| Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and | | | | season.There are many training methods available. |
| Benny are my therapy dogs, and Dukie is my | | | | You need to find the method that will work for |
| blind dog. Nikki is a 1 1/2 year golden retriever and | | | | you and your dog, (a humane method of training, |
| Benny is my 5 year old black lab. Dukie is now 10 | | | | of course.)I was thinking about this as I was |
| years and also a black lab.Today I saw a picture | | | | taking my 3 dogs (one is blind) out for a walk |
| of a ceramic rabbit statue for the garden; boy did | | | | today. Just as we were getting into the jeep (I |
| it bring back loving memories. It also made me | | | | drive to where I walk), a lady pushing a stroller |
| think of the importance of training your dog. That | | | | came past my house.Now, you need to |
| is why I am writing this article.When we first took | | | | understand, that my now golden retriever, Nikki, |
| our golden retriever up north to the cottage she | | | | seems to think the whole world is out to play |
| loved it. Of course she would, she was a golden | | | | with her. She is only 1 1/2 years old. I thought to |
| after all, and goldens love cottage life, the | | | | myself...WOW! What if she had decided to take |
| outdoors and the lakes!!Now, my golden was | | | | off and play with the lady and her stroller? Would |
| running around lose, just having a great time. My | | | | she have come back to me instantly when called? |
| husband, Chris and I were sitting outside talking | | | | Stopped instantly on command? I am not sure. |
| with our friends who had a house beside the | | | | This gave me reason to reflect seriously about |
| cottage.All of a sudden my golden comes running | | | | obedience training. Now, you may be thinking that |
| right over to us, all exited and happy. Our golden | | | | because she is a therapy dog, she is a well |
| always ran to us when she had something in her | | | | behaved trained dog. And yes, she is. But even a |
| mouth, never away from us. WOW, she had | | | | therapy dog gets their moments when out and |
| gone hunting, and she was proud of it.There in her | | | | running lose. And for some reason, my dogs can |
| mouth, was a rabbit!!I started to freak, of course, | | | | be total pests at home, and total angels when |
| but then on closer inspection (from my husband) | | | | visiting the seniors.A dog must, for their own |
| we saw it was a "plastic rabbit" out of our friend's | | | | safety and security, and I will repeat myself here, |
| garden. This was one of those golden moments. | | | | a dog MUST stop and come on demand. This can |
| My Katie Bear is gone now, I still miss her so | | | | never be an option. Whether your dog is a |
| much, and I will always miss her. I have a new | | | | therapy dog, like mine, or a house pet the same |
| golden, and I love her very much, but she does | | | | rule applies.Check your neighborhood for training |
| not replace my Katie Bear....I shed a few tears of | | | | classes. Also, there are many different types of |
| sadness because I still miss my Bear.Thanks for | | | | programs available, including online downloadable |
| letting me share my memories. Dog obedience, | | | | programs, which are very,very good.. Check |
| has always been very important to me. So, | | | | them out. Find the one that suits your lifestyle. |
| please please, train your dog. I can just never say | | | | And, do it. Both you and your dog will be |
| this often enough. Your dog must obey you. | | | | happier!My two passions, health and pets.Doing |
| Simple commands like: come, sit, stay, STOP! It is | | | | therapy dog work is one of the most rewarding |
| so important for the safety and enjoyment of | | | | activities I can do with my dogs. Pet health care is |
| your dog, especially during the holiday and travel | | | | one of my passions. |