There’s an abundance of families leaving their dogs out alone in the back yard. I see them almost every day on my walks with my dogs. They are left alone to fend for themselves. Dogs are suspicious of wildest things sometimes. They cry and bark at people and other dogs. The owner claiming that they’re there for protection. Most people don’t know that most dogs will not actually protect you even though they alert or bark. What if one day a loose dog goes up to your dog at the fence and they get into a fight? What if you lose your dog or it gets injured? If your dog digs, it can dig itself out into the world and never come back.
Maybe you’re feeling guilty because you’ve been at work all day? So you let them out and forget about them. Feeling so guilty that you cuddle up on the couch and supply them with infinite affection and of course they’ll take it. They’ll take any interaction you give them as long as they get ANY interaction with you. You’re not really giving your dog what your dog needs. They need a structured walk with you. They need some sniffing time, a potty break and some mental stimulation that the structured walk supplies. They need to bond with their pack leader. We have domesticated canines for a reason but, at least reward them with what they are truly yearning. Stop creating stress and anxiety in your dog and give them what they want….something fun and challenging that includes YOU in it. They will appreciate it! If 5-10 minutes is all you got at least you tried. You may find it is a stress reliever to get some fresh air for your own human health.
