The Bored Dog - Features "Guest Writer: Cyndi Cochran"

We've all had the experience of coming home to find a dog with energy to spare and what seems like an ornery look in their eyes. Exercise is not only important to you, it's important to your pet. Most animal behaviorist will agree that an excess of energy will lead to boredom which can create unwanted behavior. Every dog requires exercise as part of their daily routine to remain healthy with a sound mind and body. With today's options for pet care how do you chose what fits best with your pet's needs? Let's examine 2 popular options, day cares and walkers.
Dog day cares provide an excellent service to pet owners who would like their dog supervised throughout the day. Day cares offer unstructured play time, socialization, and constant supervision. There are pros and cons to everything and day cares are not immune. There are certain inherent cons involved. Due to the level of social interaction dogs can acquire communicable illness. All day cares are required to have shot records for their clients but these only protect your dog from the major diseases. A common cold in dogs can still be passed from one dog to another. This is not life threatening but some pet parents may not feel comfortable knowing their dog could catch a bug. Another con is the socialization aspect which can lead to "arguments" and fights among the dogs. It is not uncommon for dogs to be scratched or bitten at daycare. This is another factor that comes with the territory of socialization. Although aggression is screened, there are incidences where small scuffles can occur especially due to the unstructured setting. If you are comfortable with these issues then please continue to read the pros. Most day cares offer constant supervision which is perfect for the dog who you do not want to leave alone. Also, daycare allows dogs to learn and practice socialization skills on a regular basis. This is great for non aggressive dogs who enjoy playing with their peers. Again, if your dog is aggressive then day care may not be an option. This is where dog walking might be a great fit.
Dog walkers offer a variety of services and specialized professionals even offer dog running. This provides the dog with structured exercise on a regular basis without the socialization and issues that may come with being in contact with several other dogs. The structure allows you to better monitor that your dog is getting exercise and not just sleeping at the daycare facility. Dog walkers have minimal time with your dog so if your dog has separation anxiety then this might not be a great option for you. Although, the exercise first thing in the morning should help them rest. Another con that might be associated is allowing access to your home. This is where it is very important to make sure your dog walker is a professional. Do not be afraid to ask for references and speak with other clients. Always have a meet and greet and expect regular communication.

.....a friend once told me, "A tired puppy is a good puppy."

I can attest that is true for puppies as well as adult dogs. We should all make time or find the options available, to allow our dogs to remain happy and healthy.

If you have the luxury of being able to provide external support for your pet.  I suggest you take advantage of both daycare and dog walkers. The best of socialization and the best of structured exercise set in a routine during the week. This would be enough to keep the boredom bug from biting any dog.
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Guest Writer: Cyndi Cochran
Cyndi is the owner of Urban Dog Pet Sitters
Website: www.UrbanDog-PetSitters.com
Phone: 317-657-0177
Email: Info@urbandog-petsitters.com
Address: PO Box 30891 Indianapolis, IN  46230

                                                    Organic Pet Life Blog wants to extend warm thanks to Cyndi for her guest writer piece. If

you want to be a guest writer on our blog, email

us at: ePetsExpress@ymail.com