Dogs are social animals that thrive on routine and structure. From their wild ancestors to today's domestic dogs, the structure provides a sense of security and stability that helps dogs feel calm and confident. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of structure for dogs and how it can improve their behavior and overall well-being.

1. Promotes Good Behavior - A routine helps dogs understand what is expected of them and reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems such as destructive chewing, digging, barking, and jumping. Having a structure in place can also make it easier to train and reinforce good behavior.

2. Reduces Stress - Dogs that have a routine and structure in their lives experience less stress and anxiety. This is because they know what to expect and when to expect it, reducing their need to worry about the unknown.

3. Enhances the Bond with Your Dog - Having a routine and structure in place allows for quality time with your dog, which can enhance your bond. This can include regular training sessions, playtime, and walks, all of which help you to develop a deeper connection with your furry friend.

4. Improves Sleep and Eating Habits - A routine can also improve your dog's sleep and eating habits. By having a set time for meals and bedtime, you can help regulate your dog's body clock, resulting in better sleep patterns and digestion.

5. Supports Physical and Mental Health - Regular exercise, playtime, and training sessions are an important part of a routine for dogs. This helps to maintain their physical health and mental stimulation, reducing the likelihood of boredom, destructive behavior, and obesity.

How to Implement Structure for Your Dog:

1. Establish a Routine - Establish a routine for feeding, potty breaks, exercise, and playtime. Try to keep the routine consistent and stick to the schedule as much as possible.

2. Set Rules and Boundaries - Set clear rules and boundaries for your dog to follow, such as no jumping on furniture, no chewing on certain items, and no barking excessively.

3. Provide Mental Stimulation - Mental stimulation is important for dogs, and can be achieved through activities such as training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive play.

4. Foster Independence - While structure and routine are important, it's also important to foster independence and allow your dog to have some freedom. This can include allowing them to roam in a safe and secure area, or giving them time to play and explore on their own.

In conclusion, structure and routine are essential for dogs and play a crucial role in their well-being and behavior. By implementing a routine, setting rules and boundaries, providing mental stimulation, and fostering independence, you can help your furry friend to lead a happy and healthy life.

Raising a puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of time, patience, and dedication. Here are some tips for successfully raising a happy and well-behaved puppy.

1. Establish a routine: Puppies thrive on routine and consistency. Establishing a regular schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime will help your puppy understand what to expect and make it easier for them to learn and adapt.

2. Potty training: Potty training is an important part of raising a puppy. Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Take your puppy to the designated potty area at regular intervals, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they go potty in the designated area.

3. Socialization: Socializing your puppy is essential for its emotional and social development. Introduce your puppy to different people, places, and animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident.

4. Training: Teaching your puppy basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel is important for their safety and your peace of mind. Training should be positive and reward-based, with plenty of praise.

5. Exercise: Puppies have a lot of energy and need regular exercise to burn it off. Take your puppy for walks, play fetch, or engage in other activities that will keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

6. Provide a safe environment: Puppies are curious and love to explore, but it's important to ensure their environment is safe. Keep dangerous items out of reach and puppy-proof your home to prevent accidents.

Raising a puppy can be a lot of work, but it is also fun. With patience & consistency, you can raise a happy and well-behaved puppy that will be a loving companion for years.

Are you looking for a dog trainer in Denver — or thinking about looking? As you do your research, it’s important to choose a trainer that’s the right fit for both you and your dog.

Here’s a checklist you can use as you’re looking at different websites or following up on recommendations from friends.

1) Do they guarantee results?

A good trainer won’t “guarantee” results. Why? Because there are so many factors that go into training a dog. Dogs require consistency and structure and since the trainer is not around 24/7 the responsibility falls on the owner to follow through and be disciplined. It IS the responsibility of the trainer to give the owner the necessary tools to be successful.

2) What is their training philosophy?

There are so many labels out there that it can be difficult to discern between them all. One “label” that you will see a lot is “positive only.” Positive only sounds great and works for a lot of dogs, but the reality is that it might not be what is needed and/or best for you and your dog. (At Walking With Walter we do use positive behavior training techniques, and we also use other techniques. Our goal is to keep training fun and positive for you and your dog no matter what techniques we’re using.)

