April 29, 2008

Does Your Pet Need a Job?

If you live with, or know of, a dog with "behavior problems", the real problem may be lack of sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Most dogs were genetically bred to perform a specific job for their human companions, which, like many jobs in our 21st century, is gone and ain't coming back.

Who says? MSNBC, in City dogs get to know their inner herder--"It's almost as if the dog needs a job. And when they discover, 'This is what my job is supposed to be,' then everything falls into place." For many dogs, that job is herding:

The American Kennel Club says new herding clubs are popping up across the country, although it does not track exact numbers. Nearly 200 clubs held herding trials last year. More than 10,000 dogs competed, a roughly 10 percent increase over 2006.
Owners describe the practice as an antidote to tighter leash laws and disappearing dog-friendly spaces in U.S. cities. They talk of their dogs' first time in the arena with the pride and amazement usually reserved for describing a child's first day at kindergarten. Many also acknowledge that herding was a last resort.

The article goes on to discuss owner mismatch:

Experts say the dog-owner mismatch is common. People spend too little time researching a breed's temperament and habits before choosing their family's new addition. A fluffy Saint Bernard, for example, is a working breed that may protect your kids -- against the letter carrier. Then you've got a lawsuit.

Read article.