Myth: A Tired Dog Is a Good Dog
You’ve probably heard the saying, “A tired dog is a good dog.” And yes, there’s truth in that. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise often show unwanted behaviors: they can be destructive, overly excitable, or just generally “wild” from boredom and frustration. In many cases, giving your dog enough physical activity can help reduce these behaviors.
But here’s the thing: if you’re using exercise alone to address behavioral issues, then your tired dog is simply… a tired dog.
Physical Exercise Isn’t the Whole Picture
Take “fetch,” for example. Some people use it to tire their dogs out. They throw the ball again and again, and yes, the dog definitely enjoys the game. But what has your dog learned from this? Probably not much. Has it deepened your relationship? Not really. And what state of mind is your dog in afterward? Likely hyper-aroused.
Sure, your dog may need a rest from physical exhaustion but beyond that, you haven’t gained much.
Or maybe you take your dog to the dog park to play with other pups. It’s a fun experience, and your dog may come home ready for a nap. But what has she learned? Likely that other dogs are way more fun than her human. Then we wonder why she won’t pay attention when other dogs are around.
It’s About More Than Just Movement
Don’t get me wrong! I’m not saying dogs shouldn’t exercise or play with their four-legged friends. Dogs are meant to move, and physical activity is important for their health and well-being.
But I prefer to say: “A tired dog is a happy dog” and I want that happiness to come from being fulfilled.
To achieve that, I focus on tiring my dog out in ways that are both productive and build the foundation of our relationship.
Brainwork Is the Real Workout
Training is brainwork—and mental exercise tires dogs out more than physical activity. So if you really want to wear your dog out, what’s more effective: a one-hour walk or a 15-minute training session?
For most young, energetic dogs, a long walk barely takes the edge off. But a short training session can leave them satisfied and mentally engaged. Plus, you’re building your bond and reinforcing important behaviors. Win-win!
Channeling Natural Drives Through Enrichment
Dogs have instincts – scenting, chasing, running – and structured activities help fulfill those needs.
Along with training obedience, consider training with your dog in activities like:
- Scent Detection
- Tracking
- Barn Hunt
- Agility
These activities not only stimulate your dog’s body and mind but also create teamwork between you and your dog. If your dog was bred for a specific purpose, look into activities like herding, barn hunt, or fieldwork to let them channel their natural drives.
Again…Win-Win! 😃
The Takeaway: Fulfillment Over Fatigue
Of course, exercise is essential to your dog’s physical and mental health, just like it is for us. But using exercise only to manage undesirable behavior can backfire. You might end up with a better athlete who just needs more exercise to reach that same level of tiredness.
So yes, go for walks. Play a game of gentle fetch. Let your dog run and be social.
But also make time for:
- 10 –15 minutes of training each day
- Weekly classes or enrichment activities
- Interactive games that challenge your dog’s brain
Use brainwork to fulfill your dog and build your relationship.
Your dog won’t just be tired, they’ll be happy! And so will you!
Looking for Dog Training in Ladysmith, British Columbia, or Nearby?
We Can Help! At Canine Companions, we offer Group Dog Training Classes that provide a fun and supportive environment for your dog to learn essential skills while socializing with other dogs and people. These classes are ideal for building your dog’s confidence and improving obedience in a real-world setting. Learn more about our classes here!
If you’re dealing with specific challenges, our Private Dog Training Sessions are a fantastic option. These one-on-one lessons allow us to create a customized training plan tailored to your goals and your dog’s unique needs. Whether it’s addressing problem behaviors or mastering advanced skills, private sessions offer focused attention and faster progress.
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for dog training tips, fun videos, and expert advice to help you and your dog thrive!
