Your dog could be a lazy Lassie if this is the case. This is perfectly normal. Dogs have different personalities, so it’s okay to be lazy. It’s important to make sure that your dog’s lazy behavior doesn’t impact her health. You can give your dog many happy years by making sure she gets enough exercise and eats well.
Signs Your Dog is Lazy
Some dogs are energetic and eager to go, racing every step and looking for new adventures. Some dogs prefer to slow down and take it all in stride. These dogs can be described as lazy, but they are also easygoing, calm, laidback, and even understated.
The signs of a lazy dog are often obvious. These dogs love to just sit back and watch the world pass by. They prefer to walk and not sprint. They will not jump up to greet visitors, but they will raise their heads a few inches and give a slight wag.
Even though dinner is the only time they move at any speed, these dogs don’t like being rushed. They make great companions for people who have a similar laid-back approach to life.
History of Lazy Dogs
Historical accounts of the laziness of dogs aren’t all that easy to come by. However, it’s safe to assume that, in the early years of our relationship with dogs, which is thought to have begun 15,000 or more years ago, there would have been no room for laziness in a canine’s skills repertoire.
Dogs were bred by humans for thousands of years to guard and hunt, and they became our companions over the years.
In recent years, we have become more open to allowing our dogs to be lazy. It is easy to imagine that the Toy Poodles who were so popular in France during the 17th and 18th centuries were treated well and allowed to indulge their inner couch potato.
As dogs have moved from their backyards to our front porches, the opportunities for relaxation have increased throughout the 20th century. If a dog can lay down on a comfortable sofa in air-conditioned comfort for an hour or more, then what’s to prevent him?
The Science of Lazy Dogs
There are multiple factors to consider when examining why some dogs are so lazy? The first is down to genetics. Dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, and have been bred throughout history to perform a wide range of tasks, acting as everything from hunters to lap dogs. For example, it obviously makes sense that the Pug, which has been bred for centuries as a much-loved lap dog, will be much more commonly associated with lounging around than an active working breed like the Border Collie.
We must also acknowledge that each dog is unique and has its own temperament. One Labrador may be a lazy lizard while its sister or brother could be full of energy.
There’s also the debate of nature vs nurture. Many scientists have asked the question whether domestication has made dogs lazy, with often interesting results.
Oregon State University studied 10 wolves, 10 pets dogs and 10 shelter dogs. Then, they asked them to solve the puzzle box to find the food reward. 8 of 10 wolves solved the puzzle. Only 1 dog did. All the rest of them looked to humans for help and guidance.
Numerous studies also show that obesity in pets is linked to obesity in owners. If you find it difficult to exercise, your pet may adopt the same approach.
Helping Lazy Dogs Stay Healthy
OK, so your dog’s lazy — in and of itself that’s no big deal, but you’ll need to take a few simple steps to make sure your pet stays healthy. The most important thing you can do is ensure that your dog gets plenty of regular exercises. The traditional walk is a great place to start, but trips to the dog park, the beach, or even hiking in the wilderness are also helpful.
Sometimes, the novelty of seeing, hearing, or tasting new things can give an easygoing dog the motivation to move.
It is important to have the right diet. A dog who is content to spend its days exploring new sleeping positions and eating a lot of calories will likely consume more calories than a working animal, a pooch, or someone who runs five miles every morning. Ask your vet for recommendations on the right food and amount to feed your dog. Don’t forget to avoid giving your dog fatty or unhealthy treats.
You can have endless lazy afternoons together as long as your dog is getting enough exercise and staying within a healthy weight range.