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looking for the next thing to chew up, so it is a good idea to put toys and small rewards in areas that he likes to visit. For example, if your busy-body dog enjoys digging in your child's sandbox, throw a few nylon-made bones or interactive toys in the box, burying one or two. I do not suggest rawhides, as these are choking hazards for eager dogs.

JOB: It is important that all dogs have their own job within the family. While thinking about what type of job your dog should have, you should consider the breed. Retrievers are naturally people-pleasers and will benefit from working with people, assisting in therapy, search and rescue, hunting, and more. Small breed dogs often fall victim to the job of "arm guardian". I see it all too often. A cute little yorkie breaks out into a fit of barking, the owner picks him up, and he continues to bark, therefore earning him the job title. Small dogs enjoy being the center of attention at home, so learning a few tricks might be beneficial. Most high energy dogs are great candidates for agility, building coordination and balance. Contact your local kennel club for more information.

TRAINING: Positive reinforcement training is a great way to train your high energy companion. Dogs are rewarded for behaving properly with treats and praise. Through training, dogs can learn how to properly walk on a leash without pulling. They can also learn a variety of tricks which keep them learning. Through a combination of simple cues, dogs can even learn to put their own toys away. Not only is this a valuable behavior for your dog to have, it is also a great icebreaker for visitors! If you were to only teach your dog one cue, SIT would be the one to teach. Once your dog knows how to correctly sit on cue, he will concentrate more on the behavior than jumping on your legs. It is important that your dog know and understand the cue before you overly use it. If you repeat the word too many times before he performs the cue, than the word will become immune to him. To properly teach SIT, hold a treat between your thumb and forefinger at your dog's nose and pull your hand up, and then back over your dog's head. Your dog's nose will naturally follow the treat. Once his head goes back, his tail will hit the ground. Reward and tell him "Good Sit". Repetition is key. Training sessions should be kept short and fun. Twenty minutes a day is a good start. There are several dog training resources available. Consult with a private trainer at the local obedience

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