Kimo was a 3 year old neutered male Malamute dog who dug holes in the yard, barked endlessly, escaped whenever possible, urinated and defecated indoors, and paced relentlessly indoors and out. Martina was a 1 year old spayed female Russian Blue cat who meowed for attention at 2 am, knocked objects off any countertop or desktop she explored, and was already 2 pounds overweight. What could these pets have in common? Do they sound at all like troubles you have with your own furry friends?

• Leash walks give your dog consistent opportunity to void outside, and you can provide immediate and jubilant praise! This is important for pups and adults alike.
• Your devoted dog can enjoy your undivided attention, and in particular, the morning walk will leave him relaxed while you’re away at work. A walk when you return from work will help you both unwind from the stress of each day.
• Practice obedience skills during leash walks to increase the benefits of a walk; your dog is not simply ambling along, but is performing additional tasks. Practice commands as a form of constructive play indoors and out so that your dog is always eager to follow your leadership.
• Walks provide mental stimulation through territorial investigation; your yard will become a sterile environment. No surprise that most dogs become agitated and resort to mischief just to keep themselves entertained. 
• Walking your dog is aerobic exercise for you and your dog! Obesity is the most important health problem of our pets. Even aging pets must be kept agile and fit and need your company to encourage their exercise.  
• Walks give both puppy and adult dog the opportunity to socialize. The best toy your dog can have is another doggy playmate! Dogs simply should not play with people the way they need to play with each other. Meet other dogs and their people in green space near you. With regular opportunity to socialize with people or other dogs, your dog’s social skills will progress and not regress.   
• Play is a great way to exercise your dog. Games of ‘fetch’ are always appropriate. Try building an agility course in your yard. 

• Play with your cat at least twice a day until the cat (not you) is tired. Be sure to play with your kitty before your bedtime so that you’ll be tired at the same time!
• Toys suspended at the end of a ‘fishing pole’ stick or tossed away are encouraged because the cat can focus on a moving target that is held away from you.
• Provide a wide variety of toys for your cat, and rotate them daily so they retain their appealing novelty. Try making some of your own with household items such as aluminum foil balls or knotted socks on a rope.
• Place a cozy perch at several windows around your home.
• Build a cat ‘tree’ or purchase one so your cat can climb and explore.
• Build staggered shelves meant for your cats to use.
• The best toy for a cat is another cat! Instead of just one kitten, get two! Introduce new adult pets gradually over many weeks to improve their acceptance into your household.