Dog Training 411: The Right Fit
Bitsy is an adorable Morkie (Maltese / Yorkie) pup! I worked with her owner to help create a structured exercise and household boundary schedule while her owner decided whether or not Bitsy was fit to be a lap dog. Bitsy was raised on a farm and had an abundant amount of energy, and she was naturally more dominant than submissive. Bitsy did so well with the exercise regime I set up for her of running alongside the rollerblades and bike when I was able to do this with her, but no matter how much exercise I can provide for any dog, their owner needs to be able to come up with an exercise and discipline schedule that works for them at the end of the day.
Unfortunately, Bitsy's owner could not walk very far as she was elderly. Many times, it's just a matter of finding the right fit. In dog training, I am constantly looking to bridge the gap by fitting the dogs' needs into a regime that the owner can do. Different dogs connect with different people depending on both parties' energy level, time availability, activity level and learned skill set. This being said, not every dog that currently exists in their household is a good fit, and many times I have to recommend the possibility of re-homing the dog. I helped Bitsy's owner find a new home where she could be exercised to the extent that she needed. Please consult a professional puppy profiler or trainer if you are considering adding a new dog to your home, this can save you lots of time!