Quote:
Originally Posted by Amethyst
If you want a dog for a pet, you don't want a smart dog. Smart dogs need to be challenged and busy all the time. If you don't give them a job, they will find their own and it might not be something you want.
I agree that if the pup can stay with the mom a bit longer, it's definitely for the best. My one dog stayed with her mom until she was almost 3 months and she was the easiest puppy ever.
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I’d disagree that they need to be busy all the time. Part of training a dog is training them to have an off switch.
I have a GSD and he has no issue with not being busy all the time. I don’t even bother trying to tire him physically since it won’t happen, mental stimulation is just as good and works their brains. Feed out of puzzle toys, train tricks, agility courses or urban agility, nose work etc.. are all great ways to tire working dogs. He does like doing all that and is always ready to go, but he is just fine with laying by the couch with his kong for a movie night.
If I need a full day without working him, I can send him to daycare the day before and he’s destroyed for the next day.