Although humans and dogs are quite different (for example, they have much more developed hearing and smell than we do), the truth is that we do share something: the need for good mental health. In fact, and believe it or not, they too can suffer from anxiety and depression. If it doesn’t give you much trouble, you most likely think it is a balanced animal. However, to distinguish a dog in perfect psychological condition from one that is not, there are many factors to take into account and we are going to explain each one of them.
First of all, we have to specify what exactly a balanced dog is. According to ethology experts, it is one that reacts appropriately to situations such as ignorance of a place and noisy places, but also to contact with people and other animals. To do this, you must ensure that he acquires a good education since he is a puppy and thus you will avoid behavior problems in the future.
- Has instinctive behaviors, such as sniffing around and prying. Even if you insist on humanizing it, after all, a dog is a dog and as such, it must be true to its own nature. If he does, he is most likely a balanced dog.
- Good socialization. This process begins when he is a puppy. A dog in good psychological condition is one that is capable of establishing relationships with other dogs and with humans, as we said earlier. Conversely, if your pet barks at another dog for no apparent reason or even tries to attack him, maybe you should be concerned.
- It has good ability to concentrate : If the dog is stressed, it will not be able to concentrate for more than five minutes at a time. If you have to do a certain activity and you are not even able to do it during this time, it is very likely that something is wrong with your head.
- He is in good health. Good mental health begins with good physical condition. Therefore, you must take into account aspects such as the importance of knowing how to take his temperature well and recognize the signs of pain, among others. A dog will be able to relate to his surroundings and let himself be carried away by his instincts if he is in good health.
- It has a generally calm character. Psychological stability is key in a mentally healthy dog, who is not too easily upset or excited. If you overreact to things you don’t like, it could be because you are out of balance.
- It adapts to new environments. It is normal that there are certain environments that stress your dog, but the truth is that even if this is the case, it should be able to maintain an appropriate behavior in them.
- You are able to blend in with each other. Knowing how to interpret canine language (did you know that the dog transmits a lot of information to us with its tail?) Is essential for the dog to have good behaviors because if you are able to understand yourself well with it, you will know how to realize what it needs in each moment.
It is important to keep in mind that for a dog to be balanced it must have certain basic needs covered.
- You must have a place where you feel protected. In this sense, we must emphasize that under no circumstances should a dog be tied with a chain (it is also animal abuse), for example, not for a long time outside the home. If you do, the dog has a great chance of developing stress problems, something that, as we have mentioned, is not recommended at all if we want a balanced dog.
- Relations with other dogs and people. It is important to keep the dog mentally stimulated.
- A good rest. As with humans, if dogs do not rest properly, they are likely to be more irascible. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose the right bed for your dog. Even if you think so, not just anyone will do!
- Physical exercise. Make sure that your dog goes for a walk several times a day, not only so that he does not relieve himself inside the house. This is important for your dog, since walks help him develop his sense of smell and he can also carry out one of his most basic instincts: prying and tracking.
