Petersen Pet Hospital - August 2020

Border Collie Corner THE BEST WAY TO TEACH YOUR DOG NEW TRICKS

Hello, everybody!

A lot of kids will be starting school soon, ready for another year of learning new things! This got me thinking about all the things dogs

can learn and how our humans can help teach us better. Here are some veterinarian- approved tips to help with the training process.

Use the Quality Treats

Treats are an excellent tool for training, but don’t use the treats you give your dog all the time. I recommend breaking out the really good stuff, like cooked chicken or little pieces of cheese. Most dogs are willing to work a lot harder for special treats. Whatever you use, make sure it’s soft and easy to eat so you’re not waiting for your dog to finish chewing. It’s also a good idea to schedule training sessions when your dog is hungry, so their attention will be completely on you and the treats.

Your ‘Clean’ Workout Routine TURN HOUSEHOLD CHORES INTO EFFECTIVE EXERCISE Everyone knows how labor-intensive cleaning can be. A long day of scrubbing down your house is a great way to work your muscles and get your blood pumping, so crank up some tunes, grab a mop, and get ready to transform your cleaning routine into a great workout. To get physical benefits from cleaning, you need to turn up the intensity of your methods. Exaggerate your motions, pick up your pace, and keep your abs tight and knees flexed. Nearly any chore can be turned into an exercise, but here are some ideas to get you started. Vacuum: Vacuum briskly nonstop for at least 20 minutes, switching arms as you go. For an added challenge, do lunges as you vacuum and remember to keep your toes pointed straight ahead and your knees bent at 90-degree angles. Pick Up: Instead of simply bending over to pick up toys or clothes, do a squat with every item you grab. Remember to use your legs, not your back. You can also do squats while unloading the dishwasher or with any other chore that involves repeated bending. Wipe Down: Whether you’re wiping windows or scrubbing appliances, do big, exaggerated arm circles until your muscles start to burn and make sure you’re switching arms as you go. Cook: It’s not cleaning, but it’s still a chore with useful downtime. While food is simmering or thawing in the microwave, do some pushups, situps, or planks to get your muscles moving. You can implement dozens of exercises to turn mundane activities into beneficial workouts. Some chores will burn more calories than others, but every bit of activity helps. Now’s the time to work your way to a cleaner house and a healthier you.

Frozen PB&J Bites

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