Being pack animals, canines can easily bond closely with people. This is an important reason why dogs make excellent family pets. Being social animals, they will thrive well when given adequate attention from the human members of the pack. Without regular attention, a dog can become bored or lonely, and tend to develop undesirable behavior such as being destructive of things, excessive barking, or even self-mutilation, as outlets for anxiety and loneliness.

In order to better satisfy the needs of your pet, you should make an effort to know about the characteristics of the specific breed. Some breeds of dogs such as Dalmatians, Irish setters, and terriers, tend to be more energetic and high-strung than Basset Hounds and Newfoundlands. Dogs with lots of pent-up energy need more avenues for energy release and tend to have a greater need for human companionship. These dogs are also more likely to develop behavior problems when left alone even for only short periods of time. A dog’s temperament should also be considered if you have small kids or other pets in the household.

Talk with your Collins veterinary clinic to make sure that your dog is receiving the right amount of exercise that he needs to stay in tip-top shape. Check out more information and set an appointment at Moore Animal Hospital.