7 Dog Behaviors That Makes Even The Most Loving Dog Owners Want To Give Up
By Eddie Coleman
Ever since my friend, Casey, were a kid, she has always wanted a dog.
She had this picture in her mind how she hang out with her best friend, how it's there when she would call it, how it sits when she would ask it to and how it would wait for her to return every time she is away from home.
It's that unconditional love of a dog that most people can't refuse, including Casey. It will love you no matter what.
These childhood memories along with an accidental meeting with a cute dog in the park made Casey finally to decide to get her very own dog.
She was thrilled to get a puppy, and when I visited her, she was over the moon.
Her little puppy was called - Max.
But as Max grew, he changed from that loveable puppy into a severe liability.
He started to wander off, never came when she would call and turned into the Tasmanian Devil whenever anybody invited him.
The final straw came when he tore into the room and scrambled up to sit on the shoulders of a visitor who had come to assess Casey for a voluntary position. That man was not a dog lover.
Casey was devastated, and I felt for her.
Have You Experienced Any of These As Well?
- Your dog starts to bark uncontrollably.
- It begins chewing things that it shouldn't
- It is jumping up like crazy
- It is digging holes all the time
- It is pulling the leash
- It becomes aggressive...
- It is not listening to you, especially when you both go out.
You're frustrated with your dog. You almost want to give up on it...
You see, the trouble is that you have always treated your dog as a furry friend, always giving into those sad-looking eyes without ever realizing that your dog sees you in a different light.
Dogs are pack animals, and as such, they are acutely aware of their position in the pack, and you and your family are its pack, even if there's just the two of you.
Grasp that little fact of dog psychology, and you are well on your way to a happier dog.
But it's not just that... there is more to it.
How Do You Eliminate This Bad Behavior and Make Your Dog a Well Behaved Pet You Have Always Dreamed About?
There is a science behind it.
You may have heard of the idea of 'neuroplasticity' in the human brain. It's a well-established concept researched heavily at Harvard and other leading universities.
In other words - our brains are like soft plastic - always capable of molding and changing to learn new habits and behaviors.
Well, your dog's brain is the EXACT same.
With the right mental stimulation and training your dog's brain will become more open and receptive to learning new information.
Your dog will listen to you and better understand what you are telling him to do.
When this happens - your dog's bad behaviors simply fade away as more desirable ones appear in their place.
Now, to help you to wash away the bad behaviors of your dog, we have discovered a very powerful resource online - you won't believe what's possible with simple commands.
Cool Workout Routines You Can Do With Your Dog
Working out with your dog is good for both of you. Almost half of all dogs in the U.S. are overweight, so team up to lose weight together. These are some simple ideas for working out with dogs.
But First, Let's Look At The Benefits of Working Out With Pets
- Get fit together. Depending on their age and other factors, most dogs need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. Experts recommend that people engage in physical activity for a half hour or more at least 3 times a week.
- Exercise more consistently. Studies show that people were more likely to stick to an exercise program when their dog was involved. Your motivation will be stronger when you're having fun.
- Increase bonding. Spending time together with your pets improves your relationship. Many activities also provide opportunities to reinforce training.
- Reduce unwanted behaviors. Boredom is often to blame when pets behave badly. Fetching a Frisbee will divert your dog from chewing up your furniture or digging up your garden.
Now, before we talk about some workout ideas, there are 3 things to remember:
1. Watch for overheating. Dogs cannot sweat, so watch for signs of heat exhaustion. If you see excessive panting and loss of balance, give them water and rest in a shady spot.
2. Bike in safe areas. There are conflicting opinions about whether it's safe to bike or roller blade with a dog. Devices that tie a dog to a wheeled vehicle could be dangerous if you take a spill. Stick to soft surfaces and safe routes if you want to try it.
3. Control the leash. Keeping a leash in your hand provides more security than tying it to your wrist or waist. Train your dog to obey voice commands too.
Alright, now onto workouts.
Here Are A Few Things You Can Do With Your Dog
1. Take a walk. Daily walks are an easy and effective way to strengthen your heart and bones and improve your overall well being. Use them as the centerpiece of your program.
2. Go running. Most dogs are better designed for short bursts of activity rather than long runs. If you want to jog, build up to longer distances gradually, include time for warming up and cooling down, and watch for signs of over exertion.
3. Try cross country skiing. Skijooring classes will teach you both to ski. Your dog will usually need to weigh at least 35 pounds so that he can pull you with a harness.
4. Play games. Add variety with interactive toys and agility courses. Buy equipment or build your own hurdles and tunnels. Make it fun for yourself and your dog.