Now that the weather is pleasant, humans and dogs alike are looking for excuses to get out into the sunshine and do something useful. It is particularly important for working dog breeds and individuals with particularly driven temperaments to stay busy tin order to avoid behavior problems and finding your job a job or hobby is a great way to do that.

Protection Training
Many dogs really need to feel useful to be emotionally healthy and protection training is a great way to give your dog something to do and benefit from it. Protection training sounds dangerous, but it gives your dog a firm groundwork so that he understands that it is not appropriate to be aggressive unless you say so- and the type of aggression is also proscribed. Protection training is not appropriate for unpredictable aggressive dogs, however. Your dog is not ready for protection work unless he is already very reliable in obedience.

Your Dog- An Athlete
If your dog is energetic, obedient and eager to please, he may find his place in one of the many available athletic pursuits for dogs. Athletic pursuits are often a good outlet for dogs who have behavioral issues like hyperactivity and chasing, so even if your dog isn't a perfect angel, consider giving one of these fun canine sports a try. If you're dog is energetic and eager to please and enjoys jumping and running, agility may be her sport. 

Does your dog want to be a hero?
Is she well-behaved and calm and enjoys human interaction, she may be a good candidate for Animal Assisted Therapy. These give the elderly or people with illnesses and handicaps the opportunity to interact with animals in a positive way.

Just Get Out
Maybe you and your dog aren't looking to be heroes, athletes or superstars. Maybe you just like to get out and have fun with other dogs and dog owners. Whatever you do, get out and have fun. It's good for you, it's goof for your dog, and it's a shame to waste the summer.


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