Why Dog Sports Encourage Good Dog Behavior
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by Suzy - Online Dog Coach
While you are working hard all day long, your furry friend is resting and anticipating your return. A bored dog with energy to burn often turns to destructive or disruptive dog behavior problems, such as barking, digging, or chewing. Some dogs develop deeper emotional problems such as separation anxiety or obsessive/compulsive behaviors. You can help prevent destructive behaviors by giving your dog exercises that stimulate him physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Dogs develop bad habits when they are bored, and it is easier to prevent problems than to fix them afterwards with dog training. House dogs can still use their mental and physical energy in recreational activities, such as dog agility training, cool dog tricks, and dog games. Your dog can learn tricks and sports when you learn how to train your dog and spend just a few moments every day working with him. 
You can spend hundreds of dollars on dog trainers, animal behaviorists, dog obedience school and even new couches! You can take them to the dog park, on walks, or out to retrieve a ball, but the best dog training is when you interact with your dog. Online Dog Coach is a resource where you can learn a fun sport that you and your dog can share.
History of Your Dog
Dogs were domesticated by humans over 10,000 years ago and most dog breeds have not changed much in the past 2000 years. Today, many are still used as working dogs, participating in sheep herding, police protection, search and rescue, hunting, assistance for persons with disabilities, and other dog jobs. These dogs use their intelligence and physical abilities on a daily basis. “However, many modern-day canines, although fed regularly, kept physically healthy, and protected from danger, really lead very boring lives,” according to Dr. Bruce Fogle. (p.8)
For thousands of years, humans bred working dogs for hunting, herding, and protection. Dogs are designed to be alert and to use their mental and physical energy for hunting and thinking. How often does your dog search the house for his treat? How far does your dog run to catch her bowl of kibble? How clever does your dog have to be for his food? This is where you can introduce fun activities that engage your dog such as Circle, Take a Bow, Agility, or Freestyle.
If you have a dog exhibiting a specific behavioral problem, please work directly with a trainer who can address your situation. Ask him or her if dog sports can be part of the solution, and have fun with your dog!
Resources:
Busy Pets are Happy Pets: Fun Ways to Keep your Pet Active. ASPCA News Alert: August 28, 2009.
Clutton-Brock, Juliet. Dog. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2000.
Fogle, Bruce, D.V.M. ASPCA Complete Dog Training Manual. New York: DK, 1994.
Terri, McGinnis. “Dog.” World Book Encyclopedia. 2008 ed. Vol. 5. 2008. 262-81.
About the Author
Suzy has had dogs as companions for over 30 years. She trained her own dog, Kalee, in agility and has just begun rally. Kalee competed and earned titles in UKC, NADAC and USDAA agility before retiring in 2007. Suzy is a children’s librarian, educating children since 1999 and adults since 1995, and is beginning her own education in behavioral science.