5 Dog Exercise Ideas for a Healthy Lifestyle
Hello and welcome back to the Lead & Collar Blog, where our goal is to provide high value education and resources for beginner dog owners. Today we're talking about exercise!
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of your dog. Exercise not only helps keep them in shape but also provides mental stimulation, reduces behavioral issues, and strengthens your bond.
Exercise can also be a valuable tool in enhancing your dog's formal training. In this post, we'll explore the importance of exercise for dogs and provide 5 ideas and practical tips to help you incorporate physical activity for your dog into your daily routine.
But, before we can jump in, we need to first make sure you understand your dog’s exercise needs.
Why?
Because the ideas we provide below may need to be adjusted based on this information.
As you know, different dog breeds have varying exercise requirements. Some breeds, like Border Collies or Dutch shepherd, have high energy levels and need more vigorous exercise. Others, such as Bulldogs or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, generally have lower energy levels and require less intense activities.
Not only this, but doing too little - or too much - exercise can have detrimental effects on your dog’s health. And this can change throughout their life span. So, it’s important to be clear from the get go on what level of movement your dog needs to be healthy.
Consider your dog's breed, age, and health condition. You can also consult with your breeder, shelter or veterinarian to determine the appropriate exercise regimen for your dog.
Okay, now that we’ve covered that, let’s get into it!
Daily Walks:
Regular walks are a fundamental exercise for most dogs. We suggest aiming for at least one or two walks per day. You can adjust the duration and intensity based on your dog's needs.
Walking provides physical exercise, mental stimulation through new sights and smells, and an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs and people. Remember to use a leash for safety and comply with local regulations.
Dogs benefit from having a consistent routine. For example, our dog Waylon knows that he gets a walk first thing in the morning, and after we finish work. So if 5pm hits and we haven’t taken him for his afternoon walk, you will find him running around and whining until he gets what he wants (and needs!).
Engaging Playtime:
Play sessions are not only fun but also an excellent way to exercise your dog's body and mind. Engage in activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or interactive toys that encourage mental stimulation and physical movement. Experiment with different toys and games to find what your dog enjoys the most. Varying the activities can keep them excited and prevent boredom.
This can be a great option for busy dog owners who may not have time to do two walks in a day, or who live in an apartment and don’t have a yard for their dog to run around in. It really doesn’t need to be anything fancy (our dog’s favourite toy for months was John’s old sock!), as it’s more about the engagement your dog gets to have with you.
Off-Leash Activities:
If you have access to a secure, fenced area or a designated dog park, off-leash activities can provide more freedom for your dog to run, explore, and socialize with other dogs. Ensure that your dog has reliable recall and good social skills before allowing them off-leash.
Here's a video of Stonnie Dennis describing a simple recall drill you can start practicing with your dog to build their skills in this area:
Recall Training
However, if you’re not quite ready for them to be off-leash, but you want to take them into the community, you can use a long-line. Here’s a link to a video from Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians where they demonstrate how to use a long-line effectively so you can take your dog places and they can explore more freely, without the stress of worrying they won’t come back to you.
Dog parks can also be a great option if you are time-poor, because your dog will get tired much faster when they’re running around and interacting with other dogs than they will walking on a leash. Plus, the more your dog socializes with other dogs, the better behaved they tend to be.
Of course, if you do go to an off-leash area, be sure to always supervise your dog and follow the park rules for the safety and enjoyment of all dogs and owners.
Mental Stimulation Exercises:
Incorporate mental stimulation exercises into your dog's routine to keep their mind sharp. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and training sessions can challenge their problem-solving skills and provide mental enrichment.
Teaching new tricks or participating in dog sports like agility or nose work can also offer both physical and mental exercise.
Swimming:
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on joints and muscles while providing a great workout for your dog. If your dog enjoys water and is comfortable swimming, consider taking them to a dog-friendly beach, lake, or pool. Ensure their safety with proper supervision at all times.
However, if you've never taken them to water before, it doesn't mean you can't start now! It's such a fun way for the dog to get exercise (and get worn out), so we highly recommend helping your dog become more confident in the water. The best way to do this is to start with something easy, like a creek or a calm lake. The last thing you want is to jump straight to the ocean, because the combination of the size and sound of the waves is likely going to scare them off. Build their confidence gradually, and you'll have a water dog in no time!
Conclusion:
Regular exercise is vital for your dog's overall health and happiness. Once you understand your dog’s exercise needs, you can try any combination of the above ideas to ensure your furry friend receives the physical and mental exercise they require.
Regardless of what exercise regime you go with try and tailor it to your dog's individual needs. With a well-rounded exercise regimen, you can promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle for your dog (and for you!).
If you’re looking for more information, check out these videos for some insights on puppy training and socialization from Stonnie Dennis:
Common Sense Puppy Training Part One
Puppy Training | The Truth About What's Really Important
As always, if you have any questions about the ins and outs of owning a dog, feel free to reach out to us via our contact page. We can’t wait to hear from you!