Entertainment tips for dogs

Monday May 25th, 2009

Question:

My dog seems to enjoy having "tasks" to complete--is there a way to keep smart dogs entertained?

answered by Jon Katz

Answer:

Dogs don't need to be "entertained" generally. They do need stimulation and activity, as do almost all living things. They don't necessarily need play groups, expensive toys, or gourmet bakery treats. Nor do they need human food, or the opportunity to chase balls and toys in the house. They don't need to jump on people.

Dogs are creatures of habit and routine. They are traditionalists. They like to do the same thing at the same time, every day. They need and like walks, interaction with people, and things to see and sniff. They like different things to chew and investigate.

It's not good for them to be left day and night with nothing to do, or they can become sluggish and dull. It's good to talk to them, pet them, brush them, and, if all else fails, take them lots of places. Give them a chance to see the world.

Exercise is critical for dogs, for mental and physical reasons. All dogs are active hunters and sniffers and they need to move about, explore the world, and get exercise. Exercise, like food and attention, are critical to the welfare of dogs.

If you can't exercise your dog, hire someone to help. Obesity is a leading cause of death for dogs, and dogs with no exercise develop all sorts of health problems, just like humans. If you don't ever want to exercise a dog, or can't, it's best to get another kind of animal...perhaps a fish.

Jon Katz is one of America’s best-loved dog writers, and his keen insights into the animal world have earned him the title of Squire of Bedlam Farm. His new memoir DOG DAYS: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm allows us to live our dreams of leaving the city for the country, and shares the unpredictable adventure of farm life. From little Jesus (the newborn donkey who becomes the farm mascot) to the surprisingly sociable steer Elvis (weighing in at 2,500 pounds) and his comparatively svelte sweetheart, Luna, the creatures at Bedlam Farm find new ways to challenge Katz, who writes, “The perfect life is like the perfect dog: Neither exists. And joy is a fraction of the experience of owning a farm.”

Tags Bringing Home Your Dog, Dog Behavior, Dog Exercise Needs, Dog Fitness, Dog Toys, Dog Day Care, Dog Sitters And Dog Walkers, Herding Dogs

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That was a nice lecture on who dogs are... but you never once answered the man's question. He obviously already has a dog, so telling him not to get one is late advise, and he obviously cares about his dog because he is taking the time to ask you the question. The proper thing to do would have been to briefly step down from your pedestal and simply respond to his question...

about 1 month ago by AmBullDog

I have a new dog! She is a cross of a Shih tzu and a miniature pinscher. Her name is baby and she is a year and a hafe old. both parents have pasted away, sadly! both were full blooded breeds.

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