Your Inner Dog

I have come to learn from all the sweet doggies in my life a very important lesson. Though they can’t talk, they very much communicate their needs if you pay attention, explore and truly care. A frustrated dog will be a nuisance in the house and usually pick up bad or annoying habits out of frustration.

Every dog has an “inner dog”, meaning things that really getting them in a happy zone and satisfy them physically and/or mentally. When your dog gets to be who he is and do what he really likes, you will see one satisfied pooch that will just melt your heart.

With this I do not mean eating, though I believe very strongly and urgently that your dog needs and craves good quality high nutritious food along with a variety of foods to get all those benefits and nutrients all different foods provide. He needs to have a diet with meals he gobbles up and leaves not a crumb. If that’s not happening find the right foods he likes and don’t give up until you do. Please don’t’ take on that old mindset, “well if he doesn’t eat his food then so be it, he’ll eat when he gets really hungry”. Ugh, that’s so wrong! Unless your dog is sick or under the weather he should be excited and finish his meal, end of story! Do not self feed and just leave food out either, this is just not good for your dogs digestive system. He needs to eat a full meal and then rest from eating for a number of hours. Your goal should be to keep his body and immune system strong by supplying a great diet that he loves throughout his life. I am very passionate about feeding and bring up these points several times in the book. Food and it’s huge impact on your dogs health and well being is information so worth repeating and driving home to you and your precious doggie.

So your “inner dog” could have multiple outlets, so explore those and tap into giving them what they need as often and regularly as possible, I’d say daily is best! 

Some dogs really need to run. You can take them for long walks and play inside but when they get a good run in they are very happy campers. Some dogs need to sniff stuff out and have that intense inner drive. Long walks smelling all around and nose works games are some perfect activities. Some dogs need to chase a ball or frisbee. Here again, though a long walk is always good for them and can of course be something you do together, still do a game with that favorite focus toy where he knows the game is on is what thrills him and gets him super charged.

To relate, think of someone who loves to read, or cook, or go to the gym. Just a few examples, but when they don’t get to do these things they may get crabby or act out.

Your dog, has an “inner dog”, so determine those activities that gets him really pumped, eyes bulging with excitement and do your best to let him embrace those desires as much and often as possible. Of course, don’t over due it and have safe time limits and exertion intensity limits in mind for his safety. 

A satisfied dog that gets to release his “inner dog”, is a much more behaved dog.

This is a huge reason why the type of dog you get it is very important based on who you are and what you are open to do with your dog to satisfy his nature. Don’t be selfish and think, “well I got this dog so I’d take more walks”, but your dog really likes to chase a ball and you never partake in this game. Many times you have to do some give and take when you come to know what your dog really likes to do. Your love for him and the joy it will bring you to see him enjoying his “inner dog” will be well worth the time you set aside.