A lack of exercise can cause behavior issues with almost all dogs. Sending an animal outside to play doesn’t count, according to experts. Dog training expert Susan Jenkins explains the power of proper exercise as it relates to the breed and its behavior.
Most breeds of dogs were developed for a specific purpose, or for a specific job. Terriers were bred to go after vermin. Herding breeds to help with livestock. Hounds to hunt.
We often see what some deem as behavioral issues, that are the dog just doing what it was bred to do. The perfect example is the frantic phone call of “HELP! My dog is rounding up the kids and nipping at their heels! What do I do?!” When asked what kind of dog they have the answer is something like a corgi or a border collie.
Often in today’s homes we see behavior issues because we have taken the animal out of the workforce and expect them to conform to urban living, along with not understanding what that dog was bred to do.
Many understand this to a degree and give their dog plenty of exercise, but the question still comes that though given plenty of exercise, the dog is still having behavior issues.
One thing to remember is, just like anyone who exercises, as the endurance builds up, it takes more to actually wear out. So it is with a dog. You can walk the dog for an hour and within a short period of time the hour of walking does not have the same effect.
Physical exercise is very important, but just as important is the mental stimulation.
Taking the dog to obedience classes, giving it strong boundaries along with jobs to do, will help with the animal’s mental stimulation.
Dogs enjoy learning. Teach it to do useful things. Some dogs help pick up their toys and put them away. Some have the job of bringing in the paper everyday. I teach mine to pick up my car keys should I drop them. The older I get, the more I find it useful having a dog who can do little jobs for me.
Find things that you and your dog like to do together. Go to the park and hike. Throw a tennis ball around. Give them a “puzzle” to solve. Many behavioral issues can be eliminated by simple training, exercise and mental stimulation.
— Susan Jenkins, owner of Papp’s Dog Services in Akron and a member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors and the International Association of Canine Professionals
Please send questions about your pet to Kathy Antoniotti at the Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640; or email kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com. Please include your full name and address and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. Questions will be forwarded to an expert best suited to address your pet issue. Phoned-in messages will not be taken.