The Active Life of the City Dog
The Urban canine actually has many advantages over his country cousins. Here's why.

Do city dogs have a tougher life than their suburban and country cousins? No way, says Brian Kilcommons, dog trainer and author of Metro Dog. "City dogs actually have a great advantage," he says. "They are surrounded by people and other dogs, and have more opportunities for socializing." Cosmopolitan city dogs develop skills in dealing with all types of people and animals. They can have these experiences at all times, day and night.

One might also think that city dogs without access to suburban yards are at a disadvantage, but Kilcommons believes that this is not so. "City dogs generally receive more exercise," he says, "because their owners must make arrangements to walk them."

Many urban dog owners find that walking with their pets is a great conversation starter and creates opportunities to meet other people and dogs. While suburban and country dogs may have greater access to the outdoors, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are receiving more attention from their owners or the outside world, or that they are getting more exercise.

Spend Quality Time
The main way to enhance the life of your city dog is to develop a healthy relationship with him and to provide him with enough exercise. "The quality of time you spend with your dog on a behavioral, social and physical basis makes the difference in terms of satisfying and calming the dog," says Kilcommons. "A dog isn't a potted plant."

"Recognize that your dog needs both mental and physical stimulation," advises Kilcommons. "We're moving towards people thinking dogs are 'plug-n-play' - like computers." So how can we best use our limited time with our dogs? "Give them a lot of meaningful attention."

In order to enhance your relationship with your dog, focus on: controlling your emotional responses to him, stimulating his brain by teaching him new things, and exercising him regularly.

Emotional Development
One of the main concerns with living with a dog in an urban environment is leaving him home all day in an apartment. Kilcommons advises owners to approach the situation from the dog's point of view. "Dogs don't wear a watch," he says. Although we humans may feel badly about leaving our dogs alone for long periods of time, he warns us that "guilt is a useless emotion." Kilcommons urges that you do not let guilt influence your interaction with your pet.

Kilcommons advises against giving emotion "on a free basis." He explains, "when people come home and act apologetic and sad, they may stress the dog out." If the dog receives attention for doing nothing, he becomes confused as to who the leader is - he or his owner? Face it, says Kilcommons: "Dogs sleep while you're at work, And the reality of life is that no one receives attention 24 hours a day." The better response is praise for a job well done - it satisfies the dog's social needs, and enriches and balances your relationship.

When your dog feels sure of his role in the relationship, he will feel more comfortable when he is on his own. Most dogs that misbehave when left alone are doing so because they are unhappy, says Kilcommons.

The Importance of Teaching
Teach your dog simple things like manners, advises Kilcommons. "Create scenarios for the dog to get rewards." This provides another way to reinforce the dog's role in the relationship. You can also involve your dog in your daily routine. "Have him carry a piece of the laundry, call for a 'sit-stay' when the mailman comes, require quiet time when you're getting ready for work, or a heeling escort to help carry your briefcase," says Kilcommons.

Stimulating your dog's brain will have several important impacts on him. It will have a calming effect; he will look to you for leadership; and he will perceive your attention and rewards in a positive way. "Dogs love to learn," says Kilcommons. "Teaching him new things makes him think and relate better."

Exercise = Happier Dog
"Exercise is the single factor that guarantees you a happier nine-to-five dog," he says. Owners should provide active play at least 45 minutes a day. "Your dog must be exercised in the morning if you expect him to be well-behaved during the long day alone." If possible, arrange for a dog walker to take your pet out for some mid-day exercise.

Excerising with other dogs addresses your dog's physical and social needs. Luck city dogs can take advantage of the dog parks many cities offer for off-leash exercise.

The San Francisco SPCA explains the role of dog parks: "Dogs, like humans, are pack animals, [and] they need to socialize in order to remain psychologically healthy. Keeping dogs isolated from one another goes against a dog's most basic instincts. In addition, if continually frustrated by their lack of mobility, many dogs will react with intense enthusiasm, such as dashing around wildly."

"There are certain issues to consider when taking your pet to a dog park," says Kilcommons. "Be prepared to supervise his play and interactions with unfamiliar dogs. Watch for signs of inappropriate play, such as:

• one animal that is constantly mounting the others;
• dogs who put the head and/or shoulders over the backs of other dogs and offend other dogs;
• certain body postures that reflect threat or challenge.

"For the most part, dogs who are well socialized are not generally combative and will play together peacefully most of the time," says Kilcommons.

By Deborah Nason