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Dogs know their size when it comes to rough and tumble play. One of the most characteristic features of dog play is that socialized dogs can play with almost any other socialized dog. Big dogs know how to moderate the force of their play when it comes to smaller playmates. They can withhold fierce bites, jump halfheartedly, and bump into their fragile playmate more gently. Some of the largest dogs regularly flop themselves on the ground, revealing their bellies for their smaller playmates to maul for awhile. Older, learned dogs adjust their play styles to puppies, who don’t yet know the rules of play. Most socialized dogs are considerably better at reading each other’s intent and abilities than we are. They settle most misunderstandings before owners even see them. It’s not the size or the breed that matters; it’s the way they talk to each other. If your dog is young, hyper comes from a sporting dog or working dog group a walk twice a day simply isn't enough exercise. Dogs are wired to run, jump and play. They need to run! Take them to the dog park, have a play date at your house or play ball, Frisbee, swim or hike with them and get their energy out. It makes them a better listener and a better dog because it shows them you are doing something they love. They will respect back for doing so. It goes back to the old saying a tired dog is a good dog! You can also adopt a breed that requires little exercise like a pug or bull dog. Their pushed in faces require little exercise due to breathing problems. A senior dog would love to have a good home and can still live a quality life when loved and given the chance to go on walks or rides in the car. Simply petting a dog can reduce an overactive sympathetic nervous system within minutes; a racing heart, high blood pressure and the sweats. Levels of endorphins (hormones that make us feel good) and oxytocin and prolactin (those hormones, involved in social attachment) go up when we’re with dogs. Cortisol (stess hormone) levels go down. There is good reason to believe that living with a dog provides the social support which correlates with reduced risk for various diseases, from cardiovascular disease to diabetes to pneumonia, and better rates of recovery from diseases we get. In many cases, the dog receives nearly the same effect. Human company can lower a dog’s cortisol level and petting can calm a racing heart. Bonding with a pet can do the work that long term use of prescribed drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy can do.
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dog, canine, training, behavior,
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