Bad Dog Myth

L

lotsahair

Forums Regular
A tired dog is a good dog - how true it is! We all know the stories of dogs who are "bad" - digging holes and chewing sneakers, and the experts usually tell us it is because the dog is underexercised. I have always believed this to be the case, but never actually experienced it first hand until now.

I do a lot with my dog during the day, and as a result she usually sleeps quietly through the evening, starting around 8:00 pm. EXCEPT on those days when I do not have time to do much with her, like yesterday. I was not home most of the day and as a result she was soo wound up last night, jumping on the sofa, chewing on my slippers, chewing on the kid's nintendo controllers - things I have never seen her do before. Of course I was tired and just wanted her to settle down but she wanted to play play play because she had not done anything all day. She wasn't being a bad dog, just a bored dog. Makes me feel sad for all the "bad" dogs out there!
 
Exercise is definitely important! I think I forgot about that because my older dog is so laid back. He could sit on the couch ALL DAY and be totally content (and good!) but the new puppy made me realize that she has boundless energy and we need to help her expend it in a good way.

It is sad because you see posts on Craigslist and such for dogs that people can't keep because they are destrucive. Chances are that they aren't spending enough time tiring those dogs out.
 
You can tell how much exersize/interaction we do with Darby and Deja by how well they sleep. It is directly related hehe.. one hour of walking and 30 min training = one night of good sleep.:sleepy:
 
I agree. I always say a tired dog is a happy dog, but good dog works too.

This is absolutely true. When I take Bailey to the dog park for a few hours, she is so calm and relaxed the rest of the day. No jumping, stealing shoes, barking like a mad dog. Young dogs and puppies especially really benefit from lots of exercise.
 
I agree. I've noticed that on the days that it's been extremely cold and windy therefore too cold to go on the river (and since Maia is in heat, I cannot take her to the dog park) she and Chinook, have been crazy! They act stirr crazy!
 
Oh I agreed 100%. Whenever Diva is being a demon dog, I think about how much exercise she's had and usually its lacking.

I had a client a couple years ago with a 10 month old tri sheltie. She was convinced the dog was abnormal. She told me that dog never laid down, bounced off the walls ,barked non stop and chewed everything, She wanted medication to sedate the dog. She said the dog got plenty of exercise. I began taking a history and ask about their routine.
This was it:
The puppy was kenneled all night and let out in the morning to potty/eat and then back into the kennel until 4 or so when the kids came home. The kids let the puppy out and then put it back in the kennel because it got into everything and they didn't want to watch it. The lady owner came home around 7:30 and took the dog out/fed it and took it for a for a 30min walk. the dog would be out for 30 minutes so when they got home. But it was crazy so they would put it back in the kennel until they went to bed at 11pm at which time they took it outside to potty and then back into the kennel all night. So basicly the puppy was in the kennel 23hrs a day. :( No wonder it was a crazy bad dog.

Fortunately for the puppy the family decided that they were to busy to deal with it and I got them in touch with a lady who did rescue and the pup was placed with a family who worked her in obedience and agility. They reported she was the most wonderful little dog.:smile2:
 
Totally agree, the boys and I are both going "house-bound" crazy!

They've wanted in and out, about 100 times today!
 
we just returned from the playdate with 5 Shelties... my pup had stars in his eyes, he run non stop for about 2 hours with them and dropped sleeping right after dinner...
although some mornings Che really does not want to go for walk, he just places his butt firmly on the ground and refuses to budge, we just about tried everything trying to get him going- distance recall, dropping tidbits of kibble as we walk, best one that works are chase games - hubby has to run in front and Che and I chasing...
so it takes 2 people to take one pup for walk...
maybe we just need another pup...
when we turn direction toward the house pup is happily leading his leash like nothing happen...
 
Thank heavens Saturday is supposed to go to 50 here. We're heading for the Conservancy for a big hike!!! :biggrin2:

They're totally squirrely after weeks of freezing weather and snow.
 
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