A young dog does have boundless energy and I think terriers have an extra amount of go go juice. At least two good brisk walks a day are needed in order to help wear off some of that juice. If you can't take him for walks then try playing fetch inside. It is going to take some of your time. If you had a baby and it cried you wouldn't just ignore it would you? I hope not. If you really work at running down the motor of your dog then you don't have to feel guilty when you say "no" if they are over doing it. I think the issue here is being able to distinguish between a real need to run off energy and a pup just being pesty.
A dog with too much unattended energy will become destructive. Teaching basic obedience commands not only helps with bonding but helps with the dog's understanding of what you are trying to get across. When you have a dog that will sit, stay, and down when you tell it then you have a dog that will know what "no" means and will obey.
Gracie is an energizer bunny. I take her on at least 2 fairly long brisk walks a day and we have at lest 2 games of fetch a day. Sometimes when I am busy with other things she brings one of her toys to me and that means lets play. If I'm busy I tell her "no!" It's a heart breaker for me because she is so good. She will give me the sad look, put her head down and stare at me with those adorable eyes. Usually if I can't get to her for a while she will fall asleep right there. Of course that means she gets extra attention when I can give it to her.
I have heard way too many "animal experts" on television telling people to get a small dog because it does not need as much exercise or care. These little dogs are full of energy and need to have it attended to properly just like a bigger dog does. |