What You Do Every Day Counts & The Dog Too

What a difference thinking about and implementing one little statement makes.  The last few days the concept “What You Do Every Day Counts” keeps coming into play and I find the more I use it, the easier life has gotten for me... and of course for the dogs who live with me every day.

As part of Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner this is one of the List of Seven Things - What you do EVERY DAY counts.... not what you do sometimes, or every once in awhile.  

Big Projects Get in The Way of Little Projects... or is it Little Projects Get in the Way of Big Projects?

I’m not really sure... what I do know is one of the two was stopping me from getting things done... or I should say in comparison to some... all the things I want to get done completed.  For instance.... I have a private dog training website that has become less than ideal.  The platform it is set up on pretty much sucks and the cost per month is ridiculous.  I mean way ridiculous, especially when one is looking to live a cash based lifestyle as one of their goals.

Why throw money away (actually quite a bit of money) on something that doesn’t really work right on a monthly basis?  In this case I can tell you it’s simply because the job seems to big to tackle.... and I keep telling myself that I’ll find “a block of time to get the whole thing done in”.

Yeah, right.  So far those kind of statements when I reflect back on them have never worked.  Yet I have continued to tell myself “I’ll get it done when I have a block of time when I can really concentrate on it”.  That must be why I have all these lists that have been put to the wayside to start another list, (just for today... after all, I’m going to get to the big project on the other list “when I have a block of time”).....

What You Do Every Day Counts

So... my Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner was based off of the book The Happiness Project.... and since implementing many of the concepts in the book, things have changed in a big way for me.  Which is why I decided to apply it all to for those who have a dog in their life and are looking for the well trained lifestyle where you go out with the dog, get fit, have the dog be the coolest dog ever... and everyone wags more because of it.  (you can start your own Happiness Dog Project by subscribing to the Healthy Living Wag Report)....

I came to the major realization that the big block of time is never going to come.  And I decided I also do not want to be bogged down with these big projects always weighing on my mind.  Through all of my successes these are the things allowing my brain to be programed with undue stress... because I don’t have this done, that done or the other thing done... and the kicker thing is... it comes down usually to the big projects that get my head in this space.

Implement what you do every day counts and this is what happens.  I took the big projects I had and gave myself a little bit of time to work on them every day.  It’s amazing how just starting the project changed the whole motion of the incomplete...

And here I am... feeling good about a bunch of projects that I have been wanting to complete.... like moving the Private Dog Training Site (which I found out as I work through the project has some kickass stuff in it...) I create, get it going and then tend to discount the fact that I’ve got really good stuff in the quest to create more good stuff.

I think it’s probably true for everyone.  We are so programmed to look at what isn’t going right, or what we don’t have done... that all the cool things you actually do get done never get the due credit they should.

Moving the training site, finishing touches on more than one lifestyle with dog e-books, of course... my commitment to bringing Project Happiness Life with Dog as Training Partner to the lives of as many cool dog owners as possible... my fitness, I love my fitness and even someone like me can end up not getting out and getting it done in the quest for “the block of time”.....

All stuff I do every day..... and I’m finding I’m getting so much more done.  I’m so much more happy about it and we are all wagging more.

Life With Dog

How does it all pertain to life with the dogs?  The block of time theory is one that comes to mind when I think about so many of my clients who have come to me with the problem dog.

It’s usually one or two or maybe three behaviors that are driving the owner to such frustration they finally call me for help training the dog.  Yet, when it comes down to it, the concept of “I’ll fix this with the dog when I have time” comes into play for many owners when it comes to what they do with their dog every day.

For instance.... if you have a dog that constantly pulls on the leash... so much so that it is not fun to take the dog as your fitness training partner... ya know, that daily walk or run you have committed in your head to do.... but maybe haven’t implemented “What You Do Every Day Counts” method on it yet?....

This is one you can get done by implementing a couple of simple things to creating the picture your dog is going to stay by your side.  It’s a matter of doing it consistently and doing it every day.  Pulling is something that has become a habit... we tend to throw our hands up in the air and allow the buck em bronko type of walk or run with huge frustration to happen... instead of taking the small steps to replace this habit with not pulling.... in What You Do Every Day Counts....

    •    Never let your dog pull in front of you
    •    Stop, turn in another direction
    •    Make several turns quickly
    •    Mark the moment your dog is not pulling with reward...
                praise, treat, pet...
    •    You have to slow down to get change the habit
    •    Don’t try to keep moving in forward motion if your dog is pulling
    •    Dogs do what works.... if you don’t move forward when they pull,
                the pulling will stop
    •    Show your dog the place you want him or her to be... next to you...
                 not in front of you
    •    It takes patience
    •    It takes consistency
    •    It takes time

What You Do Every Day Counts and you’ll make progress much faster than you think by doing it every day.

