By Minou Tpain

Choice

I am a huge advocate of providing structure and direction for our dogs BUT I also value the idea of providing our dogs with opportunities to make decisions. This doesn’t mean let them run the house but we can delegate certain decisions to our dogs that we find to be safe.

You will still always be considered your dog’s leader, parent, advocate, director, protector but even our most influential leaders allow others to make decisions. They take their wants and needs into consideration.

So how can we add this into our routine?

Walking. Walking is a huge one. Some smells are just so overwhelming to our dogs, so notice those spots that they are attracted to every day during walking time and release them to sniff!

Hiking. Let them walk ahead. If your dog is not off leashed trained-no worries, bring a nice long line and give your dog the freedom to sniff whenever and wherever!

Toys. Bring out a few toys and see which one your dog wants to play with! Do this daily because their choices may change now and then!

Treats. Same as toys. Give them options as to which treat they can work for. You might be surprised which they choose.

Most of our dogs never have a say in anything they do; so incorporate your dog in more decision making to help them become happier and more confident members of our families.