Mental and physical stimulation alleviates boredom and reduces destructive behavior. How Much and What Kind Tips Dogs Unleashed Main Menu

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so the saying goes. Fido, too, becomes dull without the mental and physical stimulation provided by play and exercise. These twin activities give the inquisitive dog a natural outlet for energy, alleviate boredom and reduce destructive behavior. Properly handled, play and exercise not only meet physical needs, strengthening canine bodies, but they also cement the human-dog bond. Make play a reinforcement of obedience training by periodically stopping the action and giving a command such as sit-stay; once the dog has successfully complied, release him and play again. In this way, the continuation of play is the reward. If you're using a ball or toy, enforce the "out" command, and then give back the object as his reward for giving it up.