Feeling Good, Feeling Bad and Feeling Right. Life with Dogs.

As I continue to trek on with the Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner experience I find that it really is about each moment of the day.

Take for instance the concept of feeling good, feeling bad and feeling right.

What happens when you wake up in the morning with things you need to get done and yet you feel bad?  It’s hard to get going.  And it is certainly hard to get going with any sort of finesse when you feel like that.

It’s precisely what happened to me today and due to this project I was able to figure a way out of it.

I felt bad when I got up.  Didn’t want to get anything done, didn’t feel like doing anything, and didn’t really feel like anyone cared whatever it was that I did.  But then I realized it was about each moment and started applying things like the One Minute Rule.  (you’ll find it in an upcoming post)

Feeling Good and Feeling Bad

It’s hard in the moments when you feel bad to make yourself feel good.  But what I’m finding is that with a bit of practice the feeling can be attained with just a little effort.

Thinking about those things that you do have in your life to make you feel good is the answer to this dilemma.  There are things, you just have to bring your mind to think about the good and quit focusing on whatever it is that is making you feel bad.

Think Like a Dog

Very simple answer to feeling good.  It’s every day that my two dogs get up wagging their tails in anticipation of what the day is going to bring.  It doesn’t even really matter if it’s the exact same thing that happened yesterday.... the thought of those fun moments is enough to wag for the day.

Ok.  Keeping that in mind I realized that I had the opportunity to go to the gym.  Run on the treadmill in my barefoot shoes.  It was the option instead of going out on the Rim Trail.  It’s unseasonably hot here in Taos, New Mexico and the dogs could get heat exhaustion due to lack of a cooling system.

Instead I came up with a great plan.  There’s a river right up the road so when I was done with the workout for today, I took my computer and headed up the road with the dogs.  They got to get out and run and get in the river.  I got to sit and get some work done on my computer in a very creative way.

That feels right.

So there you go.  The training lesson for today for you and the dog.  Feeling good, feeling bad and feeling right.

I started out feeling bad.  I focused on only those things that could make me feel good.  I lived the moment like my dogs.... wagging in anticipation of the next fun thing....
and now everything is feeling right.

Create your own Project Happiness Life with Dog As Training Partner.  It’s easy enough to click on the Healthy Living Wag Report and go for your fit, balance lifestyle with your dog as your most loyal training partner.

Life With Dog As Training Partner: Eat Your Colors

When I decided to do this Project Happiness: Life with Dog as Training Partner, I had it all planned in my head as usual.... I was going to make this the perfect blog yet. So of course, same thing happened. I’m trying to come up with the perfect post.

And then I realized, that is what this is all about. I’m good at things when I just jump in. Most people are. You are too. It’s an old habit I have. Especially about something that I want to become really good at.

I’ve always been one of those people that jumps in and sets out to be the best I can be in things. And because of that fact, as life has gone on, I’ve gotten good at fewer things because I want to be make it perfect to start out with.

How many times does one need to jump in and learn the lesson? The best time to start being good at what you want to be good at is by starting with something and moving forward with it every day.

So here it is. Where I am today on Project Happiness: Life with Dog As Training Partner.

One of my Seven Personal Things is Eat Good Food. It’s something that I’ve told myself I do a good job at most of the time. And the truth be known when I started keeping a food journal, or at least continuing to be very mindful of what I was eating, I realized that ate pretty much crap most of the time.

I read a book call Food Rules which absolutely rocked. I highly recommend it. It makes knowing what to eat easy and almost fun.

So once again I have found myself ordering a big cheeseburger with fries more than once in the last few days. Seriously? This goes in the category Eat Good Food? No. It’s just an old habit.

It’s amazing how one really needs to focus on what you want and how making a conscious choice can change so much about how you feel. I picked up Food Rules again and the rule that came to me was Eat Your Colors. Today, I had butternut squash soap and added chopped up fresh broccoli. It was actually really good and made me feel better immediately. What’s so hard about that? Nothing really so I’m already planning the next good-for-me meal.

