Walking your dog is good for your health.

If you have a dog your likely walking more than non-dog owners. This is a good thing! 

You likely happier than non-dog owners too. Other benefits of having a dog is that you likely have an improved sense of well-being.Also walking your dog 30 minutes a day at least 3 times a week reduces your blood pressure, increases your energy and is likely to lower your weight by 5%.And on top of all that you get the love of your dog.

Charlie Tests Out Hammock Camping

A Hammock Adventure!

Testing out the new camping hammock and Charlie did not want to be left out of the fun. 

Charlie was so happy when he got up and got to be apart of the hammock fun!

Charlie contemplating camping, hammocks, and all the sticks surrounding him.

Dogs hears things that you don't.

A dog hears a frequency range of 40 to 60,000 Hz while a human range is between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Most dogs can hear sounds approximately four times further away than humans.  

Due to this your dog may have a difficult time with many different and loud noises that you find acceptable. 

Who's got who?

Lets Dance

Hope Mom buys treats for me when she is in the grocery store.

Charlie's not happy,too many of his favorite trees have been damaged bythe ice.

Charlie sees his friend Maxine in the distance. Charlie has more friends than his pet parent.

A Walk with Lights

Charlie went for a long walk to look at all the Christmas lights in Britannia. This was one of his favorites.

So many nice Christmas lights!

Charlie likes this house, but is confused why there is a tree inside the house! Trees belong outside!

Helping dogs get along

According to Cesar's way, the best way to introduce a new dog is to first meet in neutral territory and take a long walk together. This will allow the dogs to get to know one another.

My experience at the dog park is that dogs are quick to run and greet the new dog. Dog owners seem to know their dog. Sometimes holding their dog back to sniff and then release once everyone is comfortable. At times some dogs can get aggressive and dog owners should be quick to intervene.

Why do dogs look so sad?

Your dog may be sad because you're sad. There have been studies that determined that dogs can tell when you're happy or sad. Dogs pick up on cues and behavior through facial expressions and body language. See link for more info

Charlie going for a hike

Ottawa has many hiking trails. Some trails dogs are not permitted. For more info see link Ottawa Hiking Trails

Charlie loves sticks

Charlie loves sticks

First thing Charlie does at the dog park is 1. Look for other dogs to play with and 2. Look for sticks. Charlie loves sticks, short sticks, long 4 feet sticks. He likes to share his sticks to as can be seen in the picture below. You can't see the stick but 3 dogs have their teeth on the stick.

Charlie loves sharing his sticks

Ottawa Dog Parks

Ottawa Dog Parks

If you have a dog be respectful of where you can and can't take your dog in Ottawa. We are lucky to have so many parks that allow dogs
as well as dog friendly walking trails. See link to dog friendly parks and trails in Ottawa.

      

Getting your dog's attention

Getting your dog to pay attention to you can be a challenge for new dog owners and seasoned owners. 

Best to start with a tired dog. So before training go for a run with your dog, play stick for 10-15 minutes before training. Also have the best smelling treats you can find. Use these treats for only training or correcting behaviors.

Charlie at the Beach

Charlie wants to go for a swim

Be careful of  your dog on ice and open water during the winter months.  Dogs can be hurt on icy patches on sidewalks or on frozen lakes and rivers.  Ice and snow can also accumulate between a dogs toes, which can be very irritating and painful for your dog.

Charlie sniffing the bird footprints

Charlie goes to get renovation supplies.

Charlie enjoying the fall weather

Charlie is like a detective he needs to investigate everything on the ground.

We are ok with Charlie picking up sticks but not kleenex, plastic, garbage and other items. In a deep voice "DROP IT" or "LEAVE IT" usually works but not always. If Charlie still won't drop the item a dog treat will always work-but that is last resort.  

Charlie in the leaves again. Must be something interesting in those leaves.

No one playing tennis today

Let me introduce you to Charlie. Charlie is 7 months old. Join Charlie and I on our walking adventures in Ottawa, Ontario Canada