If you watch any TV these days you may recognize the title. You hear this frequently on the Dog Whisperer TV show. Well this applies to the herding dog as well, particularly the young herding dog. 9 times out of 10 when I am asked about the potential of a dog/pup, I find that the dog/pup receives no exercise, discipline is not consistant and affection is ALL ways given at the wrong time.
On the exercise part of this, the owner will ALL ways say that the dog/pup has the run of the place and gets lots of exercise. Again 9 times out of 10 this is not exercise. A dog needs to focus on the running part of the exercise and this just does not happen when they are "playing" around the yard or fields.
Now I understand the time limitations of the busy rancher/farmer. Some times taking a 1/2 hour first thing in the morning can be very theraputic. Using this time to exercise the dog/pup can also make the difference between a real valuable working stock dog and just a pet. I usually recommend that the owner take the dog for a run at least for 20 to 30 minutes. Now before you turn off, there is a simple way to do this. Most ranch's have a quad, 4X4, ATV, or what ever you want to call it. This is an excellent way to exercise your dog. At an appropriate speed ie. the dog running just behind the quad, at a comfortable rate, it not only benefit the dogs physical well being, but also his mental state. As an added bonus, the bonding will be strengthened also. And as an added added bonus, it will do the handler a world of good as well.
Thoughts?
