Fulfilling Your Dog With Exercise
“I use it to drain energy in order to gain access to the dog's brain before we start any work.”
Oscar Rodriguez
Exercise has two jobs
Oscar Rodriguez runs Underdogs K9 Training in Los Angeles. When he plans a day with a dog, exercise is doing two jobs: meeting the dog's need for it, and draining the energy that gets in the way of training.
Meet the need
“One of the ways that I use exercise is to fulfill a dog's basic needs to exercise that day.”
Oscar starts by setting his intention: how he is going to show up, what the plan is, and which tools he will use.
The leash is part of that plan. He reaches for one that sits high on the neck and lets him communicate with his dogs the same way every single time.
Make room for the training
“Set her up for success, and not put her in a situation where her energy level makes decisions for her.”
Charli has a high prey drive and high insecurity. Combined, those two things can keep her from focusing and from following.
So before any work, Oscar drains some of that energy: time on the treadmill before they head outside, then basic mental exercises like sit, follow, stay and come. Once enough energy is drained, he has access to her brain, and she is open to receive instruction.
On the treadmill beside the other dogs, that looks like better choices instead of reactivity. In his words, now "she has enough room in her brain."
Used this way, exercise helps Charli get to the place where she feels safe, connected and part of the pack.
Inside Underdogs K9 Training
To change the dog, change the human
Underdogs K9 Training is Oscar Rodriguez's dog training practice in Los Angeles. His work is built on dog psychology and dog behavior, with the dog and with the owner at the other end of the leash.
Oscar learned to train dogs through Marley's Mutts' Pawsitive Change program.
- Who Oscar Rodriguez
- Since Underdogs K9 Training, est. 2020
- Where Los Angeles
Behavior Work
Training built on dog psychology and dog behavior, working with dogs and their owners.
Walks & Pack Hikes
Time on the trail with the pack, where the dogs move together as one unit.
Boarding
Care for your dog while you are away.