Downside to smart dog?
QUESTION: What's the downside of having a smart dog? answered by Jean Donaldson ANSWER: Surprisingly, there are quite a few. Smart dogs actually learn to "work" the system, and they pick up the naughty stuff just as quickly as they learn the good-behavior stuff. Most importantly, though, smart dogs are the most easily bored and understimulated. Unfortunately, boredom and understimulation has serious welfare implications (think about how zoos get knocked for having unenriched environments for their captives). Severe problem behaviors can result, as the dog gives himself his own projects to do. Any dog, but especially the smart ones, need plenty of mental exercise. Jean Donaldson is the founder of San Francisco SPCA's Dog Training Academy and author of numerous books, including Culture Clash. Read more about Jean Donaldson in the DogTime expert center... |
 
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197 topics, 791 posts
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Barking in Jeep
I love love love my 4 year old smooth-coated collie...so much that I purchased a Jeep so we can go for long drives and ride... (continued) |
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2 days ago by Alane view |
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Young dog starting to exhibit posturing/aggression
Hello, I have a one year old Boarder Collie that used to be more scared/anxious around dogs when she was younger at lea... (continued) |
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Nov 5, 2009 9:01am by Stacey view |
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Sleeping through the night
I have a seven month old golden retriever. He sleeps in a crate in our bedroom. He likes being in his crate as he often l... (continued) |
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Oct 27, 2009 10:51am by mubby view |
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Barking when i leave
when anyone leaves the house and even if someone is still inside my dog will carry on and cry, bark and even howl, how can i stop him from doing this |
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Oct 22, 2009 11:30am by Dennis and R... view |
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