Is it mine, is it yours, or can we share?

Even in a dog's world, that is what life is about. Take ownership of yours, and learn from the dogs.

Holly is a stick fanatic, Java usually loves his balls. A tip: if your dog is a ball-player, get it a Kong Ball. In particular the one that just has a small hole in the middle. I stopped wasting tennis balls. All he needs is his Kong Ball. And he can chew it all he wants without destroying it. The other advantage is, that it bounces nicely, thereby adding additional fun to the ball play!

It is unbelievable how beneficial it is for a dog to be with another dog that knows the rules. Java has learned a lot from Holly and she also accustomed him to our routine. I love it when he gets on her nerves and she just says: forget it, I am leaving. Which is actually something I learned works. Should he get to wild in the house, I just ignore him or put him alone in another room for a few minutes. He then settles down. The worse thing for him, is to be ignored.

I need to work at home, and that requires quite a few hours of peace and quiet. I spread it out, so that I have enough time for dog play etc. He didn't like it. So he constantly bugged me. Jumped on me, brought toys and the ball, even growled and barked... Until I figured out. Wait a minute. I used to go outside to play for a few when he got like that. He learned, that if he misbehaves, he gets rewarded with play. So I stuck him in the bedroom and closed the door after numerous attempts of making him lay down. He whined, I ignored him for some time. When he was quiet, I let him out, didn't even look at him and went back to where I work. He followed and lay down. Kind of like, why didn't you say so in the first place. I would have laid down. I only misunderstood you. He has been calm ever since when I work. How cool is that? Good boy, Java!