We're taking it to the streets!

Thank Dog! Bootcamp has gone urban on the weekends and it's all FREE! If you join our Thank Dog! Meetup Group, you can find all the details there. So far we've hit Runyon Canyon, Santa Monica, and this weekend it's Venice!  Join us!  It's super fun, light-hearted, and the people are fabulous!  Did we mention it's FREE?

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 10:59 AM

 It's ALL in the leash!

Does your dog walk ahead of you? Does your dog pull you down the street? Are you constantly stopping to let your dog sniff around? Does he/she have leash aggression towards other dogs? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, leadership has not been fully established within your household.

One of the crucial ways in establishing the leadership role with your dog is through the leash. The leash is a form of communication that let's the dog know what is being asked of them and who the pack leader is. If the dog ISN'T walking at a "heel," pulling ahead, sniffing around, and/or marking his/her place everywhere, he/she is communicating that you're NOT in control and he/she is really the alpha dog.

Dogs feed off energy through the leash as well. If you are not confident in your position, the dog knows and will do whatever he/she needs in order to survive because dogs are survivalists. Leash aggression is a common behavior that arises from the owners unbalanced energy. Therefore, if you're already expecting the dog to lash out because of previous experiences on walks, they most definitely will due to the insecurities he/she is feeding from.

All these issues are dealt with in Thank Dog! Bootcamp. Learning how to handle your dog on the leash is the key to ensure that everyone gets a great workout, while teaching your dog how to behave. The combination of exercise and obedience will not only transform your walks forever, but will give you and your dog the bodies you've always wanted:)

Labels: dog aggression, dog communication, energy, leash aggression, obedience training, pack leader

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 11:34 AM

 Dog parks are NOT enough!

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."- Ya, we just quoted a line from Madonna but that's because it's so suiting for this topic and plus, we're big fans!

Dog Parks were purely made with good intentions. Who wouldn't expect a dog to love running around like he/she is free in nature, while getting to be around other dogs? It's a great idea. We get it. We just wouldn't take our dogs to them and that's another reason why Thank Dog! Bootcamp was developed.

Most dog owners use dog parks for a way to exercise and socialize their dog all at the same time, being totally free of a leash, and in a big fenced in area to run around and play. It sounds good, but only to those who don't know much about dog psychology, pack behavior, and/or has a dog that's left home alone for hours during the day. They think the dog park is a perfect solution for their dog but in reality, it's just an accident waiting to happen.

So many energies, so many dogs, and without proper supervision, anything can happen. The problem is that any dog can come into a dog park. There aren't any evaluations or consultations given. It's a free for all which means anyone can play! Anyone including untrained dogs, aggressive dogs, shy and timid dogs, and let's not forget the bullies. And, what about the owners? The ones who don't pay attention, has no dog park etiquette, and/or clueless about their dog's behavior in a pack and how to take responsibility when it's needed.

What is dog park etiquette? It's what all dog owner's should do and be aware of when taking their dog to the park to ensure a safe and fun environment. The first and most important is making sure the dog is exercised before entering the park, so play is less aroused and pent up energy is released. Dogs who have pent up energy are the ones who tend to fight the most.

Exercise is so important for dog's, especially when a dog park is involved. So no matter what, the dog park just isn't enough for what a dog truly needs whether it be exercise and/or socialization. Throwing the ball around doesn't establish leadership nor does it stimulate the dog's mind. They need a leader, a rank in the pecking order, and discipline. They need mental and physical stimulation, not just one or the other. Walking and/or running at a "heel" on the leash does both because of the physical activity, while mentally focusing on you. Thank Dog! Bootcamp provides this environment for a happy and healthy living, a peaceful home environment, and a new relationship that will bond you and your pup forever!

Labels: dog behavior, dog exercise, dog park etiquette, dog parks

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 8:32 AM

 Why not JUST exercise?

For obvious reasons to why we tie in obedience training with the fitness is it can be unpleasant to exercise a dog if they don't know how to heel, have leash aggression towards other dogs, and/or always pulling ahead as if it was his/her idea to go for the run in the first place. And, that's only referring to one dog and their owner...think about 20 people in the same place dealing with leash issues! It would not only be chaotic and distracting from the people exercise, but could be dangerous as well.

But the real reason we combine the two is very simple: Mental stimulation for a dog is just as tiring as physical activity and without it, they get bored just like humans. Contrary to what some dog owners believe, dogs actually do like to work and thrive on mental challenges. It tires them out where boredom doesn't create those unwanted behavioral problems like chewing, excess barking, and digging holes in the backyard. Why you ask? Just remember a time where you've been challenged at work or something that needed constant problem solving. Recall how you felt when it was over, you felt exhausted, and all you wanted to do was go home and relax on the couch. Well, dogs are the same way. They are in the moment animals that will use all their brain power to accomplish what's being asked of them. And, we know you've seen those dogs that can run for hours at a time and never tire. Why do you think that is? They build endurance just like we do and when pent up energy is only being released through physical activity, their minds are left focusing on other ways to balance out. Dogs are intelligent animals, survivalists, and need their minds exercised just as much as their bodies. After all, it's not like they can pick up a book or watch TV! They can only do what we give them and that's why we designed our program the way we did. The combination of physical and mental stimulation is necessary to have a happy and healthy pooch!

Labels: boredom, dog behavioral problems, mental stimulation, obedience training

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 8:05 PM

 Not self-motivated?

Outdoor exercise bootcamps have become a worldwide phenomenon, where gym memberships are on the decline. In fact, there are so many bootcamps nationwide, it's hard to tell them apart from one another these days.

People who participate in these programs have a love for the outdoors and also enjoy the “bootcamp” style workout instructed by a physical fitness trainer. These classes are proven to be an effective way to lose weight and get quickly back into shape, while keeping the fun and energy alive. But, wouldn't this only ring true for those who already have it in their mindset, where working out has become a way of life? So, what if the thought of wanting to lose weight and getting back into shape isn't motivation enough? As studies show, 64% of adults in the US are either overweight or obese even after the diet, fitness, and health industry reported over $43 Billion in consumer spending alone last year. If self-motivation isn't enough with a majority of Americans being overweight, then what is? Owning a dog is and that's what makes our bootcamp different. Doing an exercise program with your dog is an automatic motivation that will stay consistent throughout the program and here's why:

Dogs love to run as much as they love to be with their owner. They will never say no to exercise, which means the owner stays motivated regardless of how they feel or what kind of day they had. And honestly, how could one say no to those puppy dog eyes when all the benefits outweigh the moments of self doubt and lazy thinking? A study was designed by Dr. Kushner, co-author of “Fitness Unleashed,” as he called it People and Pets Exercising Together, or PPET. The study took place at Northwestern University in Chicago, where overweight owners and dogs alike were put through an exercise and nutritional program for several weeks. Although, the owner's weight loss was significant, each week they were more focused on the positive changes they saw in their dogs' health which kept them going to reach their weight goals. Finally, when it was over, all the participants spoke mostly about their dogs and essentially said the same thing during the exit interviews: They stuck to it because their dog loved it so much.  

Labels: bootcamp, diet, Dogs, Dr. Kushner, exercise, fitness, Fitness Unleashed, self-motivation, weight loss

posted by: Thank Dog! Bootcamp @ 8:48 PM