As the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog. Most of the time we dog owners think that in order to have tired dogs we should exhaust them physically with long walks, runs, or romps at the dog park. But getting your dog out for exercise is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to meeting his needs.
Your dog has been bred to work his body and his mind. All dogs are hard wired to play and explore and need consistent opportunities to do so. If not given an outlet for their energy, dogs (of any size or breed) can become bored and develop behavioral issues as a result. Barking, chewing, digging… the list goes on and on.
If you want to prevent or fix these issues, putting your dog in the backyard or giving him a chew toy or bone isn’t going to cut it. Give your dog a job to do, make him work for what he wants, and he won’t develop other ways of passing the time. To see huge improvement this year in your dog’s behavior and in your day-to-day relationship with him, make banishing boredom one of your your top training goals.
Here’s one basic fact to remember. Whether it be for hunting, herding, or protection, dogs have been bred for hundreds of years for a specific purpose… even those little guys! Small dogs are great, especially in a city like San Francisco. They’re the perfect fit for small apartments. However, just because your dog is small doesn’t mean he is fine without a job. Those little Yorkies are cute and sweet, but they are still Terriers originally bred to catch rats. One of the most popular small breeds, the Dachshund, was selectively bred to dig out, hunt, and fight badgers!
So, what’s the best way to get your pup’s mental wheels turning? The options are endless! Make the time you spend with him interactive and get creative.
Introducing obedience exercises into daily life, if you don’t already do so, is a great place to start. Find a local trainer, take a class, or a read a book and start with simple obedience commands, gradually adding more complex ones.
Teach your dog that her job when people come over is to go to her place and wait calmly until you allow her to greet visitors. By giving her a job to do and a specific time to do it, you are minimizing the opportunity for her to make bad decisions and helping to change her fundamental state of mind. You are teaching her that she can get what she wants faster through calm behavior than by being pushy and impulsive.
If you already have a foundation of obedience inside your home, then it’s time to take it outside by turning your walks into opportunities to practice obedience out in the world. At a minimum, your dog should be in a loose-leash heel position, walking calmly by your side, focused on you and where you are going. Spend 10-15 minutes during each walk working on this kind of obedience and engagement.
Your dog will learn that working and playing with you is fun and will want to do it more and more.
If you have a safe place to take your dog off leash and have 100% reliable recall, play hide and seek or introduce tracking/nose work. Dogs are great at using their noses! Take advantage of that and have fun turning it into a “job” for them. Trick training is another fun way to increase engagement.
Want an activity that really works your dog’s mind and body? Try a sport like Agility, Flyball, or Herding. Again, get creative! Agility doesn’t have to be in a classroom. You can use things that you have easy access to: a bike rack to weave through, a bench to jump up on, a V in a tree to jump through.
Here’s another idea: Turn a simple game of Chuck It into an opportunity to work obedience. Techniques range from something as simple as asking your dog to sit before you throw the ball to putting him into a long Down Stay and recalling him before you throw it. Change it up to keep it fun for both of you.
As with everything else in your dog’s life, balance is essential. While I encourage you to play more with your dog, I also urge you to teach her that it’s serious business to behave appropriately — to respect you, your boundaries, and the rules of urban living. It’s up to you to teach your dog how to be well-balanced and well-behaved.
A tired, well-exercised, and mentally stimulated dog is a good dog. Good luck on your 2105 training goals!
Bridget Murphy owns Koru K9 Dog Training + Rehabilitation with her husband Ray. They live in the Outer Richmond of San Francisco with their two German Shepherds, Luna and Nero. Bridget can be reached at 415-583-5412. Learn more about her work at koruk9.com.
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