Sandi’s K9 Management

I used to work/volunteer at a local humane society.  Whenever I would speak with someone who came in looking to adopt a dog, I would never hear them say “we are looking for a dumb dog”. People would typically say they were looking for a smart dog.  In reality, what most people want is a dog that is willing to please but not necessarily a smart dog. Let me explain…
When you come home from work at night and you are tired from a stressful day and are just looking to unwind, do you want to spend time engaging your dog in mental activities? Or would you rather just toss the ball for him? Perhaps you just want to rest on the couch in front of your favorite television show with Fido sitting faithfully at your side. If this is the case, then you want a dog who is willing to please. Smart dogs are dogs who, if not given a mental workout a few times every day, will create their own form of mental stimulation (i.e.: rearranging things in the yard, herding the children, gathering things, or they may even become possessive or obsessive over certain items like balls or frisbees). If you have adopted a smart dog, it is your duty and obligation to provide as much mental stimulation as he needs on a daily basis. Individual dogs will vary. Truthfully, most people don’t have the lifestyle to accommodate such a dog. A dog who is willing to please still needs both physical and mental stimulation, but it is much easier to fit in to your lifestyle.
Think twice about what kind of dog you really want for the next 15 years!!

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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© Copyright  2007  Sandi Hansen  Sandi’s K9 Management   “Building Relationships One Dog at a Time”
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