Rules of life and obedience are basic and fundamental needs
Without a job to do, a companion dog still needs its brain stimulated — or it develops the compulsive behaviors seen in under-stimulated zoo animals.
In the wild, dogs engage in a great deal of mental activity — linked, among other things, to foraging for food, to the strategies used for hunting, and to seeking out and defending territory.
Without that mental stimulation, a dog can develop behavioral disturbances, such as licking a wound raw, or spinning in circles chasing its tail for hours.
These behaviors are seen in wild animals caged in zoos, but never in wild animals trained for film work, for example — even though their living conditions are similar. The difference lies in activity: film animals are worked through exercises and are therefore mentally stimulated.
This is why training is essential for the companion dog, who no longer has a "job" to do.
Stephan MairesseProfessional dog trainer & canine behaviorist, 30 years of experience across 16 countries. Certificat de capacité N°750108. Read his full background →
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