Common Questions About Dog Walking

Tracie Morgan is a Certified Dog Walker, has dog first aid certification, and her B.S. degree in Social Science from Rocky Mountain College in Billings MT.  Tracie operates a dog walking service in Billings, Montana called Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC where she takes up to six dogs in a pack on daily 3 mile off-leash dog hikes to local public access area trails and parks.

1. Why should I have someone walk my dog?

Because a tired dog is a good dog and many behavior issues can be resolved when your dog gets enough daily exercise. Today’s dogs spend long lonely hours at home bored, sleeping, and even overeating. Dogs have a core need for daily activity and a yard where your dog has a place to play is not enough. Dogs do not have the same opinion of our backyards as we do, to a dog a backyard is a large kennel. The truth is that dogs do not self exercise and play when they are left alone. Instead, dogs tend to shut down when they are by themselves because dogs are social animals. A dog’s instincts tell them it is not good to be left alone or isolated from their pack. Dogs are entirely dependent on their humans for proper exercise and it is up to humans to provide adequate amounts of exercise for their beloved canine companions. For humans a well exercised dog means coming home to a calm dog and a nicer dog to be around.

2. Why isn’t my dog fine in the backyard?

One of the greatest misconceptions about dogs is the belief they will be healthy and happy living in the backyard. There is a strong connection between lack of exercise and socialization and behavior problems in dogs. Dogs were bred to perform specific jobs. Because they are not required to do these specific jobs now they need an outlet for their energy, relief from boredom, and time to display the particular characteristics of their breed. Dog’s genetics have prepared them to work, but many dogs are spending their lives confined to monotonous backyards. What are they doing to burn up all that energy? Many are barking, chewing, digging, whining, escaping, howling, and displaying hyperactive behavior. Your neighbors maybe complaining about the barking, escaping, whining, howling, and property destruction.

3. What is a Certified Dog Walker?

A certified dog walker is someone who has trained at a dog walking academy and learned pack management, dog communication and body language, aggression in all its forms: what it means, how to prevent it, and what to do about it, safely and fight protocols, basic training: build reliable recalls, sits, and polite leash behavior. A person who holds this title has learned from lectures, video analysis, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and fieldtrips. Additionally, to achieve certification they must pass an extensive written test and a thorough field evaluation. A Certified Dog Walker is a trained professional.

4. Why is socialization important for my dog?

Dogs that have not been socialized or had enough experience around other dogs, people, and environments can be problematic. It is important for people to remember domestic dogs are not fully domesticated until they have been adequately trained and socialized. If a dog has only been partially socialized, it is much more dangerous than a wild animal, because wild animals keep their distance from people. Partially socialized dogs live with people and have greater opportunity to act inappropriately with a bite when spooked, frightened, or hurt. The lack of socialization is the major reason dogs become fearful of people, other dogs, other animals, and the environment. Unfortunately, for pet dogs, socialization is often the exception rather than the rule. It is reported that 60% of dog owner’s do not walk their dogs, which means the majority of domestic dogs are isolated in backyards and houses. As a result many of these dogs are unsocialized and are at greater risk of behaving inappropriately.

5. What if my dog is aggressive?

Dog owners often mistake their dogs as not liking other dogs or as aggressive. More often the reality is that the dog is unsocialized with other dogs and is therefore fearful and nervous around other dogs. Additionally, most owners are unwilling to let anxious or aggressive dogs play with other dogs. The dog is poorly equipped to meet the demands of domestic life. Of course, as an adult it will encounter many strange dogs, people, and environments and invariably will react in an antisocial manner. Aggression comes into the picture when the dog encounters something it is not socialized to. Socialization exercises can be conducted to overcome such anxieties towards other dogs, people, and environments. The dog can develop sufficient confidence to readily accept and be comfortable with new dogs, people, and places.

