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Post by ThinkZen on Jun 2, 2004 13:16:50 GMT -5
I own an 8 month old medium sized mixed breed pound puppy. We have an average of 3 - 4 15 min. training/play sessions throughout the day coupled with a walk in the morning and either a trip to the park or another walk in the evening.
My problem is, she seems to tire out easily. I don't finish games, I don't take her on walks longer than she can handle. I've been gradually trying to put more time into our exercises, but she seems to wear out quickly.
I know this has a lot to do with genetics, but is there any way I can increase her energy?
She has her moments of high-drive. They generally last around 4-5 min. I try to switch activities, to vary the games we play, but either she's tiring too quickly or I need new ideas to keep her up in drive.
Any suggestions?
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Post by Dobemom on Jun 2, 2004 14:20:20 GMT -5
At 8 months a dog should be tireless, you should have to stop because you're tired or you think the dog SHOULD rest, not because he won't continue. TEXT. Also, take a look at his diet and make sure he's getting enought calories and protein (not usually an energy problem, though, even if you're feeding low end dog chow).
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Post by Laura on Jun 2, 2004 14:28:54 GMT -5
Dogs need conditioning just like we do when it comes to excercise, but at 8 months, yours should have a pretty good energy supply. You may want to check on the food she's getting, it may be too much. Most kibble manufacturers give feeding guidelines that are way too much for the average dog, they feel it's better to go over than under. I don't know about you, but the last thing I feel like doing after a large meal is getting off my duff and moving around ;D. Plus if you're still feeding puppy food, it might be time to switch, since puppy food is much denser, calorie wise, than adult formulas. Another reason for the lack of energy could be that summer is coming, and with the warmer weather comes lethargy. All my dogs slow down with the heat, so we train either first thing in the morning, or at dusk, when it gets cooler. And lastly, if she continues to get tired easily, get her to the vet for a workup, I can think of several different medical reasons for lack of energy, anemia being one of them, mitrial valve leakage being another (but that's rare).
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Post by Nicole on Jun 2, 2004 14:39:50 GMT -5
I think that you should consider a vet check to rule out a medical issue.
Assuming that she is healthy and this is just a super low drive dog there are things that you can do to build drive. Drive builds with frustration. Always end a game when the pup is at the height of interest even if this is just after a minute. Never wait until the pup has tired of the game. That reduces drive. Here is an example. I used to play fetch with Reign to tire him. I had a bucket of balls and would hit them with a racket until he didn't want to play. Over time he stopped after a few balls. To build his drive back up I stopped when he was most excited...after 3 balls. His drive slowly built beyond that. Now I always stop when he is still running like crazy after the ball.
Also you can build drive by not letting the dog get the toy all the time. You can't make it too hard (he has to get it sometimes) or the drive will lower. Put a ball on a string and let the dog chase it for a minute and then catch it. Praise. Then put it away. When you take it out the next time, the dog should flip over it. Remember always stop the game when the dog is at the height of excitement. Drive should build. Even with a low drive dog, it should build some.
During training end quickly and positively. Make it fun (lots of praise and treats, throw a ball when she performs or whatever it is that motivates her.) Then stop while your dog is still interested.
Try making your walks fun. Talk to the pup. Stop and do some OB training. Praise and treat. Bounce a ball....
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Post by Willow on Jun 4, 2004 9:19:27 GMT -5
I don't have anything to add, except....Ya wanna trade dogs? ;D
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Post by Dobemom on Jun 4, 2004 12:31:52 GMT -5
No way, Loey. I got dibs!
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Post by Willow on Jun 4, 2004 19:29:37 GMT -5
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