Biological Fulfillment 101

Dogs need so much more than a walk around the block!

The most common form of exercise that dog owners provide their dogs with is leash walking on a 5 foot long leash through their neighborhood. Unfortunately, this just doesn't do the trick with a lot of dogs - especially higher energy higher drive dogs. If you think about it, this is a very unnatural exercise for dogs. 

For one, dogs naturally do not walk at the same pace as humans, they walk much quicker than us, and tend to do a pattern of trotting, and then stopping to sniff something, and trotting to go sniff something else. 

Another issue than tends to arise is when they want to run and chase prey, but are stopped by the leash. This one can cause a ton of frustration, especially if they don't already have an outlet for their prey drive. 

Basically, the leash stops them from doing everything they want to do. They also tend to become a lot more frustrated if they do not have a clear understanding on leash pressure - so i your dog starts pulling to get where they want - to another dog, person, smell, they start to learn that pulling works, and if you all of a sudden don't follow when they start pulling, they will be very confused and frustrated - they might even start whining, barking, or biting the leash. 

Biological fulfillment gives our predatory pups an outlet for their natural genetic desires and drives. Our dogs have a natural desire to hunt prey, and allowing them to do activities that are similar to their hunting tendencies in a safe way will result in a much happier, and usually more well-behaved dog. Its less about ‘tiring them out’ and more about fulfilling their needs as an animal. 

A great activity you can do with you dog to fulfill their drives is to play with them. Playing games like fetch and tug are awesome ways to fulfil your dog but also bond with them. If you are providing opportunities for them to stalk, chase, ‘fight’, and celebrate, they are less likely to be constantly looking to the environment for these activities. It really increases your value as the handler, and its much more fun than walking - for both parties! If your dog isn't into toys, you can play games like treat chase, or even just personal play - just be careful because dogs do use their teeth to play!!!

Setting up play dates with other known dogs in a safe environment is another great way to fulfil your dog - just make sure both dogs have a similar play style, and if you're not in a fenced in area I would recommend attaching a long line to your dog incase you need to get them back - recall away from play is a pretty advanced skill. 

I also really like incorporating scent games with dogs - especially those hunting breeds. Hiding treats around your home or outside can be super fulfilling for a lot of dogs. My german shepherd absolutely loves to hunt for his chuck it ball outside. 

Participating in a dog sport like GRC, scent work, dock diving, or rally obedience is another great way to stimulate your dog. It also really great to connect with other dog owners in your community and get your dog around other dogs in a controlled setting if you are struggling with reactivity and neutrality. 

I challenge you to replace one of your daily walks with a more fulfilling activity - and make sure you play with your dog every day!