I've only lived in Richmond a short while, but I definitely feel more enriched by the city because I have a dog. Without my dog, I probably wouldn't have done the Canal Walk yet, wouldn't know what Byrd Park is, and I might still not know my way around the Fan. (Did you know that Strawberry Street becomes S. Addison Street at Main?)

However, by seven months my untrained cockapoo pup, Ivy, was chewing all paper in sight, jumping on me incessantly, and barking in my face before sprinting around my apartment. Since then I've completely transformed my opinions and expectations about owning a dog, but I still absolutely love the experience! Here are some tips I've learned from trial and error, television (there is a ton of pet shows) and a chat with Sarah Babcock, the Chief of Education and Training at the Richmond SPCA.

   1. Walk, walk, walk your dog. Walking (or jogging) has become a lost art for some dog owners. Playing fetch and running around is good and helpful, but focused exercise time with you is a more effective way to drain your dog's energy. You benefit from the exercise, your dog builds trust with you and you get to see more of wonderful Richmond. Exercising your dog more is the quickest and easiest way to get rid of unpleasant behavior at home.
   2. Please, please, PLEASE pick up after your dog. They now make biodegradable bags that are tiny enough to fit in your pocket and cause no annoyance. Take a couple just in case because Rover might need to make two deposits in one walk and dispose of your bag(s) in a city trashcan or your own. All of this is easier than paying the hefty $250 fine for leaving poop on the street!
   3. Keep Rover on a leash, always. While walking, you never know what might provoke your dog to bolt. Always keep your dog on a leash for his safety and the safety of others. Not all leashes are created equal, so if your dog drags you down the block then a simple change of equipment might be all you need. Visit your local pet store or the SPCA retail shop to find the best option for you and your dog. Personal note: anything is better than a flexi-lead.
   4. Your dog might just be nerdy. A new dog or person can cause your dog extreme stress if he usually only sees you and the delivery guy. He might bark, growl or intimidate the newcomers just to avoid a confrontation. Your dog is probably acting out of fear and not aggression. He's probably just a "nerdy dog" that doesn't know how to play or be around other dogs. That is perfectly fine for now, and for his sake you should probably avoid other dogs until he becomes more comfortable. He might enjoy a chemistry set in the meantime.
   5. Treats are louder than words. Along with a leash and poop bags, one should always carry treats while walking the dog. Treats are great tools for training, but also for getting your dog's attention. For instance, if you have a "nerdy dog" as described above then implement the "See Dog, Get Fed" approach. Anytime you see another dog, give yours a treat. Before long, your dog will look to you for instruction anytime he sees another animal. This can apply for squirrels, children, birds, VCU hipsters, etc.
   6. Take Rover out to the dog park, maybe. After draining Rover's energy with some exercise, dog parks can be a great place to let your dog run loose. There are many dog parks in Richmond and other dog-friendly places like the Canal Walk, Stony Point Fashion Park, Chimborazo Park, Byrd Park and the Jefferson Hotel. Dogs get bored in apartments, and they definitely don't enjoy Facebook stalking as much as you do.
   7. Tell your dog what you want, not what you don't want. Dogs understand objectives better than concepts. "Sit" makes way more sense to a dog than, "No!" or "Bad dog!" For example, if Rover barks at your guests, calmly focus on making him sit in the corner and reward him with treats for doing so. With patience and time your dog will learn that sitting calmly results in a tasty reward and barking does not.

I hope that these basic tips help some of you as they have helped me! If you're looking for more professional help, you can visit www.richmondspca.org or any other pet professional. The Richmond SPCA offers a behavior helpline that accepts calls and e-mails, downloadable handouts that address common issues, live consults, an array of training and agility classes, and a retail shop.