Why is regular exercise important for your dog?

Exercise Combats Anxiety

There’s nothing like a spin class to clear your head after a stressful day at work. As the endorphins kick in, those feelings of restlessness and anxiety seemingly melt away (or at least take a back seat).

Similarly, exercise decreases anxiety in dogs. Pet parents who ensure their pups are physically fit will be less likely to return home to a chewed-up couch.

“Because exercise decreases anxiety overall, lack of exercise can contribute to anxiety-based conditions,” she says. “More specifically, lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to attention-seeking and destructive behaviors.”

More Activity, Less Aging

Unfortunately, we can’t completely prevent our dogs from racking up the birthdays. But, as with humans, getting the proper amount of exercise can help keep your dog’s mind sharp and ward off some age-related disease. While it’s important for senior dogs to stay active, it’s equally important to adjust their routine and remember that those high-speed puppy days are over.

“While being old is not a disease, it is important to get advice from your dog’s veterinarian about how much exercise and what types of exercise are appropriate for an individual senior dog,” she says. “If a dog is stiff and has difficulty rising on the morning after a big romp, an owner may need to scale back or choose a different form of exercise.”

Exercise Strengthens Your Bond

Anything you can do on your own, you can do with your dog,” she says. “Even just shuffling back and forth and moving sideways with each other—it’ll improve your balance and cardio and strengthen your bond.

Active Joints Are Happy Joints

Safe, age-appropriate exercise is one of the best ways to ensure that your pet’s joints stay happy and healthy. Not only will a healthy weight prevent excess pressure, but exercise ensures that the joints stay lubricated while strengthening the supporting muscles

Your Dog Needs a Job

That means providing engaging dog exercise opportunities.

“Dogs like to have a job,” says Borns-Weil. “If a dog does not have a breed- and age-appropriate job, for example chasing a Frisbee, he’ll give himself a job, such as barking excessively at passersby or turning over the trash.”

The Mind Needs a Workout

A creative, thoughtful exercise routine doesn’t just provide a physical workout—it provides valuable mental stimulation as well. Introducing your dog to a new game or interactive workout will put his thinking cap on

“Many of us haven’t taught our dogs anything new since they were puppies,” she says. “Can you imagine if you didn’t learn anything in your job after six months? You’d be so bored!”

Consider enriching games such as flyball or agility courses.

Good Play Means Good Socialization

Like us, it’s important that dogs understand how to get along with their peers and behave in social situations. And, as with humans, the best place to learn these skills is on the playground, early in life.

Exercise can and should be part of a whole programme of exposure to other dogs, people and environmental stimuli. This is necessary for proper socialization, particularly during young puppyhood.

Not only does a spirited romp at the dog park promote good doggie relationships, but it also ensures that puppies and young dogs receive the proper level of exertion. For most dogs, a leisurely stroll around the corner simply won’t satisfy their aerobic exercise needs.

Exercise Leads to Obedience

Who’s a good boy? An exercised boy.

If you wish your pup would sit and stay with more enthusiasm, more interactive activity could be the key. When you spend time playing with your pup and teaching him new games, the relationship strengthens on all fronts and leads to more obedient behavior.

#exercise #dogs