Sandi’s K9 Management

Is your dog naughty, or is he just bored?

I’ve heard it so many times. “My dog is mad at me so he’s digging up the yard!” “She is chewing up the table legs, and I know she’s doing it to get back at me!” Does any of this sound familiar to you? Well it happens more often than not, but here is a shocker for you… problems like this are easily solved! Typically when a dog is digging, barking or chewing it is for no other reason than a pure lack of physical and mental stimulation. You say you walked your dog around the block just two days ago, and then today he was digging again? Well guess what? He isn’t getting enough exercise and digging is his way of letting you know! Get out there and walk him every day, and I’m not talking about just around the block! Give him a nice, quick-paced, brisk walk to the park. Allow him to sniff around in new areas. Let him look around new environments. Let him be a dog!! As his owner, you owe it to him to provide him with enough physical and mental stimulation so he doesn’t get himself into trouble.
For mental stimulation, you might try stuffing a Kong with tidbits of his kibble mixed with applesauce, cheese or yogurt. Pop it in the freezer and it makes for a cool and refreshing treat on a hot summer day! You could also have him work for his food by putting his kibble into an empty milk jug without the lid. He may need a little bit of help at first to get the idea, but most dogs will have a good old time throwing that jug around the yard while hunting for the pieces that fall to the ground. Buster cubes are excellent sources of activity for meal time.
There are many activities you can provide for your dog as a source of physical exercise. Enroll him in a class at your local dog club or humane society. Not only a source of physical exercise, but classes also provide mental stimulation and a greater bond between the two of you! Agility is another great activity providing plenty of exercise for you both. Take him for a walk, teach him a few tricks, teach him how to help you with chores around the house like picking up the laundry. Never underestimate the power of a dog’s mind!
By incorporating more mental and physical stimulation into your dog’s life, you will see many of these behavioral issues disappear within days.

For continued functional tips and tricks for a happy and productive relationship between you and your dog, keep an eye on this blog and check out our website at: www.k9management.com 

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Sandi Hansen  Sandi’s K9 Management   “Building Relationships One Dog at a Time”
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