Category Mental stimulering

There's a reason why Safety, Curiosity and freedom is our Dog training Caveat and at the core of our business philosophy . All dogs need to explore, experience and learn in a safe environment - just like us humans.

Safety for dogs - What does it take?

We're not listing all the factors needed to make a dog feel safe - but here's a few we think are really important:

• A safe spot to sleep where no one can bother your dog
• Feeling safe about getting the basic needs met like food and water, not worrying about being hungry or thirsty
• Predicatability about the owners state of mind - a dog should be able to predict how you will react in any given situastion, and not worry about being exposed to irradic, uncomfortable behaviours on your part
• Never having to fear that anything the dog does will be punished, verbally or physically (off course you can say no to your dog - just don't be a jerk)
• Stress free everyday living - a dog should not have to be confronted with their fears or triggers on an day to day basis (if your dog is fearful of skateboards, don't go past the skating park), make ajustments when you can
• Felle seen and understood - a dog should feel confident that the owner understand basic dog language and signals, and not feel constant fear or worry because the owner does not understand whaat they're trying to say (don't worry, we can teach you the language)
• A dog should feel safe to say no, and be respected
• Physical safety in everyday life - A dog should be able to feel safe moving on the surfaces in your home and avoid injury and pain (put down rugs to avoid slippery floors, elevate the food bowls, well ajusted harness, ramps and steps to couches and beds)

Curiosity and Freedom - how do we support the dog's needs?

Dogs are curious by nature, and they love to explore when they feel safe to do so, and given the opportunity. Dogs are scavengers and omnivores (omnivores) and need to be able to display these natural behaviours. Norwegiandogtrainer can show you how - but a small tip could be to start by placing some unfamiliar objects on the floor in your livingroom for your dog every day - something they're not familiar with. Let them sniff potty plants, tea bags, the items in your shopping bag - it's exciting to experience and discover new things.

Many dogs lack freedom and autonomy in their lives, they are used to you deciding everything for them and perhaps you use a lot of commands in everyday life? Commands and tricks are not necessarily wrong - but when was the last time your dog was allowed to just be a dog and do something he wanted? Choose right or left, sniff as long as he wanted on a plant you passed by on the walk, not have to wear the rain cover on a short peeing expedition, or choose whether he wanted a chew bone or a licky mat? It is possible to give our dogs more freedom and choices - it just takes a little ajusting of habits. It's great fun watching your dog think hard about something and make a decision - and see how happy he gets when you let him choose. It's just as much fun as any other day on the agility course :-)

Thriving and better cooperation

When we help our dogs n\meet their needs, we also increase the dog's subjective sense of well-being as well as it is stress reducing. Exploration, freedom and choices also build a stronger bond between you and your dog - the more they get the opportunity to choose, and say no - the more likely they are to say yes!