How To Have A Happy Dog

Dogs are highly intelligent animals, which is why it is so important to try to keep them mentally stimulated. Bored, unmotivated dogs (particularly working breeds such as the Border Collie or Bearded Collie) will tend to compensate for lack of stimulation by developing their own forms of amusement - many of which are unacceptable to their owners.

An unhappy, understimulated dog may sleep excessively, chew furniture and clothing, whine and bark constantly, chase traffic or livestock, self-harm, pace up and down, exhibit aggression or become over-dependent on his owner.

Do not punish

If your dog shows destructive tendencies or other unwanted behavior, never resort to physical punishment. Shouting or hitting a dog rewards attention-seeking behavior with negative attention, and should be avoided. Try to discover the reason why he is doing something and then take steps to manage and rectify the behavior. In addition, always check with your vet to ensure that there is no underlying physical cause for your dog’s behavior.

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