Engagement

Engagement.  Do you find time to engage with your dog?  Many times, when I see owners that work outside the home, they feel bad about their dog being home alone all day.  So they give free time from the moment they get home from work until bedtime.  The dog does in fact want your attention, but you are busy making dinner, helping with homework, cleaning house or just relaxing.  However, your dog may feel they need to be the center of your attention and this turns into barks, following you around or begging for attention. Dogs do not care what kind of attention you give them and they can be very persistent.  Proper engagement with your dog means setting aside some quality (not quantity) time with your dog and give them your undivided attention.  When you decide what interaction you want to share with your dog, provide some rules to the game, so that your dog will learn to listen and pay attention.  This may be a structured 15 minute fetch game in the backyard, playing tug with their favorite toy or even hide and seek.  Make the play interactive and fun.  Your dog will be fulfilled and you will better your relationship overall.