Do you exercise? If not, why not? And if so, for how long?
If you own a dog the answer should always be a resounding YES, of course I exercise! And if you own a dog make sure your dog gets physically drained of energy… many times to the point of real exhaustion and good hard panting. Exercise them till they literally have to drop when they come home and just breath!
Exercise cures and prevents a host of behavioral issues in our dogs and ourselves. The positive effects of exercise are well known and documented. I will not waste time going into all that evidence.
Here are a couple good quotes on exercise…
“The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.”
“You can have results or excuses – not both.”
“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.”
Exercise is a proven reliever or of negative stress = subtraction. You may find that interesting because what do we do when exercising but add beneficial stress = addition. That is what exercise is! The addition of beneficial stress to our body which challenges the right things to grow and removes and reduces the wrong things. Exercise done properly always stretches the capacity. I love that! All of nature bears witness to balance that exists. Addition and subtraction.
Behaviorally working with your dog is no different. It should always stretch the capacity, and enlarge the zone you are targeting. It should leave both you and your dog or puppy calmer, less stressed, and literally healthier… which will lead to strength and confidence in the future.
Always push the boundaries. Always go past former plateaus.
-G
thecaninecalmer 