Dog behavior problems related to lack of exercise
Is your dog getting enough exercise? Canine behaviorists have shown that exercise can cure unwanted behavior problems in dogs in many ways.
Nicola Martin, director of pet health and wellness for the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), said: “We are certainly a nation of animal lovers, and four out of five pet owners say they feel physically or mentally healthier because of your pet. However, our latest findings reveal that antisocial behavior in dogs continues to increase due to a worrisome lack of training, socialization and exercise. “
Have you noticed that when a homeless person has a dog, the dog always stays with him? It’s probably not because they’ve taken very good canine obedience classes. Rather it is because they have created a super bond, generally traveling and covering long distances throughout the day. They get the exercise a dog is supposed to do. At the same time, their dogs make a living as guard dogs, therapy dogs, and travel companions. Because the dog exercises a lot with mental and physical stimulation, he has no desire to run away.
Most of the dogs were bred for a particular purpose. They were supposed to have a job. Today, many dogs’ only job is to eat, drink, and take up space on the couch while you’re at work. This lack of purpose leaves your dog with no outlet for his naturally active tendencies, both physical and mental, and contributes to the development of your dog’s behavior problems. Like children, if you don’t give them something constructive to do, they will come up with their own idea of fun.
The PDSA says a lack of exercise is contributing to a ‘shocking’ increase in destructive and aggressive behavior, with people and other pets on the receiving end of bored, anxious and poorly trained dogs. Dogs that stay indoors all day get bored and look for ways to entertain themselves. This could result in chewed shoes, strewn trash, or torn diapers. Sounds like a dog being a dog, right? They search, chew and dig. They just aren’t that demanding when it comes to choosing their objects!
A common myth is that leaving your dog alone in the backyard is enough exercise for any dog. Unfortunately, playing alone or even with another household pet in the same backyard day after day is often not enough variety for good mental and physical stimulation. Imagine if you never left your home for an entire week, a month, or even a year. You’d be terribly bored and probably come up with some creative entertainment ideas!
If your dog must be home alone while you are at work, consider having a neighbor or a dog walker take your baby out to go to the bathroom and take a long walk during the day. This will allow your dog to have company, go out and stretch his paws before you get home.
There are many ways to exercise your dog, both physically and mentally. Playing a game of Frisbee or fetch allows you to stay relatively still while your dog gets a good cardio workout. Taking your dog to an obedience or recreational class takes him to a stimulating new location, working his mental muscles and psychological well-being, creating a more balanced pet.
There are also exercises you can do with your dog that will benefit you while giving him the mental and physical stimulation he needs. Walking, running, and biking are great ways to get your dog outside while increasing his own physical well-being. Swimming is also an excellent exercise for both you and your best friend. Using the steps in the dog pool allows your dog the freedom to enter and exit the pool safely while you enjoy your own exercise plan.
The best exercise for puppies is the activities that they would do naturally. Run, jump and play with your puppy. Don’t forget to add some obedience in short sessions so you can also work on his brain. Teaching your dog a new trick can also challenge his brain. One of the best dog training tips is to exercise your dog before starting any training session. This allows them to release any pent-up energy so that they can focus on the workout in question.
The first step in wondering how to exercise your dog is to get up and start. Find an exercise plan that works for you and take that first step; With your dog! Then when you get home tired, ready just to lounge on the couch while watching a little scandal, you’ll have a happy, mentally fit dog running up his dog’s stairs to snuggle with you.