Combining Mental and Physical Stimulation to Prevent Behavior Problems in Pets

Giving your dog a lot of physical exercise may help him become more athletic, but it doesn't address hyperactivity or provide mental stimulation. Rather, instead of over-exercising, this approach works well for stressed-out or even injured pets and helps build strong dog-owner bonds.
Today is day three of bark & whiskers Creating Heathy, Happy Pets Week 2023, and our guest is Jo Woodward, a positive reward-based dog trainer and canine enrichment specialist in North Yorkshire in the U.K.
In 2011, Jo took in a troubled rescue dog with issues so severe she couldn't live comfortably with Jo's family; it was that little pup who sparked Jo's passion to work with dogs and understand what makes them tick.
Twelve years ago, Jo launched her business, FurryTails, as a daycare, home boarding, and dog walking service; today, FurryTails specializes in dog training and canine enrichment.
Jo believes the foundation of training starts with enrichment, because dogs need to be mentally AND physically stimulated to prevent behavior problems, relieve boredom, foster a sense of calm and confidence, and strengthen the bond they share with their humans.
Article link: bit.ly/3sJhBmK
Subscribe: bit.ly/3DMX1nS
Website: bit.ly/3s0cHlh
Podcast: bit.ly/3KwKSr1
Facebook: / barkwhiskers
Instagram: / bark_whiskers
Twitter: / bark_whiskers
KZbin: / @barkandwhiskers
Bitchute: www.bitchute.com/channel/bark...

[@pokerqAK47]

I always play with my 1 yo chihuahua like that. I ask him to sit then say leave it and throw the toy. He doesn’t try to chase it until I say “ok”. I say ok when he looks at me. I don’t do it all the time but I do it a lot😊

[@Tilted_Rocketeer]

When transferring kibble from the original bag into a bottle for easier use, my dog loves to watch just in case i drop a single biscuit, the concentration on his face is intense 😂 I drop a few intentionally of course. Very informative video, thank you

[@SaroDogTraining]

As a fellow professional dog trainer, I believe it's important to reconsider our approach to using dog food in activities beyond regular meals. Firstly, dogs, as natural predators, don't spend their entire day searching for or working for food. Secondly, constant eating can disrupt their metabolic state, taking them out of ketosis. Thirdly, overemphasis on food can lead to dogs fixating on it, which isn't ideal for their overall mindset. While I appreciate the value of scent work in dog training, it's crucial to strike a balance and not rely solely on it, ensuring a more holistic approach to training.

[@loma4437]

I felt this was more about encouraging people to think outside of the walk on a leash for 30 minutes, food in a bowl, day in day out, boring dog lifestyle. At 6:00 minutes she encourages different than the usual activities instead of walks and fetch. At 7:44 she explains how to begin scent work by using treats to create a transfer of value to a Kong so that food is no longer required in scent work. Lots of simple ideas to inspire owners to think a little more creatively about their dogs' activities ultimately increasing confidence, satisfaction and happiness for both animal and human.