Behavioral Benefits

When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they often channel their pent up energy in destructive ways, such as:

• Chewing, digging, or scratching indoors, such as furniture, carpets, or shoes

• Hyperactivity and unruliness, such as jumping on people

• Predatory play, roughhousing, and play biting

• Excessive barking and whining
   

Regular, challenging exercise allows your dog to use up their energy appropriately, so they are calmer and better behaved at home.

 

In addition to all these benefits, your dog may also become more confident and outgoing! If your dog struggles with anxiety or is shy, regular exercise can really help.

 

How much exercise is enough?

The amount of exercise a dog needs varies widely by age, size, and breed.

 

Large and medium dogs need at least 40 minutes of moderate to intense cardio every day. Walking isn’t enough! Try fetch or soccer to make sure your dog is working hard enough. Small dogs need 20 to 30 minutes a day, but a walk around the block isn’t going to cut it for them, either.

 

Also, in general, younger dogs need more exercise than older dogs, and sporting breeds need more than guard dogs. To know if your dog is exercising too much, simply check to make sure he’s not overly tired later in the day and watch for muscle stiffness or soreness.

 

Play Ideas

If it’s a beautiful day:

• Play soccer outside

• Go to a new park or trail

• Take your dog swimming

 

If you’re feeling tired:

• Play fetch

• Frisbee

• Use a bubble blower (yes this really works!)

 

If it’s rainy:

• Run up and down the stairs

• Set up jumps inside the house (start low to the ground and never go above the dog’s knees to stay safe)

 

Don’t have time every day to exercise your dog?

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Call us! We do at-home dog visits and dog walks to make sure your dogs are happy and well-exercised, even when you can’t be there.