We are seeing too many overexercised, overstimulated, over- FETCHED dogs, young dogs that are physically exhausted (following the mantra 'a tired dog is a happy dog') when they should instead be given mental stimulation and gentle exercise to help develop those joints, ligaments and general mobility. Slow movement develops stabilization muscles, whereas fast movements only develop larger muscles and can create overcompensation issues long term. Sniffing a hill, on uneven terrain will help develop the stabilization muscles that dogs need, especially when they are younger than 30 months and their growth plates are not sealed yet.
Too many ACL tears from fetch and jumping, dogs with stiff necks from tug, and of course.... behavioral issues that develop from the discomfort of all these conditions. Please. Take very good care of that puppy's joints and skeleton so that they develop in a healthy, balanced way.
Try sniffy walks instead. Treat scatters. Hikes at a slow pace, snuffle matts, dissection boxes. +80% of behavior cases have a physical cause.
If you have a puppy, please only walk your puppy for 10 minutes to start. Anything longer is too much.
Laura Becker, CBCC-KA
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