I would like to talk to everyone about dog's and their need to run. People don't seem to understand this anymore and expect a dog to be a perfect angle while they are gone 8 hours a day, while providing no exercise or anything to keep them busy. I don't think that's fair to the dog and certainly too high of an expectation.

Most dog breeds were bred to work and to run! There are a few exceptions, such as the breeds that were bred to be just a lap dog. However, even those dogs need daily walking and running time. They might not need as much as other breeds, but it's still necessary. Just as much as people need something to keep them busy, dogs need it too. Think about how much you enjoy being bored. Don't you go and try to find something to do? Well dog's don't have the option to go over to a friend's house, read a book, play on the computer, or watch TV. They have to find what they can find, which is usually not something you'd want them to be doing.

Dogs need to be able to get that energy out in a good way! Dogs love to run! If you're not letting your dog run, they are probably a bit miserable inside. Pulling at the end of that leash just wishing, for once they could be able to just RUN! This also brings up a good point of dogs not coming back to you when you call them. If they don't get enough opportunity to just run and be free, then really I can't blame them for not wanting to come back when you call them. They need this option as often as you can give it to them. Daily if at all possible!

A dog who is given the option to run and get out energy, to sniff things, to go on an adventure on his own with out having to drag his owner behind on a leash is going to be a much happier dog! A dog who is able to run will not have nearly as many behavior problems as a dog who is not able to run. This run needs to be a let loose kind of run. A do your own thing. Find a place you can do this with your dog and both of you will be much happier in turn!

You will find after a dog has had his daily run, they are more willing to cooperate with you, not destroy everything, and even lay down and sleep for a while. On top of the let loose run, they should have interactive run time too. So find some activities you can enjoy with your dog. You'll both have fun and your dog will absolutely love you for it!

Amy Hiscocks is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist. To read more about dogs, running, and behavior problems visit us at Talented K9 You'll learn even more and find many more tips about dogs!