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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Barking in Jeep
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2 days ago by Alane view |
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Nov 5, 2009 9:01am by Stacey view |
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Oct 27, 2009 10:51am by mubby view |
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Oct 22, 2009 11:30am by Dennis and R... view |




