Do Dogs Really Like Exercise?

Most dogs I know start their day off early.  They wake up, lick some water, “go,” and then head to the gym for some much-dreaded exercise.  Maybe at the end of their day they are thinking, “I can’t believe it, I didn’t make it to the gym again!”  Right?

So, do all dogs like exercise?  In the wild, dogs wouldn’t have set up a track field and directed one another to run five miles (by the way, none of them would be overweight.)  Just like us, when dogs are moving, there is usually a purpose. Or, let’s just say it takes more focus and is lot more fun if there is.   This is one reason that taking your dog to an agility class can be so rewarding for both of you.

Putting a dog out in the back yard may or may not be exercise.  Most likely not, unless, there’s a purpose – something to chase (another dog), something to get their attention.  Otherwise, they will do the same thing outside they would have done inside. . .lay down.

Dogs need to move but consider the breed of your dog and what would be appropriate and necessary for them.  Your extreme need for exercise (or lack of it) may not be the same as your dog’s.  Try different things, and see if you can give purpose to their exercise (and yours)!

On Being the Alpha Dog in Your Home

“I’m alpha”…”No, I’m alpha!…”I’ll show you who’s alpha!”  Does this conversation take place in your home?  I don’t mean it happens verbally, but with your thought and the actions that follow.  If your dog does something you interpret as the expression of authority,  do you immediately turn them onto their back?   Does that work?  Not usually.

It may do something in that moment to say you are dominant over the dog.  However, if the only correction your dog receives is a random turn on their back after they’ve spent the entire day doing more subtle things that say they are in charge, it won’t have much impact.

So much of our correction of the dog happens based on our particular mood or emotion at the time. We may finally be fed up with a particular behavior, so we take action.  Consistency is more important than a random reaction to an unwanted behavior.

Being a pack leader, as it’s often referred to, is about the development of a respectful relationship.  It’s not sporadic moments of your being in authority.  It happens all day long.  In time, you won’t even have to think about it but rather it will be who you are – the alpha dog.

What Does Your Dog Drive?

Here’s a little fun…you know how we think we know people by the type of automobile they drive?  Well, I drive a Mini Cooper and a Mazda Miata.  The Miata is “old” and the Cooper newer.  I guess I like to balance life with old and new and it’s important to do it in a sporty way.

Moby, a little Maltese mix would drive a black Hummer.  The full size one.  Enough said.

Sammy, a small terrier mix, would drive a Corvette.  It would be red.  He likes to get where he’s going quickly and is more comfortable when he feels larger than he really is.

Mac, the labradoodle, would drive a bright yellow VW convertible.  Not in a hurry and loves feeling free and looking cool.

Zoe, the labradoodle mix, would drive a golf cart.  That’s so when she sees a lizard or rabbit she has quick access to chase and she could easily greet humans without being encumbered by doors and such.

Your dog?  What do they drive?

When Dogs Go Crazy!

I was asked by a client if they should be concerned when most every evening their dog runs excitedly around the house.  Their rears are tucked and they are moving as fast as they can.  Running from room to room navigating the house with ease.  It makes me think of the cartoon characters who are running so fast and their back legs come up between the front legs as they propel themselves forward.  One limb barely distinguishable from the other.

Is this normal?  Yes!  Should you be concerned?  Absolutely not!  I call it doggy bliss.  To me, it’s joy in motion.  It’s sort of a catch me if you can move.  They may be a little too worked up for your comfort,  but as long as they aren’t hurting themselves or your property, I’d enjoy this expression.

I can almost guarantee they are not doing this when you aren’t around.  It’s their form of a “happy dance.”  My advice – get out of the way and have a laugh!  I think they are.

Dogs Just Want to Have Fun!

Along the lines of giving a dog a job to do, agility training uses their focus and energy in a very fun way! It’s not about them being corrected for something they did wrong. It’s about being rewarded and praised constantly for getting it right!

And, “right” in this case is fun (usually for everyone). It’s easy for the handler (owner usually) to get too serious and set the bar (no pun intended) too high. The dogs are dogs and they’re not very good at being robots. If they were, we could leave fun out of the equation.

If you feel like the only time you spend with your dog is in training or in telling them “no,” try adding some fun by setting up jumps or other agility-type equipment in your home. Lay a broom handle across a stack of books and have your dog jump over it. Get a kid’s play tunnel and teach your dog to run through it. You’ll be on the other side! Be creative. For a change of pace, think of ways to use their energy and focus that isn’t quite so structured.

I recently participated in an agility event at a local senior center. It was a lot of fun for the dogs and the seniors!

Consider This Before Adopting a Dog

It’s amazing to see all of the ads for puppies who are only 12 weeks old and already being re-homed! The opportunity of time they were given wasn’t much.

I recently read an article by Warren Buffett. He said something to the effect of – if you can’t or won’t invest 10 years in something, then don’t invest 10 minutes in it. He, of course, is referring to financial investments. I think it applies to other choices we make. Like adopting a dog.

Seldom when we have the pang of wanting a puppy do we think of how life will be for 10 years. It can be an emotional decision. It’s definitely not wise to go look and touch puppies or to ogle over one outside a grocery store prior to thinking of the 10 year approach. Or, to think you’ll just walk through the shelter and not have guilt win you over. Ten minutes at home with a new dog may be enough to make you reverse that impulse when it dawns on you that you don’t have time for a dog!

So, before you invest in a new pup, ask yourself if you can do this for 10 years. If not, then don’t do it for 10 minutes and risk you’ll make a decision you regret. If your time and budget are limited but you really need to be around dogs, the shelters welcome you. You can walk a dog or two, get your dog fix, and feel good about what you’ve done!

p.s. As I’m sometimes tempted to do, I have to expand this thought outside the realm of dogs and consider what it’d be like if that’s how we approached all relationships. . .

Old Dog Grows Wings

One of my favorite animal rescue groups is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  Here is a great story about one of their seniors who enjoys a new ride!

Dogs Set Aside Their Differences

The dogs in the photo are both males.  Neutered though they may be, they are fully male. . .marking every branch and rock, following each other in hot pursuit and constant competition.  However, after a hard day of exploration and still-life domination, they let their differences go for another night.  They make it look so easy. . .

What About Dog Clothes?

There is a fascination and something odd and yet compelling about dogs wearing clothing. There is something adorable about tiny outfits.  Dogs wearing clothes can really bother me and other times it just makes me laugh. Let’s face it, it tells us about their human – not the dog. I don’t think it’s an esteem boost for a dog to wear a designer label or any label for that matter.  In this economy, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a mass decline in their sales.  However, a few bucks for a little laughter and a photo-opp might be a needed treat!

I don’t dress my dogs (normally).  When a client learned I had small dogs, she gave me some outfits.  I put them away.  Yesterday, I told the dogs that Paula is coming over and they walked out looking like this.  I told them they were way over-dressed, but they didn’t care. (I also told them not to feel badly because, “we are laughing at you not with you!”)

Do Dogs Express Emotion?

This is a re-visit to a topic I enjoy – whether it is regarding humans or canines, there is much to learn about the experience and expression of emotion.

Dogs’ Behavior and the Expression of Emotion