6. What are socialization exercises?

Daily dog walks where your dog experiences the opportunity to regularly interact with other people and dogs is a great socialization exercise. Your dog gets needed social interaction, mental stimulation, positive attention, and exercise. Another socialization exercise is regular dog play, which not only helps prevent aggressive behavior, it also builds confidence, burns off pent up energy, and provides a positive outlet for your dog’s natural instinct to socialize with other dogs. But one of the best ways to socialize your dog is in a walking group such as in a dog socialization and walking pack like those offered by Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC of Billings, Montana; http://www.dogsnsync.com.

Grand Paws Pet Sitting & Home Cleaning

Most people think that they are doing a favor to their pet by putting them up in a “Pet Suite”, when it actuality their pets can suffer undue stress when their surroundings are changed. Bordetella shots do not prevent all strains of Kennel cough. So even if your pet has been vaccinated they could still be at risk.

A pet sitter is a friend for life! Choose Grand Paws, a pet care professional that you can trust, afford, and is Fully insured! Most people today are trying to cut costs in any way possible. We understand that. Everyone thinks bad things won’t happen to them. The truth is accidents DO happen to friends, family, or even a seasoned professional, or in other words anyone who cares for your pet(s). Your pet could swallow something as simple as a piece of a toy or even a leash (it can happen) and need medical attention right away. These issues have never happened to anyone in our company. But it is something that an insurance company listed in a Pet Sitter magazine article that did occur, and these were claims made by professional sitters who made mistakes.

In these bad economic times you will see hundreds of people listing their services on websites listing themselves as pet sitters. The truth is most have little to no experience, but are looking to make money anyway they can. So many people have lost their jobs and they are desperate. It is getting worse every day with gas prices going up, unemployment, etc. Most do not have insurance. If they do not, they are showing that they don’t care seriously enough about you or your pets, who incidentally are living and breathing just like you and me. Would you hand your newborn over to just anyone? Of course not. We truly care for your fur kids like they were our own kids, not just pets.

By coming to your home several times a day, we act as crime deterrents to potential thieves who could be casing an area, and who may possibly know you are going out of town. With the economy getting worse, there are more thieves out there too.

Exceptional Pet Sitting

Located in Dallas, TX., Exceptional Pet Sitting is owned and operated by Damiane de Wit-Guzman. Damiane is committed to providing exceptional care to your furry family. She is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and has 10 years of experience in veterinary pet care. In addition to providing first rate pet care, Damiane has a goal to maintain respect and privacy to you and your home. Exceptional Pet Sitting is insured for your protection and offers a wide range of pet and house care services, including:
*Pet Sitting – Daily visits to your cherished pets.
*Dog Walking – Come home to a more relaxed, happy dog.
*Overnight Pet Care – Ultimate care and comfort.
*House Sitting – Relax when away knowing your home is safe.

DAILY VISITS
It is my goal to keep the same schedule for your pets as much as possible as if you were home. Less stress is better for your fur kids and you! Exceptional service ensures quality care and more for your pets!

OVERNIGHT STAY
Overnight stays last from 9PM to 6AM and include all services listed under Standard Services.

Standard Services
Arranged according to each pet’s needs each visit includes:
*Feeding and refreshing water
*Cleaning food and water dishes
*Potty breaks/walks
*Refreshing of cat litter box
*Remove trash/waste
*Mail and newspaper collection
*Alternating lights and blinds
*Administration of medication
*Generous administration of attention and affection.

SERVING NORTH DALLAS, PARK CITIES, LAKE HIGHLANDS, LAKEWOOD, WHITE ROCK LAKE AND UPTOWN in the following zip codes:
75201, 75204, 75205, 75206, 75209, 75214, 75218, 75219, 75220 – East of Webb Chapel, 75225, 75226, 75229 – East of Webb Chapel, 75230, 75231, 75235, 75238, 75240, 75243, 75244, 75246, 75251

Call or email for a personalized estimate:
(469) 222-3381
info@exceptionalpetsitting.com
Experienced, professional, insured.
For your pet and peace of mind!

