11/25/2021
A tired dog is not a good dog. How do you feel when you're tired??? Not your best self? Neither is your dog.
All too often we hear the phrase "a tired dog is a good dog", but that is a misconception that needs to stop. When you're tired, you're potentially grumpy, unable to process new things, easy to anger, easily frustrated, unable to do your normal activities as well as normal..... you're tired.
Well- when your dog is tired, they're showing the behaviours listed in the poster and so much more because they're what- TIRED.
Exercise, will not solve your dog's behavioural concerns, in fact it will often increase them. Why?? Physical exercise does not change emotions for triggers- it worsens them as the dog is unable to process their emotions like they can when they're not tired. It also doesn't change your dog's associations for the triggers again- it'll more than likely worsen them, as then your dog isn't their best selves when encountering the trigger, which then worsens their negative associations towards the trigger.
Exercise is fantastic, but like all things, you need to build your dog up gradually over time for exercise. Not take a puppy out for a random 3hr hike or intense jog -which would definitely hurt their growing joints, potentially causing lifelong physical damage and increase overarousal/mouthing behaviours!
A tired dog is not a good dog- it is a frustrated, exhausted, overaroused, overstimulated, reactive, - it is a dog whose emotional needs are not being met.
What is good -as all dogs are great? Meeting your dog's emotional needs.
Contact WFA to learn more about our group classes, in-person or virtual 1-1 classes, to learn how you can meet your dog's emotional needs.