3) Does the trainer have good reviews/feedback?

Make sure the reviews are current, and that the trainer is willing to provide references on request.

4) Does the trainer show their work?

With all the social media outlets available, the trainer should have some way for you to see the dogs the trainer is working with and what they work on.

5) Is the pricing transparent?

There should be no guesswork involved when it comes to signing up for training. Most good training programs should be considered an investment in you and your dog. If you don’t like the training, or you do not enjoy working with the trainer you will be throwing money down the drain. Find a program and trainer that you like.

6) Do they ask a lot of questions?

A good dog trainer will have as many questions for you as you do for them. It should be a red flag if the trainer does not ask you lots of questions about your training goals.

7) Do they offer a consultation?

No dog trainer should “sign you up” sight unseen. I strongly believe that there is no substitute for a consultation where you and your dog can meet the trainer - ideally in person, but if necessary virtually on a video or phone call. A consultation should be used as an opportunity for you both to decide if you are a good fit for each other.

8) Do you feel comfortable with them?

You want to work with a trainer that you “click” with. If a trainer is intimidating, talks down to you, or is just way better with dogs than humans, keep looking. While they may be an excellent trainer, if you don’t feel comfortable with them, training is unlikely to be a positive experience.

I hope this list helps! And of course Walking With Walter meets all of these criteria — except of course knowing whether we’re the right fit for YOU. That’s why a consultation is our first step. If you’re in the Denver area, I hope you’ll book a consultation time with me today!

Cool news everyone: Denver, Colorado-based Walking with Walter dog training has been voted a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite!

Whether you’re in Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Cherry Hills or elsewhere in the Denver Metro area, I appreciate each one of you who continue to spread the good word about us. The business continues to grow because of amazing clients, great reviews and referrals.

It has always been our goal to use dog training to help dog owners strengthen their relationships with their four-legged friends. We look forward to meeting new clients, and staying connected with our alumni.

Adopting littermates is a big challenge. Working with Husker this week is showing why. Check out my video on Instagram and get my take on it.

Littermate syndrome is a condition that occurs when two puppies from the same litter are raised together and develop a strong bond that interferes with their ability to socialize with other dogs and humans. While it may seem like a good idea to adopt two puppies at once, this decision can have unintended consequences that can be challenging to address.

The bond that forms between littermates is intense, and it can lead to several behavioral issues, including separation anxiety, aggression, and fearfulness. Puppies that are raised together may become overly dependent on each other and struggle to develop their independence, leading to difficulties when they are separated.

Littermate syndrome can manifest in various ways, including destructive behavior when left alone, excessive barking, and resource guarding. The puppies may also struggle to learn basic obedience commands, making it challenging to train them properly.

One of the most challenging aspects of littermate syndrome is that it can be challenging to reverse once it has developed. Separating the puppies can be traumatic for them, and they may struggle to adapt to life without their littermate. Therefore, it's essential to address the issue early on and take steps to prevent it from developing in the first place.

If you're considering adopting two puppies from the same litter, there are several things you can do to mitigate the risk of littermate syndrome. First, consider adopting puppies of different breeds or ages to prevent them from bonding too closely. Alternatively, stagger their adoption, so they have time to adjust to their new surroundings and bond with their new family before introducing another puppy.

It's also essential to provide each puppy with plenty of individual attention and training. This will help them develop their independence and prevent them from becoming overly reliant on each other. Additionally, it's important to socialize each puppy extensively, so they learn to interact with other dogs and humans.

In conclusion, littermate syndrome is a serious condition that can be challenging to address once it has developed. If you're considering adopting two puppies from the same litter, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent littermate syndrome from developing. With proper training, socialization, and individual attention, it's possible to raise two puppies successfully without encountering the challenges associated with littermate syndrome.

I asked Doug if he knew where we were. His response…”I’m stumped, no clue”

But seriously folks, I can take Doug on off-leash walks because we trust each other. Want to see how fun it can be? Get started with a board and train to learn how to use an E-Collar and have fun like me and Doug.