Luke is a wild spirit, with a streak of fire. You could also look at him like water and oil.

During the first couple of weeks at home, Luke played aggressively. His play biting was painful if he didn’t have a toy in his mouth. Luke wasn’t biting to harm us, but he was unaware of the proper etiquette for playing with his mouth. We called a local trainer, North Star Canine Connections. Thankfully, they came right over to help us find ways to control Luke. After spending a little time with Luke, watching him stroll by while getting a quick bite on Brad, the trainer quickly came up with a plan.

We needed a way to control Luke quickly each time he bit us. Otherwise, each nip would be followed by another. We tried redirecting him with toys, bones, treats, anything, but nothing worked. What did work was that each time Luke bit us, he would get leashed up until he calmed down. The second Luke mellowed out; he would earn tons of cookies and love. Then playtime could resume; there were many times when Luke would get right back on his leash, and the cycle would continue.

Luke now knows that he gets lots of attention when he has toys in his mouth. His toy, in turn, has become a prize possession; he loves to grab his toys to show them off. His play with us has become fun and playful.

We struggled with getting Luke into a routine that would keep him occupied and engaged. We reached out to North Star Canine Connections again. This time, the trainer recommended focusing on Luke’s routine and keeping it very structured. It’s working

Morning Routine

We get up at 5 am in the morning to be ready for work by 8. Luke is not a morning dog, so getting him to move out of bed can be a struggle. We play with our snuggle toys and start the morning slowly. By 5:30a, our morning walk around the neighborhood had started. We freeze Luke’s breakfast into a maze plate with Turkey gravy to help slow him down and turn mealtime into a job.

Lunch Time

At lunchtime, we take Luke’s food and spread it on a small area of grass to create a scavenger hunt. Play fetch and finish getting all of the treats out of his Kong.

We take an afternoon walk, either out in the woods or around the neighborhood again. Along with playtime in the yard.

Night Time

Dinner is around 7p, the meal is also frozen. Luke can get all the entire maze clear in 15 minutes. It doesn’t take him too long, but it really helps him with his focus and provides him with needed mental enrichment.

When Luke gets tired his other personality comes out; we call it psycho. Luke goes to bed at 8 pm; once Luke gets to the point of being overtired, it’s too late. We have found 8 pm is the magic spot.

Luke’s Learning

In between the structured routine, Luke plays with toys, fetch, and ropes and shows off. While we know we have a long road ahead of us with our training and through Luke’s adolescent stages, we love him and plan to embrace each stage of his life.

All I can say is that if your puppy or dog is struggling with training or behavioral issues, contact a local trainer. The quick turnaround for Luke has been nothing short of amazing. Using professional assistance with early intervention will make a big difference in your dog’s life and yours.

Luke is enrolled in a 6 week program for the End of September. We have lots of work to get done between now and then.