Dogs Worldwide

In a previous post I argued that adult dogs need a certain amount of ongoing training, this training needs to include a regular amount of physical exercise, as well as mental exercise and don’t forget the socialization!

Let’s take a look at the mental needs of your dog. Think of it this way the more you can teach your dog, no matter what age he is, no matter what breed he is, and no matter what sort of personality he has, the better he will become at all levels of his life. Think about it the more stimulation we receive as adults the better we become within our own world so why wouldn’t it be any different for our closest companion? The more your dog learns, the more skills he developes the less he becomes a pet and the more he becomes a friend, companion, helper, someone to enjoy more wonderful times with

Your adult dog needs the right amount of balance in his training. These needs include a regular dose of physical exercise, mental exercise, and the need to socialize. Providing your dog with these needs will keep him happy, healthy, and may even add extra years to his life.

If you train your dog to do certain tasks then you give him purpose and that in turn will improve the quality of his life; again think about it the more purpose we have in our life the better our quality of life. By training your dog to listen, to respond properly to your commands you are giving him knowledge and freedom to do more with his life, it gives him the advantage to learn more and explore more. Don’t keep him inside the home all day by himself, take him out with you, give him stimulation, share as many activities as you can with him.

I suggested in a previous article that an adult dogs training should be ‘topped’ up about three times a week. This training schedual gives you the oppertunity to teach your dog someone new on a weekly or basis. The more he lears the more confident, the more stimulated and alert he will become. If you dog is able to figure things out in his adult life then when he reaches old age it will be of great help to him.

What if you have a dog who’s intelligence is above average, or who because of his breed is more energetic? Well you will have to work more with him, you will have to spend more time training him when he is young and when he becomes adult. Highly intelligent dogs need to have a job to do to keep them entertained, prevent them from becoming bored. It also steers them alway from developing anti-social destructive behaviors.

Extra training and mental activity is required if you have a working breed. Working breeds need to be worked more to keep them busy and problem-free. A few examples of working breeds are Border Collies, Great Danes, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Old English Sheepdogs. These dogs need to think more and do more to stay happy.

Giving your adult dog his regular mental exercise will keep his mind clear, keep him occupied, and prevent boredom. Boredom leads to dissatisfaction, which in turn leads to negative behavior. Regardless of the amount of training and skills he acquired during puppyhood and his adolescent stage, he is likely to develop destructive behaviors again unless you give him a job to do.

The old adage “use it or lose it” not only applies to humans, but to our canine friends as well. Your dog needs to brush up on his skills and talents on a regular basis, otherwise he will forget them. It is that simple!

Tags: dog breeds, dog training, essential dog training

This entry was posted on Monday, July 20th, 2009 at 08:00 and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.