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Originally Posted by Britster  While some dogs are genetically going to be lazier than others, of course, I do think it's possible to teach a dog to enjoy activity and exercising.
As a puppy, I always encouraged Jackson to try new things. A tree log on the ground? Hop up on it. Snow? Let's go check it out. Water? Slowly encouraged him to try it... Sure, maybe some of this is natural to him, but had I never encouraged him to get in the water for example, I don't think he ever would have because I never would have tried and he never would have really known any better.
I think if I had gotten him as a puppy and decided it was too cold for him to go out in the snow, or the water was too dangerous for him to try, or something was too high for him to jump on, that, well... he wouldn't have. And he would have been a dog that probably would have learned to enjoy sitting on a lap or lounging around the house all day. But I did not want a dog like that so I molded and encouraged him into the dog that he is today.
For example, Buddy, my dads long haired Dachshund mix, enjoys activity when I am there. He always wants to join us on our walks or will engage in a game of play with me when I encourage him, but because my stepmom (his owner) allows him to gain weight and lounge around all day, he's also very content to do that because it's what he's been sort of "taught" to do.
I guess my totally off topic point is that yes, I do believe dogs are individuals and some will naturally enjoy things that others will not -- I do believe that early socialization, training, can play a huge part in the way the dog acts as an adult.
As a side point, Greyhounds actually tend to be very lazy pet dogs! They will lounge around on the couch all day if you let them. |
I think it's possible to modify the behavior, but I really believe that there are huge differences between breeds. Didn't know that about greyhounds, I guess I assumed they were always jogging.
How about West Highland Terriers? I wanted one of those, but heard they were so active, I'd never be able to give them enough exercise.