Read Running with Two Dogs... even if you don’t have two dogs there are good tips that show turns and stops and starts to get your dog on the path to not pulling on the leash...

And you’ll be well on your way to What You Do Every Day Counts... not what you do some of the time... or sometimes... or every once in a while.

And one more thing... you’ll have accomplished more than one thing you want to do everyday by practicing this... it’s important.  The exerciserly thing for your fitness, your lifestyle and a well behaved balanced dog.

Wag More!

Running with Dogs - iPhone Apps

As the winter wears on and the resolution to lose weight and get fit seem to become shiny bits of an idea that are harder and harder to grab, its important to find the motivation to stay with it. K9 Coach, Inc. is committed to ideas and inspiration to keep you out there running or walking with the dog.

Your dog can be motivation in itself. Just the thought of that wagging tail and the positive change in behavior a little run can do for your dog is enough to remind some to go out for 30 minutes and get some exercise.

Sometimes it takes having that cool gadget and a little push from someone else to keep you on track to a healthier and fit lifestyle. That's where iPhone apps and a training program written for you and your dog can make all the difference in the world.

Its true that a training partner can help you stay motivated. Planning to run a dog friendly 5K puts that goal out there giving you something to aim for.  A training program written for you and your dog helps with direction and knowing exactly how to stay on course. Especially if running, walking or signing up for a 5K are new to you.

And then of course cool gadgets can really help. As superficial as that might sound, it is a great way to keep yourself motivated. And these days you can even do that on the cheap.

Take for instance the iPhone app called Runmeter. A way cool fun thing for your walking or running program. You can record your time, location, distance, elevation, and pace. It can help you visualize and keep your goal attainable by seeing your results on maps, graphs, and calendars, organized by routes and activities. Know how much distance you've run by day, week, month, and year.

You can even share your training by sending Google Map links of your runs and routes using email or Twitter. During your run, hear tweets from family, coaches, and friends spoken using text-to-speech technology. Its motivating and keeps you going.

Get your dog and go for it. Find a dog friendly 5K race to sign up for, get your Canine Cross Training Program, and have some fun with an iPhone app all for less than the cost of a month at most gyms!

Your dog will love you. You will love you... and the fitness and health benefits for you both are more than attractive to all of those around you.

Wag more.

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

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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

Idita-Walk - Fitness for You Fitness for Your Dog

Go Train Your Dog and Yourself.  Get fit.  Get balanced.  Get wagged.

The Idita-Walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Most dog owners know about the Iditarod and have an appreciation for it simply in the spirit of the amazing physical accomplishments as well as emotional ties we have to our dogs and their abilities.

The thought of being able to join in or even go watch usually exists in our heads as one of those “it would be fun” statements but the possibility really isn’t there.  Both from a logistical standpoint and a dog breed technicality, participating leaves us out of this event.  A Weimaraner gets a bit cold with no coat and the Labrador raised in San Diego might not be acclimated for the Alaska event!

The Idita-Walk allows anyone to join in from anywhere 

with any dog breed, big or or small!  Cool.  Wag.

The Idita-Walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.  The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is 1049 miles long from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.  To complete the Idita-Walk, simply walk 30 minutes a day for 35 days between February 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010 for a total of 1049 minutes Any combination of minutes will work - just reach 1049 during the 59 day event!

You can even count running or jogging!  For those of you who have signed up for Canine Cross Training and are getting your personal walking, jogging or running workouts sent to you weekly its even easier.  If you aren’t in this program seriously take a look at it.

A fitness program that doesn’t require a gym or to go out and meet someone at another location is much easier to succeed with our busy lives and lack of time.  Your dog as your most loyal training partner means you can stay on this fitness program AND you get a personal coach inspiring you with what to do each day on a weekly basis.

In the new decade of 2010 the trend is to Escape Modern Day Stresses and "Return to Sacred Places".  What a great way to jump on the trend.

Register for the Idita-Walk here.

Register for Canine Cross Training here. 

Register for other Dog Friendly Events here.


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Go out and have some fun with your dog.  Get fit, get balance in your life, your dog’s life, and wag more!
©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

New Year’s Resolution for You and The Dog

2009 is only a few hours from being behind us. On to 2010 and what many put hope of a new beginning. Its really a great thing to do and New Year’s resolutions aren’t cliche anymore. Its a time to set goals, go for a better way of being, thinking, and doing.

