Dog behavior expert Caesar Milan is fond of saying “Every dog needs a job.” Many disagree with Cesar’s methods, but it’s tough to argue with this philosophy.
The reality is, your dog was bred to perform a task. Even mixed breeds have the need to “work.” Many undesirable behaviours: digging, howling, excessive barking, etc. can be attributed to your dog’s need to do its job going unfulfilled.
Your Beagle howls when it spots a rabbit because it has a hard-wired. They need to alert the pack, and the hunter, that it’s found game.
Your Australian Shepard nips at the kids feet when they run because it has a need to herd.
Your small, mixed breed dog suffers from explosive barking fits every time someone walks by your home. This is because it’s job is to alert you that there is a threat approaching.
Exercise Helps Control Dog Behaviour
If you’re losing your mind with your dog’s behavior issues, first know that they are all fixable.
The good news is that walking your dogs will solve a lot of issues. All dogs, regardless of breed, have a need to walk. This is their need for moving forward in search of food and shelter. When you deny a dog this simple task, it can cause a buildup of mental and physical energy and this leads to destructive behaviors.
Two, finding breed-specific tasks is a great way for your dog to realize it’s need to work.
If you have a mixed breed, finding out things she likes to do will not be hard.
Start with Basic Behavior Training
What kind of dog do you have?
Not surprisingly, Labs will enjoy retrieving a ball, stick, or Frisbee and bringing it back to you. You don’t need to duck hunt because your dog is hyperactive. But, finding a way for them to replicate soft-mouth carrying an object to you is an excellent way for them to feel fulfilled mentally and physically.
Playing scent-related hide-and-seek games can be a great way for nose-dominate dogs like hounds (and all dogs, really) to perform work tasks. Hide an object they’re familiar with in your home or yard. Walk them through the finding and retrieval process. Repeat and reward.
No matter what breed you have, toys like Kong that allow you to hide treats or food inside of the toy, leaving your dog to use its brain to figure out the puzzle will help with their mental health and cut down on destructive behaviors.
Swimming, if your dog like water, is an excellent way for your dog to exercise mentally and physically.
Agility training is great for herding breeds, sporting breeds, and small dogs that love to run around. You don’t have to turn your yard into the World Breed Championships. Just a simple obstacle course will be like Disney for your dog.
Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.