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