boost motivation during training sessions. Create strong toy drive [...]
Pool Tricks for Dogs! Fun and Safe Water Games for Every Pup
Pool Tricks for Dogs! Fun and Safe Water Games for Every Pup Make a splash with your dog in our fun Pool Tricks for Dogs class. Teach safe, easy, and exciting pool skills. This one-time 90-minute group class helps dogs learn simple and entertaining water tricks. Each activity is tailored to your dog’s comfort. Dogs already familiar with swimming will enjoy this next step in [...]
Empowerment Training: Being the Best Dog Parent
1 You are limited to controlling your own behavior. You can’t truly control your dog. The only being we can control is ourselves. Remember how much power there is in being irresistible. Be irresistibly fun to your dog. 2 3 Spend time with your dog – talk, laugh, listen, be interested in them, and be [...]
Click & Praise
Click & Praise By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Imagine a reward your dog will never fill up on, a reward that can last exactly as long as you want, and makes your dog incredibly happy. No magic, no trickery, it's just good old praise. In the last few decades dog trainers and pet s have made the transition of moving from force training, using [...]
Play, Don’t Train
Play, Don't Train By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Are your clients less motivated then you would like them to be? Stop telling them to train their dogs, and start telling them to play. It's often much easier to get them to be consistent when they are having fun. Are you feeling a little bored with your own dog’s training? Stop training, and start playing! [...]
Is Your Dog Bored?
Is Your Dog Bored? Enrich Your Dog’s Life! By Kimberly Archer, Dog Behavior Technician Have you ever wondered what a day is like through your dog’s eyes? You may wake up, have breakfast, catch up on the news, do work, socialize with coworkers, relax with your partner, eat dinner, watch TV or read a book, and maybe even do some more socializing at a [...]
The “Choice” Challenge
Another great blog post on eileenanddogs.com Thanks to Debbie Jacobs and Randi Rossman for their input on this topic. Any weird conclusions are mine alone. I have come to believe that most of us who thought we were using “choice” as a reinforcer were mistaken. Wait! Before you come running after me with pitchforks, let me explain. I’m not saying that choice isn’t a wonderful, enriching, and humane [...]
