I spend a good portion of my day on the phone with pet owners looking for advice on how to peacefully co-exist with their furry friends. I talk to many dog owners with high drive breed under two years of age. I always ask how much exercise the dog gets and many people say a walk a few times a week. Lately(it has been freezing here), it has been common for them to say, "not much." For most high drive breeds a walk is an exercise hors devours.
My advice to everyone is your dog needs to work both mind and body everyday. If they do not get this enrichment dogs will find other ways on their own. A few suggestions to add enrichment to your dog's day. For physical exercise teach your dog a retrieve (fetch), an appropriate tug of war (it can be done), or socialize him with other dogs for play. Exercise your dog before you feed him. How do you feel after a big meal? Do you want to exercise?
After your dog has gotten physical exercise, provide him with mental stimulation by getting rid of his food bowl. That is right. Throw it away. We make the mistake with young adolescent high drive dogs by feeding them out of a bowl. It takes my young dog about 10.2 seconds to eat his food out of his dish. Instead, I make him work for it. There are several toys out on the market that can be stuffed with food. Premier makes has a great toy line called Busy Buddys. You can also use a Kong. These toys require the dog to work their jaws and use their brain to eat. If you are running short on time it is just as fun to just pour your dog's food into his kennel or scatter it all over your patio.
Have fun and look for more tips soon.
