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Surviving Summer with Kids and Dogs

By Leah Hatley and Justine Schuurmans August 5, 2014
Sunshine, summer days and ice-pops by the pool. Still smiling? We hope so! But if any of yours are starting to get cabin fever, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to help entertain the troops and calm the chaos.

Craft: Krinkle Troll
Your kids are going to LOVE making this super cheap, super fun dog toy! All you’ll need is: 
  • An empty plastic water bottle with the cap and ring removed
  • A long, old, mismatched sock (one of dads?)
  • A marker
Have your kids put the water bottle in the sock and tie the end in a knot (you can help with that part if they can’t pull it tight enough). Then let them draw a face on their newly created “troll” and you’re ready to go! Krinkle the troll and let your dog have at it – just keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t rip the sock or bottle apart and swallow anything. This one is so simple and cheap that you can let each of your kids make their own!

Game: Obstacle Course
Let your kids' imaginations run wild this summer while they conjure up their very own obstacle course for your dog. You can help by throwing out a few ideas like making a tunnel from two chairs with a blanket over them, or using two soup cans with a stick between them as a jump. They can also experiment with hula hoops, ladders laid down flat and step stools for your dog to put his paws on.

Once the course is built, don't expect your dog to know what to do! Instead let your kids shine as teachers. WITHOUT using a leash or touching your dog, have them practice one obstacle at a time by putting a yummy treat right in front of your dog’s nose and moving it super slowly - steering her through the obstacles. But remember NEVER to force her - just let her move at her OWN pace - that way it will be fun for everyone!!

Survival Tip: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Having a party this summer? Do yourself a favor and DON'T feel bad taking your dog out of the action! If you have a low-key, well-trained social butterfly of a pup, this doesn't apply to you - but for everyone else read on! Throwing your own bash can be a ton of work; all the prep, entertaining guests and serving food is quite enough to have on your plate - without having to worry what naughty things your dog may be up to. Not to mention that some dogs really struggle with crowds – and that’s ok. Not all dogs love being the center of attention. Instead, find a cozy spot away from the crowd with something deelish to keep her busy and limit your worries for the evening.

Next month we’ll be going all ‘back to school’ on you – so until then, drink in all the lazy mornings, unscheduled days and those sweet and sticky ice-pop faces!

Leah Hatley and Justine Schuurmans are professional trainers and owners of thefamilydog.com, a website that specializes in educating the whole family on how to interact with their dog or puppy. To learn more about the online program and see free training videos visit www.thefamilydog.com.