Do you have a nervous, timid, destructive, or aggressive dog? Before you call your vet for some doggie Prozac, make sure your dog has the following 5 essentials for being happy, calm, and well-adjusted.
1. Exercise
No matter what breed or size your dog is, adequate exercise is essential for their well-being. This includes their mental well-being as well as their physical well-being. A dog that does not get sufficient exercise can become anxious and may even be more prone to becoming aggressive. Some breeds may have more energy than others, but even the tiniest lapdog can benefit from a daily walk. I have heard people say that they do not need to walk their dog because they have a big yard. While having a big yard can definitely be a plus when it comes to dog ownership, it should never excuse one from providing their pooch with regular walking. Your yard will not provide the variety of sights and scents that a jaunt around your neighborhood will.
2. Discipline/Training
Much like children, dogs need discipline and boundaries. This is where basic training comes in. Basic commands such as "come", "sit", and "stay" not only make for a more pleasant dog owning experience, but can help keep your dog safe as well. Even if you plan to always keep your dog on a leash when venturing outside of your home and yard, mishaps can occur. Your dog could slip out of its collar, or the hardware on its leash or collar could fail, leaving you empty-handed and bewildered in a crowded park, field, or -even worse- a busy intersection. Having a dog well trained to come to you when called can avoid disaster in such a situation.
3. Hierarchy
Just like humans often abide by a hierarchy, so do dogs. However, unlike with people, dogs do not care where they fall in their hierarchy. They can be just as happy as the submissive member of the pack as they would be if they were the dominant alpha dog. What does matter to them is knowing where they stand. From the wolf in the wild to the family dog that lives in your home, knowing its place is key to having a well-adjusted canine. This is especially important if you have young children. A dog that is confused about its spot in the family dynamics may take it upon itself to domineer the situation leading to aggressive behavior. At the same time, it is important that the children are taught to respect the animal. Getting your children involved in the dog's daily care, such as its feeding routine, can help establish a healthy relationship between these two members of the family. Even a small toddler can help scoop dry kibble into a dog dish.
4. Communication
When you expect certain behaviors from your dog, it is important to communicate these expectations to them like a...well, like a dog. With the exception of certain commands that you teach them, dogs do not understand English. However, dogs can convey and understand a wide range of messages through body language. I often see people struggling with a dog that is lunging at the end of its leash and barking because a squirrel has crossed its path or another dog is going for a walk on the other side of the street. The person will stand there and shout a litany of orders, trying to get the dog under control. This is not only ineffective but makes a the situation worse. The owner is essentially validating the dog's behavior by engaging in their own level of "barking". A better way to handle the situation is for the owner to ignore the squirrel, teenager on a bike, or other dog, straighten their posture, and calmly keep moving on their merry way. A single word never has to be uttered. Cursing is optional.
5. Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit. A dog that knows what to expect next is confident and happy. That's why it is important to establish a routine for your dog and maintain it to the extent possible, especially when it comes to basic needs such as feeding and being let out to relieve itself.
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