Discounting Dog Myths

Tracie Morgan is a Certified Dog Walker, has dog first aid certification, and her B.S. degree in Social Science from Rocky Mountain College in Billings MT. Tracie operates a dog walking service in Billings, Montana called Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC where she takes up to six dogs in a pack on daily 3 mile off-leash dog hikes to local public access area trails and parks.

Many generations of evolution separate dogs and wolves.  It does not make sense for us to learn how to interact with dogs from wolves. It makes about as much sense as learning to parent by watching chimpanzees parent.  But this is what happened when man put unrelated wolves together in captivity and then concluded that domination is normal behavior.  This theory was then superimposed on dogs.

The Natural Wolf Pack

In reality a natural wolf pack is a family unit that consists of an adult alpha male and an adult alpha female and their juvenile offspring and pups.  There are usually about six or seven blood related members in a pack.  The mated alpha male and female are the parents and leaders of their offspring pack just like humans lead and teach their offspring.

David L. Mech, one of the worlds leading wolf experts asserts, “In the natural wolf pack dominance contests with other wolves are rare if they exist at all”.  Dr. Mech also writes in the Canadian Journal of Zoology in 1999, “The typical wolf pack is a family, with the adults guiding the activities of a group in a division-of-labor system”.

Researchers have learned that dominance is rare behavior for wolves and may be a by product of captivity where man put unrelated wolves together.  Dominate behavior in wolves is based on environmental circumstances and is not an instinctual directive.

Cesar Milan

Currently there is controversy and debate going on in dog training circles.  One side represented by Cesar Milan promotes the theory of dogs as wolves and promotes dominance training by pet owners and states there are only leaders and followers in a relationship.  There is dominance or submission, no partnering.  Cesar’s way is a one size fits all approach to dog training.  On his TV program on the National Geographic channel Cesar uses techniques difficult for owners to replicate and uses techniques that could result in injury to the owner or their dog.  That is why National Geographic has a disclaimer that runs at the bottom of the screen warning, “Don’t try this at home”.

Writer Mark Derr whose articles have appeared in Audubon, Natural History, Atlantic Monthly, and other publications and who is the author of critically acclaimed books like Frontiersman and Dog’s Best Friend writes that Cesar’s ethology is outdated.  He further states, “he is a charming one man wrecking ball directed at 40 years of progress in the understanding and shaping dog behavior and in developing non-punitive, reward based training programs, which have led to seeing the dog as an individual, to understand what motivates it, what frightens it, and what its talents and limitations are”.

Many dog training experts are alarmed that Cesar Milan has become the face of dog training and are shaken by the fact that he has taken the world of dog behavior by storm.  More and more concerned dog professionals are becoming increasingly vocal in expressing their disagreement with Cesar’s methods.

Ian Dunbar

The other side of the debate is represented by the renowned and popular Ian Dunbar author of six books on pet training, developer of one of the earliest puppy training courses in the United States (Sirius Puppy Training), holder of a veterinary degree, and a Special Honors in Physiology and Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College of London University, a doctorate in animal behavior from the psychology department of UC Berkley, a decade of research, and decades of dog-training experience.

The only things Ian and Cesar both agree on is that all dogs can and should be trained and that dogs need regular and adequate amounts of exercise.  Ian Dunbar believes all training is negotiation and compliance can best be achieved through positive training methods.  His emphasis on positive approaches like lure reward methods using treats and praise has revolutionized the dog training field.  He once ran a behavior clinic for fighting and biting dogs and he is the founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), an organization with thousands of members.   He was also the star of the British television show “Dogs with Dunbar” and he has hosted a dozen popular videos about dog training.

