At first blush, it’s a cute trend on social media – Dog Shaming. People post photos of their dogs with signs telling what mischief they got into, and what bad habits they have. I’ve laughed out loud reading some of them! But truth be told, many of these bad dog behaviors are created by us – dog owners. How so, you ask?
Just about every article/book/training manual on dogs will tell you that historically, dogs were workers alongside their masters. Many of today’s dog breeds were created, years ago, to serve specific needs. For example, back in the 1800s, Labrador Retrievers were used to retrieve fishing nets for fisherman – their role as game retrievers came later. The Terrier breed was used to hunt vermin and small prey, keeping mice, moles, etc. out of homes and barns. The point being, dogs are used to WORKING!!!
Today’s dogs get far less mental and physical exercise than their ancestors. Is this one of the causes of bad doggy behavior? Most experts would say YES! The ASPCA says this:
Dogs can be like young children. If you don’t give them something constructive to do with their energy, they’ll find something to do on their own—and you may not like it! Some of the most common behavior problems seen in dogs who don’t get enough exercise and play are:
*Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
*Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
*Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
*Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
*Excessive predatory and social play
*Play biting and rough play
*Attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining
So…get out and get active with your dog! Play fetch with a ball or frisbee, throw a stick for them, take them for a walk. You’ll both benefit! ASPCA studies show that people who leash-walk their dogs walk an average of 300 minutes per week, while those that don’t leash-walk their dogs only walk 168 minutes a week. Happy, fit humans and dogs – what a bonus!
Our dog received training to facilitate this series of Dog Training posts.
And, if you feel your dogs need some training before you hit the streets or trails with them, seek the assistance of a professional trainer. Thanks to Sit Means Sit Dog Training, I am now able to walk and run confidently with our two dogs! See my post here.
We have far less bad behavior when our dogs, Tucker and Lexie, are regularly exercised. I even think I see smiles on their cute faces! 🙂
If you live in the greater NE Ohio and would like to have a better trained dog, contact Sit Means Sit.
Sit Means Sit Dog Training in Cleveland-Akron
1062A Jacoby Rd
Copley, Ohio 44321
330-310-3647
440-972-0511
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This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Sit Means Sit Cleveland-Akron for their ongoing relationship with AkronOhioMoms.com. Check out all of their dog training in Cleveland Akron area options on the Sit Means Sit website.
