Affordable Dog Walking, Accredited Dog trainer, Vancouver, BC.

Here's a few of the many reasons why dogs benefit from having a walker (that is not his/her owners)

• They learn to be on there own (without mom or dad), and build self confidence
  
• They receive the exercise they need to stay healthy
• They receive the proper mental stimulation to grow intellectually
  
• They experience the joy of being in a natural pack
  
• They learn proper manners and good public behavior
• They come home, content, tired and happy as can be
• The relationship with there owners is significantly improved
  
• They are having so much fun !!
  

I have had the honor and the great pleasure to meet with Kathy Gibson as she accompanied me on one of my pack-walks. Kathy specializes in dog aggression. And here's a short example of her philosophy on dogs and dog training.

"Turn Up the Volume"

At Custom Canine we understand that dogs have been systematically altered for thousands of years to be dependent on humans and on our good will. They cannot leave us and find a new life. Yet dogs do not share our language or our world-view. They are trapped in our world and trapped by how we chose to view them and define them. They are totally different, yet totally under our control. You can do whatever you want to your dog. Your dog can only hope that you will hear him asking for guidance and that you will help him.

At Custom Canine we believe you have a responsibility to provide this guidance and help. This will assure your dog a life that is both healthy and fulfilling. Your job is to teach your dog his job so that he has a useful, valuable place with the family.

You need to learn enough about dogs in order to do this. As a steward of your dog you have a responsibility to understand your dog and his world so that you can develop a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship.

Listen, as we "Turn up the Volume'.

visit her web-site for more information:

http://www.customcanine.com/turn%20up%20the%20volume.htm

Like the famous Cesar Millan says over and over again: "Dogs need to be fulfilled. And the fulfillment is based on exercise, discipline and affection."

Notice how exercise comes first. That is because it is the most important element of a dog's happiness and well being.

A big back yard is not a substitute for exercise.

A walk around the block is not exercise.

Because we took dogs out of nature and placed them into our homes, we need to be fare and make sure that we meet there needs and requirements.

All dogs require exercise to lead balanced, healthy lives.

Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean he needs less exercise and although breed can give an indication of the dog’s energy level, the final judgment must be made on the individual dog’s needs. The average requirement is an hour and a half hike per day. Plus a few pee breaks before and after.

Remember that dogs are children of the wild, and such creatures need to travel and discover the 'wild'. So make sure your dog experience mother nature or have a dog walker take him/her out on such adventures.

Your dog will thank you in every way !

Walk your dog, do not let your dog walk you!

Be sure to have your dog start the walk in a calm state of mind. From the moment your put his collar or leash on and cross the doorstep off on your daily walks, your dog should walk by your side or slightly behind you and each time he starts to pull, stop and wait for him to check up on you. You are the one who decides on the speed and the direction, your dog should follow your lead.

It will allow for a much more enjoyable walk for both you and your dog. It's ok if you are only able to go so far because of all the constant stopping and waiting for your dog to release the tension on the leash, it's still healthy exercise if you only were able to go around the block. It's more about the time you have spend on the walk and how properly executed the walk was. It's a lot of mental for your dog to do so, and mental work is physically exhausting too. Plus you will be surprise how fast he catches on and soon you will both be able to cover greater and greater distances.

The walk is all about trust and respect, so lead you dog, make him trust you, earn his respect.

Daily walks release mental and physical energy. A lack of exercise can create a build up of mental energy, hyper activity, neurosis, and/or obsessive compulsive behaviors. An unstable dog is not a happy dog. An overly excited dog is NOT a happy dog.