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Quite simply put this is the single biggest cure of many behavior problems, both for dogs and people! It’s one of those things that is for the most part free. It’s just a matter of putting in what at first seems is to be big effort and making a commitment to it.
If it were something that without a doubt would make a marked difference, would you do it? Most people say yes, especially when it comes to finding something that will make their dog’s life better.
That is until they hear how simple the answer actually is.
Exercise. Exercise for your dog. Exercise for you.
Thats it. Simple. Exercise.
Somehow the simplest things seem to be the hardest to accomplish. We all know that exercise will lead to better health, mental clarity, and the lack of extra pounds. So why is it so hard to do?
The truth is changing habits is hard. That goes for the habits we do with our dogs as well. Maybe it takes just knowing something would really work to make the commitment. If that is the case, as a professional dog trainer who has worked with dogs that have issues in one form or another, I can tell you that it does in fact work. Improvement with added exercise is a sure thing.
We are always looking for instant gratification. Exercise like any other new habit takes repetition for the benefits to set in. Its easy to get discouraged after a few days of exercise as a new routine and all you really feel is tired, with no real significant change in your dogs behavior.
Sort of like a diet. If you stay with it the benefits kick in measurably. It takes about 6 weeks. If you stop after a few days its back to frustration.
So make the commitment to your dog having better behavior and a healthier longer life. Commit to walking or running your dog 6 days a week. Fit it in the busy schedule by getting up 40 minutes earlier or not watching the mindless tv show you don’t even want to admit to your friends you are following. Go out after dinner every night, or if you work at home make it a lunch date with your dog.
The deeper the behavior problem with your dog the more vigorous the exercise should be. After all, it still rings true... a tired dog is a good dog. It’s a matter of what it takes to “take the edge” off.
Give it a try. Exercise daily. Stay with it for 6 weeks. The progress will make it worth becoming a habit for you and for your dog.
For more dog training tips and tricks, dog news, and fun dog photos follow us on Twitter, and if you need to a jump start in getting an exercise program started with your dog walking or running nicely on a leash check out San Diego Dog Training Camps, Online Dog Training Programs, or Private Lessons available.
Article by Jt Clough Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Comments
I agree wholeheartedly. Our rescue Beagle is over 14; we've had him ten years. He used to get 2 walks per day (through hurricanes, blizzards, and Phoenix, AZ heat) but now our walks are shorter, slower, and once a day. But, he's well-adjusted, quiet (yep, a quiet Beagle), and happy. The key is exercise.
We hear dogs all up and down the street, and they are barking at us and Beaglejuice. Why? Because they are stuck in the yard or house, and BJ is out on the street, reading and leaving posts on the wee-mail boards, and having a grand time ignoring the other dogs.
We see them once or twice a year, on the days when the weather is perfect and the owner's urge strikes him or her for a walk. And then, it's tug and yank, pull and fight. Because the dog needs exercise.
A strolling walk is not enough on its own for young dogs. Whether it is in the yard or in a dog park, let them off-leash and give them a workout. It will do your good dog good!
Keeping your dog healthy and active just adds additional joy to the time spent together. Our best friends are only here for a short time, and this time goes by so quickly.
Great article,
Darlene
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