36 - North Shore News — Sunday, March 19, 2000 CLOSE your eyes and picture « dog waiting patiently at the edge” of your bed for dawn to break. As soon as the faintest ray of lighe peers into the bedroom, this dog enthusi- astically leaps off the bed. Seconds Jater he reappears and hovers over your sleep- ing body with a tennis ball in his mouth. His tail is wagging so furiously that the bed vibrates and makes you think you are in a cheap motel. Now open your eves. You have just experienced my morning. canine connection High drive dogs are not easy to live with. In fact, if you don’t have an equally energetic lifestyle it can be downrighi miserable. High drive dogs come in all shapes, breeds or mix of breeds. Energy fevel is gen- erally not breed specific, PETS- High energy dogs need high energy owners although some of the more popular breeds of dogs such as Labs and retrievers have been bred to be calmer, more suitable family pets. While others, such as the Border collie and pointers still have retained their ener- gy levels. All dog breeds were developed for a specific pur- pose. Be it hunting, herding or general working abilities, they all have inherent drives which make them suitable for the task they were bred to perform. And many of them are also attractive dogs with sleek good looks and powerful muscles. Their appearance and image is design 8 comfort at the possible price... ALWAYS 2674 W. broadway, Vancouver « 736-9300 www. nextlevel. com/this-n- that 1 presen s coupon and receive a: [free emission test with any minor ] { of major service or nunc-yp. 1 2 er | Limited time offer. Al prices are plus taxes, applicable environmental levies and materials. Honda made vehices only. Not vai with any other offer, promotion or discount. Expires April 30, 00. sofas@nextievel.com - aver $75.00, Honda vehicles only. DL Satid weet Apr 50000, No cash vakue. Cannot ff bbe combined with any other coupons, spocind eaten ea “ead on trace 1 Vided at Pacific Honda only. t er | what makes them popular dogs and sometimes little consideration is given to their energy levels. Tikka, a small Munsterlander (which in German means atomic ener- gy ... kidding!), belonging to Linda, a student of mine, happens to be of the hunt- ing variety and very high on the energy scale. She was bred to work for long hours in the field. Tirelessly run- ning, pointing and flushing out game birds. But instead of living on a farm, Tikka lives in the suburbs. She still has retained all of the instincts of her working brethren, but now there is nowhere to use it. When an active dog is not in its natural element, releasing its energy doing what it was designed for, destructive behaviours can develop. It is not uncom: mon to see these dogs explode with bursts of ener- gy and run around the house in a mad frenzy. They can chew up the carpet or dig holes in the backvard in a matter of seconds. They chase joggers, bark at bikers and become a general nui- sanee, They basically have too much stored energy and are finding wavs to expend it. Having said this, it does- n’t mean that high drive dogs are not good canine companions. [t does mean that special considerations must be met to ensure that their energy levels are satis- fied and your sanity is main- tained. Extra daily exercise can do wonders for these dogs. Playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee can use up extra energy. Tikka’s owners knew what they were getting into Sell your stuff. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. WWW.nSHeWS.COm when they got her and now keep her as busy as a young teenager. She is in obedience classes which help teach her to concentrate, tracking classes which give her the opportunity to use her nat- ural hunting instincts and taken on daily hikes to exer- cise those strong muscles, Tikka also plays a little catch-me-if-you-can game, much to Linda’s chagrin, in the back yard. If you are considering getting a high energy dog be sure your lifestyle can afford it. A successful rela- tionship depends largely on the owner, not the dog. Please don’t get a dog hop- ing that the dog will get you off the couch, that scenario rarely works. The idea of having a dog with a “ready when you are™ attitude is grand, but the reality is that most people work long hours. Their lifestyles are then filled with driving kids to soccer practice, school events and other activities. But if you have a lifestyle where you can get up that extra hour early in the morning to take the dog on a long walk, high energy dogs can bea joy to have around the house. — Joan is the owner of Sierra K9 training Academy on the North Shore. For train- ing tips or. advice e-mail her at or contact her through the North Share News. Coniments in the form of a letter to the editor are welcome.