Ian is not a supporter of using pain and fear in dog training. He does not support using force or intimidation.  He stands solidly in the dog friendly reward based training camp.  Ian Dunbar is being joined by an ever growing number of dog trainers that follow his positive training methods and train force free.  This positive reinforcement method is also the method that is coming out on top of the debate.  Positive training methods are gaining more momentum every year, and positive reinforcement it is where dog training stands today.

A Pet’s Dream

Full pet sitting and dog walking services. See our web site for detailed information – www.apetsdream.com. Serving your pets since 1999, we are a family owned & operated business. Our philosophy is we treat your pets as we would want ours to be treated!

Roll Over Rover Dog Walking

We have been serving the Silver Lake & Eagle Rock communities for several years. We provide pet sitting in your home, daily dog walks, and cat care. Roll Over Rover Dog Walkers provide personalized service and care for our furry clients and their owners. We walk dogs one at a time, focusing on your pet’s individual needs. Our small staff provides safe, reliable and professional service for pet owners at an affordable rate. We are Insured and Bonded, proud members of Pet Sitters International, and certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.

There are many benefits of daily dog walks! If you don’t have the time or energy that your pet requires due to the demands of life, or if you’re re physically unable to take your pet out for regular exercise, we would be happy to help out.

Dogs crave the stimulating sights, sounds and scents that only the outdoors can provide. Daily dog walks can help maintain mental sharpness, while the exercise helps maintain physical strength.

Dogs are social creatures. When they go outside with us, marking territory, sniffing around and having fun it’s a great way to interact with the world at large.
With Roll Over Rover, you can get peace of mind knowing that your faithful friend is getting the exercise and stimulation that she/he craves and deserves!

Service Areas

Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Atwater Village, Highland Park, Hollywood

Ozaukee County House & Pet Sitters, LLC

Dog walking available 365 days a year. Schedule a walk for your dog(s) every work day or just whenever you need our service. We are fully insured, bonded, accredited with the Better Business Bureau and have real experience handling all breeds and personalities. We walk in any weather your dog will walk in only canceling when you tell us to. Walks are 30 minutes long and on average 1 mile long.

Dogs ‘N Sync Walking: 10 Quick Tips

Tracie Morgan is a Certified Dog Walker, has dog first aid certification, and her B.S. degree in Social Science from Rocky Mountain College in Billings MT. Tracie operates a dog walking service in Billings, Montana called Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC where she takes up to six dogs in a pack on daily 3 mile off-leash dog hikes to local public access area trails and parks.

The foundation of dog training is dog walking. Walking your dog is the most important part of training and it forms the cornerstone for all other areas of training.   Many dog owners are at their wits end with their dog’s behavior on the walk and they desperately want things to change.  We have all seen dogs determined to get to another dog, their favorite bush, a fire hydrant, or to people they see in the neighborhood.  We watch as they drag their embarrassed owners around the block.  If you are the owner of a dog that has a mind of its own, not only do you have sore arms but you probably dread walking your dog.

Walking your dog is a great way for you and your dog to get exercise and it is a fun and fulfilling way to improve your relationship with your dog. There is no better way to form a strong bond and fulfill your dog’s core need for regular and adequate amounts of exercise.  Another good reason for walking your dog is because there is a strong connection between lack of exercise and behavior problems in dogs. A lot of behavior issues can be resolved with consistent socialization and exercise. Of course, there are many reasons for problems, but most start with owner’s not having all the information they need to successfully walk their dog.

I am going to give you 10 tips for dog walking but first, I have a question for you….

DO You Know About the APDT?

Chances are you haven’t heard of Ian Dunbar. He is the renowned and popular author of six books on pet training, he developed one of the earliest puppy training courses in the United States (Sirrus Puppy Training), he is the holder of a veterinary degree and a Special Honors in Physiology and Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College of London University, he has a doctorate in animal behavior from the psychology department of UC Berkley, he has done a decade of research, he has decades of dog training experience, he is the founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) an organization with thousands of members, and he has revolutionized the dog training field with positive reinforcement methods.  Ian Dunbar is the dog trainer’s trainer.