And once again the book Food Rules which has these simple rules that are usually a short page to read got me seriously motivated again. (That’s what this article is meant to do for you too!)

Heading to the Farmer’s Market tomorrow. Going to get more colors of vegetables and fruit to add to my Eat Good Food.

Life with Dog

This Eat Good Food thing got me thinking about what color food dogs eat. I write about healthy dog food all the time and get some interesting responses from people. Yesterday one came in where this women didn’t think it was a good idea to recommend different food to dog owners, especially those who have dogs that easily get stomach upset from a change in food.

Oh my. Wasn’t that the point? Poor dogs eat the same preservative laden food every single day. The only color they might get is the artificial dies some of the big pet food companies put in the chunks of kibble designed to look “beneful”, but are really a product of... uh.... down right gross nasty ingredients designed for profit.

Back to Eat Your Colors for the dogs too.... lots of research later I feed them a healthy dry kibble and add things to it that are good for the dog too. Today’s color for the dogs.... a little squash soup with some broccoli dribbled over the kibble. They are happy. And they are healthy. *Note not all the food we humans eat are good for the dog so do your research there as well... for instance, grapes can be deadly for dogs.

Start your own Project Happiness: Life with Dog as Training Partner by signing up for the Healthy Living Wag Report.

Dogs are the greatest on earth for keeping a smile on their face and a wag of the tail going. Follow along and keep updated on ways to get out and have fun with your dog, your life, your health and your happiness by signing up for the Healthy Living Wag Report!

Wag More!

©Jt Clough & K9 Coach Inc, 2010

Running with Your Dog in Cold Weather

Running is one of the fastest, easiest ways to attain fitness or weight loss.  For most that means going outside.  The excuse, “its too cold”, can be tempting but here are some tips to help you and your dog run in the cold weather.

First, your dog is definitely not going to heed to the excuse “its too cold”.  Doesn’t matter what the temperature most dogs are up for an outing.  So, use that wag of excitement as inspiration to go out out and get a run in anyway.

When is it too cold for your dog to run with you?  The simple answer to that question is if its too cold for you, its too cold for the dog.  Its easy to get confused on that question though so be aware when you are making the choice “its too cold” versus “I don’t feel like it and the temperature is colder than I’d like it to be.”  Thats called an excuse.

Take note that wind is an element to consider.  Wind chill factors can dip fast so if you are looking for a legitimate excuse “its too cold”, the wind will work to hold that statement up.  Look for a day when you don’t have to brave your way through gale wind storm.

One way to making cold weather running fun for you is to get some gear that not only makes you look really cool but these days the fabrics are made to keep heat in, shed perspiration and are lightweight.  This is true for the dog as well and depending on your dog’s natural fur coat there are options for winter time gear for your dog as well. Upscale Dog Supplies has great dog cold weather running apparel.

Dogs with undercoats like collies, labs, huskies and shepherds tend to stay warmer and aren’t as affected by the elements.  Dogs with single coats like Weimarners, Vizslas, Papillons and Pit Bulls could certainly use a dog coat to help keep the heat in during cold weather conditions.

If you are running with your dog in temperatures below freezing as we have been here in Taos, NM where we are spending a couple months training this winter, its best to keep moving.  That’s good advice for you and the dog.  Movement creates heat and running while its 20 degrees out with the right clothes on for you and the dog makes all the difference.  In fact you could find yourself actually feeling warm in these conditions.

Its when you stop that you’ll find the chill factor setting in.  Keep moving and plan your run so that you can go inside when you and the dog complete the route or you are able to get in a car you can heat up quickly right after the run.

Even though it’s cold you will still lose hydration during a winter time run so make sure to hydrate, and of course this is true for your dog too.

