The domestic dog is a social animal which thrives on mental and physical stimulation. He requires the company of his pack in order to have a fulfilled life. The indoor dog who lives in the body of the family unit receives the majority of its training in real-life situations, all day, every day. He is calmer in the house, because it isn't a novelty to be there.
The
outdoor "farm dog" had a job which kept him physically and mentally satisfied,
and he worked side by side with his master every day. He didn't spend hours
and hours in a boring backyard with the same old bone, pacing the same old fence,
or worse, left on a chain running around and around in circles. Having another
dog for "company" doesn't solve the problem - you just have two dogs starving
for attention and needing a job.
Many behavior problems are consistently seen and are exaggerated in outdoor dogs:
Hyperactive
behavior
Due to the novelty of the infrequent attention it
receives, the dog is on an adrenaline "high" every time its owners appear. He's
not stupid - he's just not thinking; he's reacting. No matter how much training
you do, the sheer excitement of your arrival makes it nearly impossible for
the dog to listen and follow directions.
Jumping
up
So frantic to get close
to its people, the outdoor dog launches himself to get as close to visitors
as possible. The chained dog leaps in frustration at the end of his tether while
his people stand just out of reach - where it's safe.
Excessive
barking
Boredom
barking: bark-bark ... bark, bark, bark ... bark, bark. Howl. Excitement barking,
barking to get attention - even if the attention is a momentary face in the
window yelling "shut up!"
Digging,
chewing, and other destructive behaviors.
He needs interesting activities to stimulate him mentally
and physically and if left to his own devices, will make up his own games.
Escaping
If a dog's social needs and physical exercise requirements
aren't met at home, he will go elsewhere to gain the attention and social life
that it misses in its lonely backyard.
Unbearable
house manners
How can he be good at something when he gets so little
chance to practice it? The "mostly outdoor - gets to come in every once in awhile"
dog is a maniac when he comes in, so he is let in less often, so he gets even
less practice, so his behavior gets even worse, so he is rarely invited in.
It's a vicious cycle.
Over-protective,
anti-social behavior
He barks and the "intruders" seem to run away. How is
the dog supposed to know that the mailman was leaving anyway? Kids seem to be
"teasing" the dog as they hop, skip and run by - bikes and skateboards are particularly
aggravating, not to mention the few kids who do purposely tease the dog who
can't get away.
He
doesn't have a job - so he makes up his own.
Self-appointed jobs are rarely the ones you would have
chosen. The Labrador might dismantle the deck or rid the yard of pesky rosebushes.
The Malamute might dig to China. You can't prevent or re-direct behaviors that
you're not there to see!
This handout may be reprinted in its entirety for distribution
free of charge and with full credit given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com
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