Importance of Exercise

On a popular television show, a great deal of importance is placed on exercise as a dog’s primary need.  Dogs do need exercise.  However, most breeds were bred for particular work which requires both mental and physical exertion.  Dogs need mental stimulation as much, and in some cases even more, than they need physical exercise.

Mental stimulation, through obedience, tricks, agility or other working activities satisfy a dog’s needs for both mental and physical exercise.  Walking a dog on a short leash maybe more enjoyable for the human, but gives the dog little exercise (since dogs walk at a much faster pace than we do) and does not allow the dog to gain the mental stimulation from exploring his or her environment with off-leash activities.  Mental stimulation exercises also satisfy the needs of dogs physically incapable of exercise due to arthritis, hip displaysia or other health problems.

Forced Exercise, such as running a dog on a treadmill might satisfy a physical need to run, but does not give the dog the option to run, nor does it provide mental stimulation, socialization or interaction with the owner.  In the Animal Welfare Act, treadmills are labeled forced exercise and are not permitted as a means of satisfying the exercise requirements for dogs in clinics or other kennel facilities.

Treadmills still require time on the part of the owner, as a dog on a treadmill must be constantly supervised to prevent injury.  If the owner must be present, more satisfying activities such as walks, training and sports such as agility, herding, tracking and flyball to name a few are available.

Is exercise important?  Absolutely!  Is mental stimulation important?  Certainly! How these goals are accomplished are of equal importance and are up to you.

10 Tips for Preventing Dog Behavior Problems

1. Set rules and boundaries immediately and be consistent.
2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.
3. Observe your dog and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to.
4. Supervise your new dog diligently through individual attention and training.  Restrict your dog access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.
5. Encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement.
6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives.  (Example, dog’s toy for your slipper.)
7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands.  This may lead to fear biting or aggression.
8. Don’t play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.
9. Safely expose your dog to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.
10. See your veterinarian or dog trainer if serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.

Chewing and Digging Issues

It is natural for puppies to explore their environment and often their curiosity leads them into trouble by chewing inappropriate items like your favorite shoe or digging in your garden.  When you realize what the puppy has destroyed, typically you are very angry and show high emotional energy.  This excited energy actually creates excitement in your puppy therefore modifying the behavior becomes a challenge.  While you may be tempted to punish your naughty dog, reinforcing good behavior is much more effective and will keep you and your dog happier.

Chewing
Destructive chewing may be related to anxiety.  It is important to train your dog to lie on its bed or in a crate, rather than constantly at your side.  Teaching your dog that he or she cannot always receive attention on demand may lessen anxiety.  For dogs with separation anxiety, begin with short departures and then gradually increase the length of your time away to lessen their anxiety.

Chew toys are a great way to keep your puppy busy as well as relieve pain associated with teething.  Present your puppy with a variety of toys to determine which types they like best, but never give your dog chew toys that resemble household items that you do not want them to chew, i.e. a toy shaped like a shoe.  Rotate different toys to keep your puppy’s interest and reward your puppy with praise when they chew on their own toys.

Anti-chew sprays are available and can be used to deter your dog or puppy from chewing on household items.  Some examples are commercially manufactured sprays, citronella oil or a small amount of cayenne pepper mixed with water can be effective.

Remember reinforcing the correct behavior is much more successful than punishment so give your puppy its appropriate toys to chew on and redirect the behavior.

Check out Tail Tip 4 for Digging Issues