Finding motivation to run in the winter may take a bit more inspiration.  A 5k or 10K race, even one that is dog friendly, may be the answer to keep you motivated.  A training program written for you and your dog to follow has proven to be a factor of successfully staying fit during the winter.

Most dogs are in need of an active lifestyle.  Amazingly enough that is true for humans as well.  Go outside.  Have some fun.  Take the dog.  Drink water.  Wag more.

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com  www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Dog Owners More Likely To Maintain Exercise Program

The food eating frenzy is over.  With the passing of New Year’s Day, the food-fests go with it.  From Thanksgiving to New Year’s everything seems to be planned around parties with food that’s very tasty but is now being worn around our bellies.

The time has come.  Good news for dog owners when it comes to this subject.  Studies show that people who own dogs are much more likely to get started on an exercise program.

The even better news and the big surprise to researchers.... studies also show that people who started an exercise program with their dog show big improvement while those who started similar programs without dogs began making excuses, showing little improvement. 

Another interesting fact was the speed of walking, jogging, or running increased by 28% for those training with dogs versus those without a dog with only a 4% increase.  Not that it is the most important thing on the agenda but it does make one feel like they are really doing something when the pace picks up on a natural basis.

Even so, we all tend to need a little added motivation when it comes to starting a program.  Walking or running is the easiest to get into, and for the most part the most effective.  Joining a gym which many do right after the first of the year feels like motivation but more often than not becomes overwhelming.

A gym can be intimidating and feeling like you “belong” doesn’t come easy.  The failure rate is high due to feeling like you don’t know what you are doing.  Again, a walking or running program you can do without the scrutiny of long time gym members eyes.

Having something other than weight loss or getting fit to focus on helps immensely with motivation.  Your dog as your training partner can be a big inspiration as well.  After all, you can rely on your dog to show up every single time.  A training partner increases your chances of success greatly.

A training plan written out for you increases your chances of enjoying the exercise,  knowing what to do and how to do it safely.  Give yourself something to focus on while you are establishing your exercise, diet and nutrition routine.  Stick with your new plan plan by signing up for our Canine Cross Training: Running your 1st 5K! 

Even if signing up for the 5K or 10K isn’t in your list of things you really want to do, having a training plan clearly written out for you and the assistance of your reliable dog training partner will get you to the ultimate goal:  fitness, weight loss, and a healthy you.

So get your dog and get started.  There is no more time to waste in the game of life.  Health and fitness are the foundation to everything else.  Get your dog, get your training plan and get started today.

*Note about the author:  Jt Clough is a professional dog trainer who has studied and applied how to create a balanced life through calm dog training techniques with her long time commitment to health and fitness.  A finisher of 9 Ironmans among many other fitness accomplishments along with her life partner Gary Guller who has reached the summit of Mt. Everest, bringing inspiration to others for a lifestyle that includes health and fitness is giving back to the world all the joys it has given.

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010     www.SitK9Sit.com      www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Chihuahuas, Lap Dogs and Other Small Dogs 2nd Chance

These days Hollywood seems to have a hold on many of our everyday decisions. What we wear, what weight we “ideally” should be, who’s cool, and what kind of dog we should own.

With the release of movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua and the number of celebrities like Paris Hilton, Serena Williams, & Oprah Winfrey with small dogs, those who are even thinking about getting a dog tend to make a choice based on cute rather than temperament, the need for dog training, how much exercise is required, or the difficulty to potty train.

The joy of bringing home a new puppy turned nightmare when uncontrollable barking, peeing in the house, chewing shoes, furniture, and cell phones, snapping at guests, or growling at other dogs appears is often the case with dogs that people think of as small and completely controllable. The number of breeds like Maltese, Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound, Silky Terrier, and King Charles Cavalier’s ending up in shelters due to this problems is alarming.

