Dog Whining - A Symptom That Your Dog Needs More Exercise

Dog whining, pacing and circling are a mystery to many dog owners. One of the first things that comes to mind is that the dog is suffering in some way. They are not entirely wrong. While the dog's actions might not indicate a physical ailment, it often means that the dog is suffering mentally.

Don't worry, this is easy to fix.

A dog that does not get sufficient exercise will have energy to spare. That usually means that odd behavior or bad behavior are ways that the dog has found to release that energy.

Imagine for a moment how you would feel if you were cooped up indoors for most of the day with little to do but lie around house. Now imagine how you would react when you hear a sound outside, perhaps a delivery man, the postman or the jangle of a dog's chain as an owner passes with his pet. Wouldn't you be excited?

Your dog is a social creature who loves company so it's reasonable that any movement will trigger a happy response. Add to that a lack of exercise and your dog will be overwhelmed at what to do next. This can lead to bad behavior and other responses.

Dog whining, pacing and circling are common reactions. What many owners don't realize is just how much exercise their dogs need. A 10-minute trot around the block might be fine for a small dog, but medium to large dogs, and high energy dogs like Jack Russells need much more.

If time or physical conditions restrict your walks, there are other alternatives that will ensure your dog gets sufficient exercise.

One excellent outlet is agility training. This exercises not only your dog's body, but his mind. Such a course requires the dog to think constantly as he makes his way through the various obstacles. In their natural environment, dogs run, jump over things, dart under objects, and where reasonable they will venture into caves, down rabbit holes and through fallen logs. This takes a lot of concentration and focus which is replicated through agility training.

At the end of the course, a well-deserved treat and praise from you will keep your dog interested and anxious for more agility exercises.

Agility training is just one option. You can enrol your dog in a local dog social club in your area. If one doesn't exist, why not get one going with other dog owners in your neighborhood? Spend time at the park and let the dogs socialize and play together. This will benefit them greatly, not just in exercise, but in reducing the incidence of aggressive behavior towards other dogs and people.

Is your dog whining, pacing and circling? Is he showing other odd behaviors such as getting overly excited when someone comes to the door? Start by increasing his exercise and you are sure to see an improvement quickly.


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