Does your dog chew, bark, jump, fence fight, or dig? A common denominator in these behavioral problems can be boredom, or a lack of physical or mental stimulation. The most common age for dogs to be turned into shelters is 9 months to 2 years old; often when the “puppy card” has worn out, and the cute puff of fluff becomes a gangly, adolescent, body-slamming, destruction machine. Often these dogs have no manners and no outlet for their energy. Breed influence can be an important factor as well; field bred and working dogs were bred to do their jobs for hours on end. Even small dogs crave novelty and can suffer from boredom. Of course, we are pet dog owners; most of us can’t spend hours running our dogs. However, stimulation is not just about exercise!

There are many ways to meet the physical and mental needs of our best friends. Of course, the most straightforward way is walking or running. Make sure that you teach your dog to walk on a loose leash as soon as possible. Many people stop walking their dogs when it becomes a struggle, but time out in the yard is not enough mentally. Some choose to use treadmills, but many dogs (and some people) may not find it interesting. If you choose to start jogging with your dog, make sure to start slow, with no tension on the leash. Just like us, they have to build up their fitness level. Have an older dog? It’s never too late to learn to walk nice. Have a puppy? Consult your veterinarian about starting heavier physical activity; this includes running, agility, Frisbee, or anything that may cause pounding on their joints.

Mental stimulation doesn’t stop at the front door. There are many ways to work your dog inside, too.  Basic manner and obedience training keeps your dog sharp, with the added benefit of becoming well behaved. Tug and short games of fetch can be great ways to keep your dog entertained. Puzzle games are a new, popular way to keep your dog busy when you are dead tired; I highly recommend food dispensing toys, or stuffable toys like Kongs. We work for our meals; your dog can too.

If you have a social dog, dog parks can be a great way to keep them social and tire them out at the same time. Ensure that your dog has a rock solid recall and leave it cue before entering the park.

Dog sports can be a great way to bond with your dog, and there’s something out there for everyone. Agility, disc dog, dock diving, treibball, and flyball are great for the most athletic of dogs. Weight pull is a positive outlet for dogs that like to use their bodies but may not be the highest jumpers, and any dog can do it, from 5 lbs to 200 lbs. Rally obedience is a great experience and involves a special connection between you and your pup. Is your dog not social enough for classes? There is even cyber rally and agility; you can upload your videos and still participate virtually!

Remember, being your dog’s best friend means meeting more than their basic needs. In today’s technology- driven, urban/ suburban settings, we have to put in an extra effort to keep our dogs fit, entertained, and challenged, but it is well worth the payout; and who couldn’t use a little more movement in our days? It eases many behavioral issues and creates a relationship we all want with our dogs.

Happy moving!

Julie Jacobus, CPDT, ABCMT

Lead Trainer- Training by Julie & Associates, LLC

Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Operation Socialization Certified Trainer
Animal Behavioral College Mentor Trainer
CLASS Evaluator # 750193
APDT #66700
AKC CGC Evaluator #11058