Abby, our 7 month old Beabull, is nothing like my Alex, but believe it or not I am glad they are so different because it gives me the opportunity to grow as a person and as a dog trainer.  Here are some things I’ve discovered about Abby:

• Abby loves all dogs and people equally
• Anything on the floor is fair game to her
• She is food oriented
• She sleeps through the night without a problem
• She enjoys attention from anybody

I truly was not looking to get a puppy, but you know what?  I think a puppy was just what I needed.  I am taking Abby everywhere I can in order to get her used to different people and environments.  She used to be afraid of the following:

• Trucks or vans that made a lot of noise
• Dishes – when I was clumsy and dropped them
• Stairs – she’d whine every step of the way, literally
• Black cars – some of them, not all

We are working on all the things that make Abby fearful and so far so good.  Avoiding the things she is afraid of will never give her the opportunity to be calm and relaxed.

Abby is hesitant to approach new things, most puppies are, and when that happens I encourage her to do it by pointing, touching, and/or using treats.  She is food motivated so that’s a plus.  We’ll be exploring new areas as times goes by.

Abby gets plenty of exercise, but I noticed something very interesting the other day.  We took her to Petco and when we got home she was exhausted.  Then I remembered that smelling a new place, for dogs, is learning so mentally she was tired.

Regardless of whether you have a puppy or senior dog, make sure that you fulfill your canine companion physical and mental needs.  Enjoy your weekend and go out and explore your neighborhood.