Movement matters, but more is not always better. Exercise should match your dog’s age, breed, health, and individual needs. A young growing puppy has very different physical needs than an adult working dog or senior companion. Too much repetitive impact, intense activity, or exercise that exceeds your dog’s conditioning level can place unnecessary stress on growing joints and muscles. Pay attention to recovery too. Soreness, excessive fatigue, reluctance to move, lagging behind, or changes in behavior after activity can all be signs your dog may need more rest or a different exercise plan. Fitness is not about pushing harder. It is about creating a healthy balance that keeps dogs feeling strong and comfortable for the long run.
Canine Good Citizen Series (New Educational Series)
We’re starting a new weekly series focused on the Canine Good Citizen pathway, from Star Puppy all the way through Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine, and Advanced CGC skills. Each week we’ll break down one test item at a time, what it actually looks like in real life, what evaluators are looking for, and how to build those skills in a way that makes sense for both dog and handler. This series is designed to help take the guesswork out of the CGC process and make training feel more clear, structured, and achievable. At Dawgs at Work, we also support teams directly through training and preparation, and we offer official CGC testing through our AKC approved evaluators. Whether you’re just starting with a puppy or working toward advanced public access reliability, we can help guide you through each step of the process. Next week we’ll begin with Star Puppy and build from there.
Teach “touch” and watch how often you use it. Touch = your dog targeting your hand with their nose. It may seem simple, but it becomes incredibly useful for training and everyday life. How to teach it: Hold your hand out a few inches from your dog’s nose. The second they investigate or touch your hand with their nose, mark with “good” or a click and reward. Repeat until they intentionally bump your hand. Add the cue “touch.” Slowly increase distance and practice in different locations. Simple skills often become the most valuable ones. Why we love it:
This week we’re focusing on the ears. A dog’s ears are one of the clearest indicators of how they are feeling in the moment, but they are also influenced by breed, structure, and natural carriage, so context always matters. Forward ears often indicate interest or engagement, especially when paired with a soft, relaxed body. Ears pinned back can suggest uncertainty, stress, or appeasement, but in some cases may also simply reflect excitement or movement. Ears that are constantly shifting or flicking can show that a dog is actively processing their environment and scanning for information. The key is not to read ears in isolation, but to look at them as part of the whole picture, including body posture, tail position, mouth, and overall energy. Next week we’ll break down another part of the body to help you better understand what your dog is communicating.
