Why All Dogs Need a Job #DogDecoding

Rocco reads up on his favorite dog sports

I love learning about what makes dogs tick… and how to help them be the best they can be. Even better when I get the chance to learn about it from the experts.

That's why I was excited for the chance to review a copy of Decoding Your Dog, the new book from the members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Debra Horwitz and John Ciribassi, with Steve Dale.

The book promises to explain common dog behaviors and reveal how to prevent or change unwanted ones.  Written by top veterinary behavioral experts, this book is chock full of science-based information, positive training methods and remedies for behavior problems from separation anxiety to aggression.

It's a book for any dog owner's collection. In addition to addressing behavioral problems, you'll find chapters on how to find the right puppy for you, housetraining 101, and practical advice on making nail clipping and teeth brushing more pleasant for you and your dog.

While there were many chapters I found interesting, I found myself drawn to the chapter titled "All Dogs Need a Job." As the proud owner of my second Havanese, I learned pretty quickly that even small, fluffy dogs need a job if they are to be the best dogs they can be!

This chapter dives into the reasons for and ways you can keep your pup happy and stimulated both mentally and physically. It gives examples of plenty of activities to keep your dog busy -- from toys and chews to interactive activities like tricks training or fetch and tug games.

It also provides a rundown of many popular dog sports including our favorite, agility.

The bottom line is that all dogs require some form of enrichment… meaning that they need objects or interactions that occupy and stimulate their thinking and/or physical activity.

I've learned from experience that my dog indeed needs a job to keep him happy, stimulated  and generally out of trouble! I've also learned that as dog's age, you might try different activities that better suit their life stage.

Decoding Your Dog provides plenty of ideas for activities for any dog at every stage of life, plus much more. If you want to learn what the experts have learned about decoding how our dogs think, communicate and learn, you can find it all in Decoding your Dog.

I've found agility to be a great "job" for Rocco, using his mind and body for full doggie enrichment. And, we're enjoying trick training too.

What "jobs" do your dogs have?

Disclosure: I have written this post on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network for Decoding Your Dog. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Decoding Your Dog, but To Dog With Love only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.