Fulfillment First

When I talk to people about the problems they are having with their dogs, I frequently hear owners say, “But I take him out every day for walks.” People are often confused as to why their dog is being so difficult when they are meeting its needs. The answer to that is simple. You may not be meeting your dog’s needs if all he ever gets to do is trot around the block.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Insights into what fulfills your dog.

• Practical tips for doing things with your dog that will make a difference.

• Pats in the Paddock 🐕

• An invitation to our March Social Walk! 👀👀😉😉

Biological fulfillment refers to meeting a dog's innate physical, mental, and emotional needs based on their natural instincts and genetic predispositions. Dogs, like all animals, have evolved with certain drives and behaviors that are essential for their well-being. When these needs are met, dogs are more balanced, content, and less likely to develop behavioral issues.

Here are some keys to fulfillment for your dog:

Dogs are naturally active animals that require movement to stay healthy and mentally stable. The level of exercise needed varies by breed, age, and individual temperament. Some types of dogs need a lot of activity, others not as much. Without proper physical outlets, though, dogs can become restless, anxious, or destructive.

Let’s Get Physical!

💡💡Have you tried this?

• Waikato Canine Adventure Park

  Only $25 to book the park for 1-3 dogs for just under an hour. I haven’t been asked to sponsor this park. I just think it is an amazing resource with a wading pool, all sorts of equipment, and fully fenced.

• Newstead Walkway

  Here’s a 1 minute video introducing some of the forest walk scenery here. Dogs love the sniffing possibilities here, and it’s all on lead. Easy access off Morrinsville Road, from a small layby on the left, just past the Hamilton Cemetery.

Dogs are intelligent creatures that need problem-solving challenges, learning opportunities, and engagement. Training, scent work, puzzle toys, and interactive play help satisfy this need and prevent boredom-related behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.

Are You Mental?

💡💡Have you tried this?

• Studies have shown that the canine brain (like the human brain) can use 30% of the available daily glucose demands in the body. That’s a lot of energy, so think of ways to get your dog thinking...

• Kikopup 5 easy tricks

  Challenge your dog (and yourself) with some easy trick training. It doesn’t need to be flash, it’s just for fun.

Different breeds have been developed for specific tasks (e.g., herders like Border Collies like to control movement, retrievers like Labradors, like to fetch and hold, terrier breeds like to dig, and so on). Allowing dogs to engage in breed-specific activities—like chasing, scenting, or digging—helps them feel fulfilled. Some activities like scenting tend to be common to all dogs as it is their primary source of sensory information. Suppressing these instincts can lead to them leaking out in unwanted behaviors.

Get Your Genes On!

💡💡Have you tried this?

• Scatter feeding to encourage scenting. Here’s a How To guide.

Dogs are social animals, but their social needs vary. Some love lots of dog interactions, while others prefer very little. Some dogs are super friendly to humans, while others prefer to be left alone. Ensuring appropriate social experiences can help prevent reactivity and fear-based behaviors.

Aim For Canine Connection!

💡💡Have you tried this?

• Consider how sociable your dog is, and choose suitable social interactions. What’s something you could enjoy together to meet that social need? Your dog running on the beach while you’re doom-scrolling doesn’t count. Nor does a cafe visit where you’re having a great time with friends while your dog has nothing to do (unless you have a very social dog who loves going to these places - then you’re onto a winner…)

• Here’s a great blog post from The Complete Canine to help you choose.

Here's a cool event to drop in on this Sunday, 9 March, 10 am - 12 noon. I will be at one of the stalls, along with Harper’s Hounds and Wolfe Dogs, to talk anything and everything about dogs. We will have a slat mill on site, and Kelsey from Harper’s Hounds will be providing a free introduction to how it works - give your dog a go!

Time for some safe dog/dog socialisation! 🐕🐕

You’re invited to the next social walk around Hamilton Lake on Sunday, 30 March, at 9 am. Dogs will be around other dogs, all on-lead and in a controlled manner. We meet on the grass opposite the Hamilton Yacht Club.

Rules of the Walk

• Dogs must stay on the lead at all times

• No dog-to-dog greetings without the owner’s consent, please. Not all the dogs will welcome random dogs in their space.

• Pick up all poop (goes without saying, but there, now it’s said).

• Respect pedestrians and other dog walkers on the path. Make way for people as appropriate, so we’re not road-hogs.

• Remember to act as good ambassadors of the dog-owning community at all times (not everyone likes dogs - weird huh?)

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You can also refer any dog-owning friends simply by forwarding them this newsletter!