The sad thing is with a little research and some professional dog training these problems could be avoided entirely or at the very least fixed. The mistake of thinking a small dog needs little exercise is a big one and many don’t realize until after all the damage is done. People aren’t willing to change the lifestyle or realize that by changing exercise level and communication with the small dog the result is a really great little companion.

Thus large numbers of small dogs are ending up in shelters. Really sad and unnecessary but never the less true. It turns out that its also happening in some areas of the country more than others.

For instance the shelters in LA or filling up with these small breeds while other areas of the country like New Hampshire have very few of these breeds and many people who with lifestyles that can support the well being of a small dog.

Hollywood and the people who make up the scene there do a lot of good things to and in this case Katherine Heigl has done a very cool thing in that she paid thousands of dollars to have small shelter dogs shipped from LA to Nashua, NH.

Heigl one of the stars of Grey’s Anatomy felt she had the means and the joy of a small dog united with a owner who has time, energy and understanding is admirable from all aspects.

Small dogs can be trained just like big dogs to be great companions. The two biggest problems are potty training and over excited energy. Because toy breeds tend to be able to get away with things big dogs aren’t, expectations from the beginning are different. By practicing good dog training habits and establishing a potty training routine just like a big dog, these small breeds can be the best companions ever that can go anywhere because of their size.

If you are dealing with these problem with your small dog, its not too late. As with anything, today is the best day to start a new program whether it be diet, exercise or program to get your dog training off on the right paw!

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2009 www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Why To Thank The Dog For Training

We did our weekly dog training webcast tonight and again way cool people logged on and asked the coolest questions. I guess one of the reasons our new format on how to train a dog by bringing it right to a lot of people’s homes live every week has not only helped a lot more dogs, but also really helped us a professional dog trainers to think outside the box.

Each week we go along we find more and more things to actually thank the dog for and that ends up being an awesome feeling. The reason we find that such a big deal is because we have also spent a lot of years listening to people complain about their dog and the bad behavior that was so common when people finally came to us.

Now we are not only helping people gain a nicely trained dog, but the way it’s gone about is so much more differently than the old standard drudgery of a dog training class. A wagging tail when everyone “gets it” is a gratifying feeling. Tonight for instance we went over how to get your dog do some tricks and we did it in a way that was really fun for our listening audience to follow along in our online dog training session complete with video.

The kick back from that was the quick response of how by doing this “teach my dog to back up” thing and have fun at it, actually got people understanding how to get the dog to come to them too... and we it taught using an idea of putting the whole process into a picture.

Good stuff all the way around really.

Anyway, if you are one of those people that has a dog and wants to become more active with the things you can do with your dog... think about how to get your dog doing things as though you were painting a picture for the dog to do... like step by step. Big hint, don’t give your dog more than one thing to do before they have completed the first request!

You’ll be amazed at how much easier everyone learns. I know it sounds a little crazy but if you are creative at all it will click in quickly... and if not, no worries there either, we’ve got a whole website and live webcast training for you to have some fun and get a really cool trained dog too....

Now... do everything one step at a time... it’s how you get from where you are to where you want to be. True for you, true for your dog.

Follow us on Twitter for more fun dog photos, training tips and tricks, & fun dog news. www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Jt Clough of K9 Coach San Diego & Robin MacFarlane of That's My Dog in Wisconsin provide online dog training to private clients, online dog training members, & professional trainers from various locations throughout the year. Our latest accomplishment is being able to be everywhere on the web every week.

Dog Training Encinitas

From Blogger Pictures

Saturday morning in Encinitas, CA. Even though it was a bit rainy for the likes of San Diego people and their dogs, this morning seemed to be very lively with people out and about on the 101 in North County San Diego.

We headed out for the beach with our own dogs to get some exercise early on and on the way stopped at Starbucks for coffee in Encinitas on the 101. So many people were out running their dogs, walking their dogs, or just going for coffee and taking the family dog on an outing.

