Is it the dogs?
I can't speak for all dogs but we never have a problem with our dogs' behavior in the house. Sometimes they play a little bit, but mostly they just relax.
Is it the dogs?
They are good guys, yes. But they don't lay down and stay quiet in the house because we make them. They do it because they're content. They get the fun and exercise they need and in the meantime they just chill, waiting for more fun and exercise.
Cookie needs at least three hours of physical or mental stimulation daily.
How do I know that? Because when she does not get that, she starts being restless, demanding attention and trying to get into trouble.
Knowing that, I make sure she gets what she needs. In return I get what I want--a dog that is quiet and relaxed in the house.
JD would make due with about an hour but he doesn't mind getting the extra.
Before you get worked up over unruly dogs, ask yourself what they're missing.
Recently there was a post on the Dog Health Issues group asking for advice. Their dog used to spend his days in the yard. He was getting into trouble so they kept him in the house. The dog was getting into even more trouble so they ended up closing him in one of the rooms ... Where do you think this is going?
Doing that is like putting oil on a fire.
He wasn't getting what he needed. Taking away even the little he was getting isn't going to solve it. Since the person clearly wasn't able to exercise and stimulate him properly, my best suggestion was for her to get a dog walker or consider doggy day care.
Dogs get in trouble because something is missing in their lives.
Taking more away is not the answer. If your dog keeps getting into trouble, ask yourself what is missing and do your best to provide that. Everybody wins.
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