Activities For Dramatic Dogs

Dogs who become overstimulated easily are often triggered by specific events or actions. For example, some dogs appear to lose their minds at the sound of a squeaky toy. The behavior evidenced can be quite frightening to an owner, especially if viewing it for the first time. Many find it difficult to believe that their sweet little Muffin could possibly act that way! When dogs respond to something in a dramatic fashion, it is important to note that what the dog is experiencing is actually stress, not joy. It is not healthy for your dog, and it is not healthy for other dogs who have to interact with them. With this in mind, one of the best things an owner can do for a dramatic dog is teach the dog some calming exercises. Calm is Fun is a game which rewards relaxed behavior. Since most dogs love treats, any game that means your buddy is going to get more of them is likely fine by them! The beauty of this game is, it has long term implications. When your dog learns that they get a reward when they display calm behavior, they are going to continue to offer it to you more and more in the hopes the treats will just keep coming. It's a win-win situation for you and for Buddy. You get better and more consistent behavior, and Buddy gets tasty treats!

Studies show that passive activities like reading reduce stress and anxiety in people. Could this work with our dogs as well? Absolutely! Best of all, you can couple your favorite activities together and enjoy a chapter of a beloved book with Buddy the dog right by your side. The object of this game is again to reinforce calm behavior. Since your pup's favorite thing in the whole world is spending time with you, it only stands to reason that they love to hear the sound of your voice as well. At least that's what we're counting on when it comes to this game! To help maintain a tranquil state, do not allow your voice to become overly animated when reading to your dog. You can feel free to use normal vocal inflections or even to speak in a tone that your dog knows is reserved just for them. What you want to avoid is any vocal sound that will cause Buddy's arousal meter to spike upwards.

One of the best ways to help a dramatic dog is to get them involved in games which require training. Many over-the-top dogs enjoy dog performance sports or even learning simple tricks. Why? Because it provides them with an opportunity for one on one time with their favorite person in the whole world! But more than that, many dog breeds were purposefully bred to fulfill important jobs. In the absence of work to do, some dogs attempt to make their own "fun" which invariably gets them in trouble and earns them a truly undeserved moniker as high maintenance or even neurotic dogs. Though some dogs do suffer from chemical imbalances which render them slaves to impulse behavior, most dogs are simply needing more physical and mental stimulation in their daily lives. With this in mind, involvement in a teamwork sport can be a great addition to the lives of any canine and their best human pal. One of the most rewarding team-oriented activities you can do with your dog is Rally Obedience. Not as formal as competitive obedience, Rally allows you to talk to your dog and work cooperatively through a course to achieve a score. Best of all, you can earn higher marks for a dog who completes their "signs" with a spirit of enthusiasm. What does Rally do for the dramatic dog? It allows them to focus and engage their brain which helps settle their mind and restless body.