How do you know if the dog is getting "enough"

[Momily]

Lyle continues to be very easy going. Right now he's dozing in a pool of sunshine on the back deck. He seems to match his "speed" to our speed. Last night DS had a friend over, and Lyle stuck with them for hours of chase, tag, hide and go seek in a fort made of couch cushions etc . . .. Similarly, on days when I can do it he's happy to take a 2 hour walk without flagging. But if we don't do that, he's also happy to lie around, sit on the couch and get his ears scratched etc . . .

So, how do I know if he's getting enough attention, enough exercise, enough mental stimulation? Would he be telling us somehow if his needs weren't met? Is there a formula?

[Ola_]

He sounds like a great dog. That's what some folks call an "off switch".

I think if he didn't get enough for a certain period of time you might see some undesirable behaviours - for my dogs that would be barking too much, chewing things up that they normally don't (and shouldn't), or pulling things off of tables to get my attention.

[Momily]

We are having problems with chewing on fabric -- but I don't see a connection between the chewing and how much attention he's gotten. If anything, the chewing is a relaxing thing for him, so he does it when he's winding down after a busy weekend day, or he'll climb into our beds at night and chew on our blankets. On the other hand, when he's home alone while I'm working he doesn't chew on anything.

So, I shouldn't worry?

[Sailor]

If he wasn't getting enough - you'd definitely know. Sounds like you're doing a great job. Usually dogs that don't get enough of exercise are miserable to live with inside the house. I know this from experience, lol.

So, if he's not destroying the entire house and running around high on energy - you're fine. I replied to your other thread in terms of chewing.

[Miasmamma]

I had a foster dog that was a blanket sucker/chewer and we just got him an old blanket that he could do whatever he wanted to. He loved it! Goodwill has them super cheap! For most dogs like that, it's a comfort tool. They do it to either help them relax, or when they are really relaxed already. Buddy used to drag his with him everywhere!

[Momily]

Miasmama,

Did he "get" that he could chew on that one and not others -- or did it confuse him more and make him think that blanket chewing was OK? I've got blankets I'm more than happy to "donate" to the cause if it keeps my house from being full of feathers.

[Sailor]

The blanket thing could go both ways. I've seen cases where dog owners have given their dogs old shoes to play with as chew toys.

The problem is, the dog couldn't distinguish which shoes were OK, and which were off limits.

Some dogs can definitely make the distinction, but some don't. It all depends on your dog. You can always try it, and see what happens. Anything can be trained, and re-trained, after all.