A sample of Ian Dunbar Quotes:

“Even unwanted behavior offers a wonderful dog training opportunity. Reinforcing the cessation of misbehavior is the training technique of choice when trying to eliminate whining, growling, and running away. Punishment generally exacerbates the problem, making the dog more likely to whine, growl, or run away”   

“One of the most magically powerful training techniques is to ignore all unwanted behavior and instead, teach and reinforce good behaviors. Whenever your dog does something you like, simply say, “Good dog” and give him a piece of kibble, some affection, or play a game with him as a reward. For example, reward your dog whenever he sits, lies down, looks at you, stops barking, or just looks cute.”

“You especially want to reward your dog for any sociable or friendly greeting behavior, such as when your dog approaches, wags his tail, wags his butt, sticks out his tongue, raises a paw, or play bows. Sometimes your dog may look like he isn’t doing much. But that’s precisely the point! He may just stand there wagging his tail, but think of all the annoying and worrying things he could have been doing. He could have been barking, snapping, jumping up, or careening around your house like an agility course! So, in a sense, it’s a good idea to reward your dog for not acting fearfully, antisocially, or hyperactively.”

Okay…now for the 10 quick tips:

Dog Walking Tip #1

Collar Placement Needs to be Right. Your dog’s collar needs to be properly

placed on his neck.  Many collars are too loose.  If the dog pulls, a too loose collar easily slips off over the dogs head and the end result is a loose dog who is in harms way or who could cause harm.  The collar must be adjusted enough so it does not slide off if the dog pulls.  You should be able to slide two of your fingers under the dog’s collar.  The collar needs to be placed (and stay) at the top of the dog’s neck.

Dog Walking Tip #2

Think Dog.  Try and view the world from your dog’s outlook.  We have domesticated dogs and brought them into our human world and it is up to us to teach them how to live in our world confidently.  S/He doesn’t know what is unacceptable behavior, unless we tell him, to him it seems okay.  Behaviors that are a problem for us are normal behaviors for them.

Dog Walking Tip #3

Be Consistent. If we want training to stick, everyone in the family has to follow the same rules and enforce the same boundaries and limitations.  When we are consistent in rewarding what we like and when we give constructive feedback of what we don’t like, dogs begin to understand what we want from them.

Dog Walking Tip #4

Keep Your Dog Busy.   Mental stimulation, proper exercise, socialization, and fun games will burn up your dog’s natural energy.  Regular exercise is the key ingredient to good health, good mental agility, and longevity for your dog.  A well exercised dog translates into a happier pet, happier people, and a happier home.  A good dog is a tired dog.

Dog Walking Tip #5

When Your Dog Pulls on the Leash. When your dog begins to pull on the lead immediately stop walking and don’t resume walking until the lead is loose (be a tree).  Slack on the leash means you instantly, again, start moving forward.  If your dog pulls on the lead again, you again stop, and wait for slack on the leash.  It’s okay if it takes you five minutes to get out the door.  Dogs pull because they have been rewarded for pulling.  Somehow it as has been a rewarding experience.  S/He pulls and he gets out the door, or to the other dog, or to your neighbor, or to the car.  Someone somewhere took a step when s/he put tension on the leash.   The idea is to teach your dog he doesn’t get to go where he wants to go when he is pulling.

Dog Walking Tip #6

Find Doggie Friends.  It is very important your dog stays socialized with other dogs; s/he needs to see other dogs regularly or he will be at greater risk of developing behavior issues around other dogs.  Regular exposure to other dogs for play dates or dog socialization walking packs will ensure he keeps his ability to feel comfortable around other dogs in all environments. Dogs that have not been socialized or had enough experience around other dogs, people, and environments can be problematic.  The lack of proper socialization is the major reason dogs become fearful of people, other dogs, other animals, and the environment.

