Many canine behavioural problems can be directly and
indirectly linked to a dog’s level of engagement with its owner.
Below are five simple tips that owners can use to promote
positive engagement and help keep their dog mentally stimulated.
Daytime Rest Tip
Although younger and older dogs require more rest to aid
development or recovery, the average adult dog is very adept at adapting to its
owners nightly sleep pattern and too much daily rest can lead to behavioural
problems. It is a good idea to ensure that a dog doesn't experience long
periods of mental disengagement and
inactivity.
Dogs rest more naturally after physical engagement and proper
rest is always more conducive to a dogs mental health than ‘boredom’ rest.
Leave Stress At The Door
Dogs pick up on stress very easily. Add this to the fact that
when you enter a room, maybe after a day at work, your dog will be pleased to
see you and will be especially receptive to the mood that you bring.
If an owner repeatedly comes home stressed and un-receptive
to a dog’s advances this can easily lead to the dog being nervous and anxious
about its owner’s homecoming. Although changing the events that lead to an
owner having had a stressful day may be difficult, it is always good advice to
take a breath and positively receive our four-legged friends friendly welcome.
It's Good To Talk
Human relationships suffer when communication breaks down
between people. Dogs also need regular and positive communication to keep them
reassured and engaged in their relationship with their owner so take time to talk
to your dog.
Look To Praise Your Dog
There is a lot of advice around praising a dog for positive
behaviours that is often centred around training or when a dog has specifically
performed a task that an owner approves of. Whilst this is an extremely
positive and beneficial way to acknowledge a dog’s behaviour, it is often
overlooked that long periods without finding a reason to praise a dog may lead
to behavioural problems.
Dogs naturally seek out approval and it is good advice to
actively look for situations for a dog to meet and receive this approval. A
positive tone delivered directly after a positive action is always reassuring
and motivating for a dog.
Become A Meet And Greet Facilitator
Most dogs are naturally friendly toward humans. Keeping a dog’s
interactions with humans as positive as possible will ensure that the dog will feel good about
both itself and its encounters..

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