Would you like to own a smart dog? Most people would say: “Well, yes, I would love for my dog to be smart.” People who currently own or have owned one will just roll their eyes. You don’t want a smart dog, trust me on that. Unless, of course, you have the time and mental stamina to always engage them in some sort of way – be it through exercise, mental stimulation, or by providing them with a job.
Smart dogs are challenging. If not given enough stimulation, they will come up with their own games and jobs…rarely will you appreciate them. What’s worse than a smart dog? A smart and stubborn dog. I happen to own one of those and, on most days, it seems like I’m living with a 3-year old child – they are VERY preoccupying!
Yes, smart dogs are amazing companions; they are lovable and endearing, but they are more work than your average dog, and if you’re not prepared for them, they are also more trouble.
Ashan Dezoysa wrote a great post entitled Beware the Smart Dogs! It’s a fun take on what it means to own a smart dog.
This topic is a big one for me! I went LOOKING for a smart dog, and I can say now that I didn’t totally understand what I was getting into. I hadn’t seen the Beward the Smart Dogs! post, and I’m glad that you linked it. You gave me inspiration for my Monday post, thanks!
I’m glad you found the post helpful! It’s such a common problem, and for me, it was a huge learning curve to be able to keep up with my smarty-pants dog. I can’t wait to read your Monday post 🙂
This may sound silly, but we have three very smart dogs. All herding breed mixes. What I’ve learned to do that keeps them stimulated is talk to them. I talk to them like I talk to my boyfriend, but with a little baby talk thrown in here and there. It’s funny, because it seems like they completely understand.
I combine that with lots of walks; even walks around our property so that they can check everything out. Now that Fall is here and we’ve gotten a little rain, everything smells differently so we walk around, they smell, and then return to me with excitement about something they found. Thankfully, not a field mouse.
Your pups are very lucky to have such a wonderful mom!