Dog Walking Tip #7

Use Praise and Reward.  Be positive and stay calm (no yelling).  Reward behaviors you want and there is a very good chance those behaviors will be repeated.  When an unwanted behavior occurs use a time out to remove your dog, or use sounds to interrupt the behavior, or refocus your dog on something more constructive, or ignore the behavior (such as jumping up), so the behavior is not reinforced and it eventually stops.  If your dog is on a lead and desperate to get to another dog, bench, fire hydrant, or person, quickly turn in a different direction or in the opposite direction, so your dog will not be rewarded by reaching the target.  Throw a praise party for your dog when he displays the behavior you are looking for and want repeated.

Dog Walking Tip #8

Do Not Use Dominate the Dog. Do not use pain, fear, force, intimidation or domination.  Outdated training methods by traditional trainers would like you to believe dogs are behaving badly and trying to be dominant over their owners.  Few dogs are actually attempting to be dominant over their owners; mostly they are displaying their insecurities or fears, which can be overcome with understanding and patience.  Punishment has no place when teaching what behaviors we desire and what behaviors we want to end.  Positive reinforcement training methods are easier, more effective, more enjoyable, and more efficient, plus your dog will learn better and retain information longer.  You also build a better relationship with your dog.

Dog Walking Tip #9

Be Aware. Keep a look out for what is going on ahead of you when you are walking your dog.  If you know your dog tends to lunge at other dogs, or likes to chase a cyclist, or run to a group of playing children, you should be prepared ahead of time with a plan of action.  You could have your dog sit and keep sitting until the distraction passes by, or you could change your direction.  Practice sitting first by having your dog sit for a treat on walks when nothing is happening and there are no distractions.

Dog Walking Tip #10

Exercise it vital. Make sure you do training after your dog has been adequately exercised.  If pulling is a problem, there are no-pull harnesses that come in a variety of styles.  You may need to try more than one style to find one that works best for you.  Some, like the Gentle Leader Easy Walk harness attach to a leash at the point of your dogs chest and make it more difficult for your dog to pull.  Others use straps that go under the dogs front legs and tighten when he pulls, such as the Sporn No Pull Halter.  Still others are head halters like the Gentle Leader, but with a head halter it is important to desensitize your dog to the head halter gradually by associating the halter with treats and also rewarding when the dog is not trying to get the halter off by pawing at it.  Be patient while your dog gets used to it.

Lastly, it is reported that 60% of dog owners do not to walk their dogs.  The majority of dogs are spending their lives trapped in monotonous back yards and houses.  Just because your dog is outside in the yard does not mean he is getting enough exercise.  Dogs do not self exercise and play when they are by themselves.  If you sit down to watch TV or read and your dog is snoozing beside you or chewing a bone, your dog has probably had enough exercise that day.  If not, and he is getting into mischief or bugging you to play, then he has not had enough exercise.  It is up to humans to provide adequate amounts of exercise for their beloved canine companions.

Walking your dog is low cost, popular, provides stress relief and support, offers health

giving exercise, and is life giving and beneficial.  Your dog was born ready – let’s walk.

McElroy Pet Care

“I sit, I stay,
So You Can Play”

Can’t get home for that mid-day walk or snack? I’ll do it!
Going on a trip? I’ll bring in your papers and mail, and keep your favorite furry friends company. Just let me know how I can help.

McElroy Pet Care serves Louisville’s Highlands, Crescent Hill, and St. Matthews pets with walks, home visits, vet/groomer taxi service, and loving care.

Kathy the Critter Sitter, LLC

Affordable Pet Sitting Solutions
Caring for your loved ones at your house…safe & secure

Personalized, Professional Service, Licensed & Insured
Pet First Aid/CPR Certified / NAPPS Certified

Member of National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS),
Pet Sitters International (PSI),
Professional United Pet Sitters (PUPS),
Pet Sitters Association (PSA) &
Tampa Bay Professional Pet Sitters Network(TBPPSN)

Pet Sitting
• In your home
• Daily Visits
• All services include basic care plus.

