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According to a recent survey, Australian dog owners are feeling guilty about how they are raising their pets and the activities they might be neglecting.
A recent survey by Guide Dogs Australia found that nearly 90% of dog owners have regrets about letting their dogs do certain behaviors.
These include barking, howling, chewing on objects, pulling leashes, and jumping on people.
Alex from Melbourne, Australia, is among the many dog owners experiencing regret over what she allows her pooch, Clyde, to get up to.
The 20-year-old dog owner admits that Clyde’s adorable cuteness often makes it difficult to say no to him, resulting in him getting away with many things he shouldn’t.
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For instance, although Clyde isn’t supposed to be on the couch, he jumps up and doesn’t obey when told to get down.
“His cuteness can be distracting, which makes me overlook disciplining him for doing the wrong things,” Alex said. “Over time, we’ve decided to just let some things go.”
Not Enough Quality Time
Dog owners don’t just feel guilty about their pets’ bad behaviors; a staggering 93 percent also experience feeling bad about leaving their dogs at home or not spending enough quality time with them.
You can address these feelings of guilt, and improve the bond with your dog, by doing little things like simply taking them for a walk.
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According to the same survey, less than a third of dogs are being walked on a daily basis. Out of these, only approximately half of them are going out for the recommended 30 to 45 minutes a day.
Walking offers numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners.
It can help release excess energy in dogs, which can help in reducing bad behavior.
Moreover, regular walks strengthen the bond between the dog and owner, while also providing physical exercise and mental stimulation for you as well as your dog.
Dr. Caroline Moeser, Guide Dogs veterinary and breeding services manager, emphasizes the importance of daily walks for dogs.
“Taking your dog out for a daily walk not only provides much-needed exercise but also enables them to socialize with other dogs, promoting healthy interactions. It also provides them with significant mental stimulation as dogs engage in sniffing and exploring their surroundings.”
“Providing daily mental stimulation is not only beneficial for your dog’s overall well-being but can also help curb pesky behaviors, such as chewing on your favorite pair of shoes or barking at innocent people passing by.”
Get Into The Walking Habit By Joining A Fantastic Fundraiser!
If you want to get into the habit of walking your dog, why not take the opportunity to participate in Guide Dogs Australia’s Pawgust fundraiser?
This initiative involves pet owners making a commitment to take their dogs on walks for a set distance throughout the month of August. The funds raised by this initiative will be used to raise and train guide dogs that will provide a little bit of independence to Australians who are blind or have low vision, as well as companionship.
By joining this fundraiser, not only will you improve your own habits but also contribute to a great cause in supporting Guide Dogs Australia.
To find out more about Guide Dogs Australia’s Pawgust fundraiser or to register for the initiative, click here.
