I seem to be surrounded by busy, busy people. they pack as much as possible into a day. Work, play, children, hobbies and the list goes on.
People like to run, swim, hike and ride their bikes. All good stuff and healthy activities for humans. But, why do humans insist on involving our dogs in these types of activities? In recent times, we have seen the introduction of such things as cani-cross and man-trailing, both termed as ‘sports.’
Both of the above activities involve either attaching the dog to a human and running with them or, putting a dog on a long lead to follow the scent of another human. Of course, claims are made that the dogs love these activities and, without any real evidence, and that there are many benefits for all sorts of canine behavioural issues.
Added to the activities outlined above, I see many people running with their dog, attached and unattached or cycling with their dogs attached or unattached. Usually, the dog is not allowed to stop, sniff, socialise with humans or other dogs, chase a squirrel or do anything else that a dog loves to do. These owners are convinced their dogs love this.
There is another group of dog owners who just don’t allow their dogs to socialise in any situation. Example: I meet a lady, regularly, who has a lovely young Labrador who is desperate to stop and socialise with other dogs and their people. This woman, every time, yanks her dog away by her harness, aggressively, while scolding it. Pretty appalling. I spoke to her once; she was, of course, far to busy and had to be elsewhere.
I will, of course, be attacked to the proponents of some of these activities. I am all for activities that enrich the lives of our dogs, I just don’t think the ones I have mention here do.
Dogs need a full life based on their fundamental needs. That means being allowed, with our supervision, to behave as dogs. Dogs, generally, are sociable and inquisitive creatures; therefore, they need to be allowed to run in the woods, swim in rivers and seas (when safe to do so), meet other dogs and humans and be allowed to socialise, normally, with them.
So, if you live a really busy life, do not bring a dog into it if you cannot give it the life it deserves. ‘Fitting’ them into our busy days is, in my view, detrimental to our dogs.
behaviour assistance and training
sometimes mans’ best friend
needs a little help
Does your dog find it hard to mix with other dogs? Is it scared? Aggressive? Or destructive?
Mike may be able to help.
www.thecaninebehaviourist.co.uk
www.calmconfidencecanines.com