As we sat outside and sipped our coffee and read the paper, a gentleman came along with the cutest little dog in the picture... and tied him off to the table next to the door of Starbucks so he could go in and order his much desired coffee drink of choice. As he was going, his small puppy was jumping at the door to go after him. I watched him diligently keep going back outside and putting his dog in a very nice sit. As he did it he looked over at us and said "he's in training".

Of course as a professional dog trainer I had such huge appreciation for this that I couldn't stop myself from offering to help him... so I told him no worries... you go in and I'll assist in keeping your dog in the position you left him in.

It was so cool. This little dog only needed a little assistance as was doing so well as people walked by, commented on him, had food and coffee in hand, and his owner was inside all the while.

A little advice on how to keep his dog in position when the owner came out and the explanation of how his dog learns and thinks in pictures and everyone was really happy.

Sometimes the feeling of just helping someone and their dog is the greatest! Get out and have some fun, enjoy your dog, get some exercise. We live in one of the greatest places in the world!

Dog Training & The Weight Loss Resolution

From 21 Day Challenge: Walk Your Dog Every Day

It's well into January of 2009, and the weight loss resolution is already well behind many who had great plans for it. So don't let another year go by and feel bad about not doing anything about it.

Really. Lets make it easy. If you are a dog owner commit to getting out and walking with your dog once a day. I know that sounds quite simple... but really it can be.

I was reading the other day that the average American puts on at least 2 pounds of fat per year. So it's no wonder you suddenly looked at yourself and said "what happened?" It's also true that people who have dogs and get out and exercise with them can stop that process.

And the really great thing is: your dog is going to be stoked AND end up much calmer, in fact you'll hear people making the comment, "I wish my dog was that well trained."

Many times it just comes down to exercise. Of course there is the dog that seems to be out of control so you just don't do it... but that's no problem. Dog training programs are available to help you QUICK. So get out today.

K9 Coach has dog training private lessons, dog training camps, & online dog training programs. Private lessons and camps done in San Diego & Temecula, CA and Taos, NM. Online dog training programs not only are available to anyone, anytime, anywhere, but also are a bonus to our private training programs.

So go ahead... stop the statistic of adding body fat every year... AND end up with the coolest dog around.

Which Dog Breed Should the Obama Family Take To The White House

As everyone knows if you are living in the US, we have a new President about to take office. This inauguration this takes place on this Tues, Jan 20th. The country as a whole is looking forward to some sort of change, though we may not know exactly what that is.

With a new President the tradition of a family White House dog comes as well. The Obama family has narrowed the search down to 2 breeds. The Labradoole or the Portuguese Water Dog. The Obama girls have some allergies that requires the family get a dog that is hypoallergenic, which is the reason for the choice between these two brees.

As dog trainers we find this fun news to follow up on and we thought we'd have some fun with the many "dog people" out there and have your vote count once again. Take the poll below and vote for which dog breed the Obama's should pick.

We'll be following up with dog training stories, dog walking stories and all sorts of fun dog news... so go ahead, let us know what you think. We'll keep up on the online dog stories & training for your next political conversation piece!

Train Your Dog at Home with A Private Pro Trainer

Cosmo magazine stated last month that 2 out of 3 families in the US have a dog. Wow! Thats a lot of dogs and a lot of people who I hear from all the time with some great questions about what to do about getting their dog to act like Lassie.

Great news! I love to help dogs "get it" and by listening to what I'm asked almost daily I created something I'm told is the greatest in dog training ideas. Bring the professional training class to you. In fact you guys also told me you wanted to have your own private trainer at your house to get the dog training dilemma figured out... so here it is.

A live online dog training class, you can come to it in the comfort of your own home, you can go to it anytime and listen to the archived trainings, watch the videos a have super dog in no time at all.

Our next live webcast is tomorrow. Don't miss it! How to Train Your Dog At Home Online Training Programs - Live Sunday July 27, 3 pm Pacific, 5 pm Central, 6 pm Eastern

www.GoTrainYourDog.com