Dog Walking
• 30 minute to 1 hour leashed walks
• Private one-on-one walks
• Exercising and playing
• Practicing basic commands
• Fresh and refreshing water to drink
• Treats and rewards for a good job

Pet Taxi, Pet Overnight’s, House Sitting & Pooper Scooping available as needed

Brooklyn Dog Walker

Offering dog walking and pet sitting to Brooklyn pet owners. Recently featured on Good Morning America!

What Exercise Does for Your Dog and What You Get in the Bargain

Tracie Morgan is a Certified Dog Walker, has dog first aid certification, and her B.S. degree in Social Science from Rocky Mountain College in Billings MT. Tracie operates a dog walking service in Billings, Montana called Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC where she takes up to six dogs in a pack on daily 3 mile off-leash dog hikes to local public access area trails and parks.

Because of the long work hours and busy lives people lead today their canine companions spend long lonely hours at home bored, sleeping, and even overeating. Dogs are companion animals and an important part of our culture, our family, and our community life. People have a strong historical relationship with dogs and over time dogs have become more than canine companions. People derive both physical and mental health benefits from their relationships with dogs; dogs have become an important part of our society. Dogs provide many stress relieving and health benefits, such as social support and stress relief.

Effects of Exercise on Behavior
Also important to the health and welfare of people and dogs is the need for daily activity. With more people becoming health conscious, it is well known that exercise is a good thing for human bodies, and, of course, that goes for dogs too. Exercise tones muscles, builds strong bones, improves circulation, can improve bone and joint health; can improve heart and lung function, helps weight loss, helps prevent early death, improves mental state, promotes healthy rest, helps prevent depression, and in dogs, reduces the incidence of digestive problems and constipation.

It is well known that people do not get enough exercise and it is no surprise that dogs are not getting enough exercise either. There is a strong connection between lack of exercise and behavior problems in dogs. Dogs were bred to perform specific jobs. Because they are not required to do these specific jobs now they need an outlet for their energy, relief from boredom, and time to display the particular characteristics of their breed.

Dogs’ genetics have prepared them to work, but many dogs are spending their lives confined in monotonous back yards. What are they doing to burn all that built up natural energy? Many are barking, chewing, digging, whining, escaping, howling, and displaying hyper-active behavior.

A Tired Dog is a Good Dog
A lot of these behavior issues can be resolved with consistent socialization and exercise. When dogs don’t get the exercise they need it is causes problems for dog owners and their communities. Regular exercise is the key ingredient to good health, good mental agility, and longevity for your dog.

A well exercised dog translates into happier people, happier pet, and fewer medical expenses. However, the truth is that dogs do not self exercise and play when they are left alone. Instead, dogs tend to shut down when they are by themselves because dogs are social animals.

A dog’s instincts tell them it is not good to be left alone or isolated from their pack. Dogs are entirely dependent on their humans for proper exercise, food, and health care. It is up to humans to provide adequate amounts of exercise for their beloved canine companions. For humans, a well exercised dog means coming home to a calm dog and a dog nicer to be around.

Story by Tracie Morgan, CDW
Dogs ‘N Sync, LLC

Partnership for Animal Welfare, Inc., Exercise Benefits. Retrieved March 29, 2008, from DogTip Exercise Benefits Web site:
http:/www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ExerciseBenefits

Butler, Joy (April 22, 2007). Doggy Fitness Exercise Checklist. Retrieved March 29, 2008, from Doggy Fitness Exercise Checklist:
Daily Active Routine Benefits Web site: http:/dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/doggy_fitness

Scott. M.S., Elizabeth How Owning a Dog or Cat Can Reduce Stress. Retrieved March 29, 2008, from Health Benefits of Pets – How
Owning a Dog or Cat Can Reduce Stress Web site: http:/stress.about.com/od/lowstresslifesytle/a/petsand stress.