Walking a pack of dogs, Thom McKinney looks like Tucson's own Dog Whisperer. But he avoids trendy titles.
"When asked, I tell people I'm very good with dogs. I know how to work with them and how to handle them," said McKinney, who started Dog Day Adventures in January. It provides outings for dogs, training services and cage-free boarding.
Worried your dog spends too much time alone while you're at work?
On McKinney's outings, three to five dogs get 90 minutes of vigorous and varied exercise while McKinney reinforces basic commands such as sit, stay, come and so on.
The idea is that you then return home to an exercised, socialized and more balanced dog.
Dog owners are increasingly becoming concerned with their dog's quality of life, says McKinney, who takes some clients' dogs out five days a week.
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"The dog has become more of a companion and more of a part of the family."
Given that we all want the best for our dogs, we asked McKinney to share his thoughts on how to make them happy.
"There's the phenomenon of the pack mentality — if my communication is clear and consistent to them, its easy for them to follow that direction," he said.
"When a dog feels that you are in control, the dog feels a sense of security."
A dog's nature is to follow, he said. "We need to be their pack leaders, providing structure, discipline and routine so that the dog knows what to expect from you."
"Exercise, structure, routine and direction, and at the least is the affection.
"Oftentimes people are lavishing more attention and affection and food and treats so they've kind of got everything topsy turvy."
Dogs see mental and physical stimulation as affection, he said.
"If you're giving your dog a regular routine of exercise and stimulation, it interprets that as that you care for it enough to do that.
"It's important to spend lots of time with your dog. They are pack animals. They want to be with us. In order for a dog to do well spending time alone, there has to be time invested with the dog."
Dogs need at least a half-hour of brisk exercise twice a day.
He recommends setting aside more time in the evenings and on weekends to exercise and play with your dog.
You should also vary where you walk your dog to avoid getting trapped in a routine.
"Expand your dog's horizons," he said. "The more you broaden your dog's access to life and new situations, the more confident and fulfilled your dog is going to be."
For more information, visit www.dogdayadventures.com or call 398-7880.
– Inger Sandal