A tired dog is far less inclined to cause problems around the house. Most people will think that their ‘dog chores’ are finished with a couple of walks a day with their dog. However, what about taxing the thinking component of their canine pal? The daily walks take care of meeting some of the needed physical activity for the dog but it is necessary to keep the dog mentally stimulated. And, undoubtedly, some people will think that is total nonsense.
Although the dog may sleep a good portion of the day, it does need to have things to do - and things that make it think. Without that, the dog will create its own entertainment and that usually leads to breaking some of the house rules.
The extreme of the lack of mental activity is that the dog becomes depressed. - Yes, dogs do become depressed. - Although the physical needs of the dog may not be in question, if there isn’t the intellectual stimulation, the dog falls into a form of melancholia. A human parallel may be the phenomenon that some retired people experience. Although their physical needs may be fine, there is not the intellectual stimulation / challenge that required them to function at their best. It is unfortunate that, for many dogs, after learning the house rules as a puppy, there is very little teaching directed their way.
It doesn’t have to be that way. There are all sorts of ‘dog activities’ in your community that are just fun for you and your dog. Not only will your dog have some challenges, but you have the opportunity to meet other ‘dog people’ and their dogs. If you prefer to do less structured activity, teach your dog some obedience and/or some dog tricks. It only takes a few minutes every day - and you will be surprised at what this does for your dog’s well being… and perhaps yours too.
Catherine
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