Number one on everyone’s list should be:

Wag more.

Yep. Even if you aren’t a dog owner it’s a good rule to live by. Of course dog owners know exactly what that means. Dogs tend to wag at the slightest hint of possibility. For the most part, those who wag more have more joy, harmony, gratitude, and peace of mind than those who spend their time barking about whatever is presented them on a moment to moment basis.

Along with wag more the highest of priorities should be health and fitness. Without it the chances of your happiness and self fulfillment becoming a reality are much smaller. Doesn’t matter if you are person or dog, if you don’t feel good, if you are overweight, if you can’t get out and move its not a fun place to be.

So here they are. Top priorities for 2010. You and the dog:

• Wag more.
• Get fit.
• Loose those extra pounds.
• Find peace of mind.

For the dog finding peace of mind and wagging more are easier than for most of the thinking two legged communities we live in. Make it a point to take a lesson from our four legged friends there on a daily basis. Wag more.

Getting fit and losing extra pounds.... well.... those are more under the two legged friends control and our dogs rely on us for the opportunities to join in the movement on those fronts.

The truth of the matter is it is much easier to accomplish weight loss and getting fit when you have a loyal training partner to rely on. Perfect for dog owners. You’ll never find a more loyal training partner, ready to go at any moment’s notice, never an excuse and always with a big inviting wag of excitement to go.

Awesome. So we have established that weight loss and getting fit are big on the New Year’s resolution list. We’ve also established that the chances of it actually happening are high when you have someone to rely on.

Perfect.

Then this is for you. Your dog is already willing to sign up. Done.

Now all you need another coach to inspire you, provide a simple program you can follow with the help of your dog, add a little encouragement here and there and send you what to do every week.

Done.

How to Run Your 1st 5K
with Your Dog as
Your Most Loyal Training Partner

It’s easy, its fun, you get to do it with your dog and it will work.

Click to find out more about Running Your 1st 5K with Your Dog as Your Training Partner.

Even if you don’t want to actually sign up for a 5K you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a training program written for you and your dog to follow. Getting encouragement from a coach and 9 time Ironman finisher that knows dogs, knows how to train for fitness and has found success in coaching others to their best.

Go ahead. Make 2010 your year. Look good, feel good, get fit, and wag more.


Canine Cross Training *fitness & health programs for you and your dog

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

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

Dog Bone Treat Recipe - Perfect Christmas Dog Gift

The holidays are upon us and the shopping malls are a bit crazy these days. For those of you with dogs on you Christmas shopping list here’s a great idea that’s cost effective and the dogs will love.

Everyone knows chocolate is not good for the dog. A fact not well known though is carob is a substitute that dogs can eat and it makes us humans feel so sweet to give that special bonus dog treat.

Carob information: The carob tree is cultivated for its edible seed pods. Carob, dried or roasted has a slightly sweet taste. It's used in powder or chip form as a substitute for chocolate in cakes and cookies. Carob is used as a non-toxic alternative to chocolate in dog treats, as the theobromine in chocolate is toxic to most dogs.

Carob Dog Bone Treat Recipe

Dough Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter (non sweetened)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cups unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup rolled oats

Keep additional flour ready to roll dough without sticking to the rolling pin.

*Personally I flattened the dough using my hands and additional flour.

Mix water, oil, eggs, vanilla and peanut butter with a wire whisk. Add flour, cornmeal and oats using a mixer or by hand mixing.

Divide dough in thirds and place 1/3rd on floured surface. Flour top of dough and gently knead, adding more flour until dough is pliable enough to roll. (Or flatten evenly using your hand)

Roll to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness and cut using a bone shaped cookie cutter. (Another shape of your choice will work too!)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes depending on thickness.

Carob Dip

1/2 lb carob chips
1/4 cup milk

Melt carob chips in microwave at half power for 1 minute. Stir in milk and microwave at half power for 1 more minute. Stir to smooth consistency.

After bones have cooled dip one end in warm carob mixture. Place on surface to cool.

Store these dog treats the same way you would homemade cookies. An airtight container is best. Since there are no preservatives in these treats refrigeration is best or if the treats are not used within a couple of weeks freeze them. Thaw completely before feeding.

Your dog will love the treats. It’s a great idea for all of your dog owning friends and family as a holiday gift.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to go outside and get some exercise with your dog. Its good for you. It’s good for your dog.

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

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