Exercising Your Dog: What You Need to Know
As a dog owner, you may have already noticed that dogs are very energetic creatures! As a result, they require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. If you have been asking yourself what the ideal amount of physical activity is for your furry friend, we are here to help.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the amount of exercise your dog needs can be determined based on certain factors. Their breed, age, and overall health, combined with some general guidelines, will ensure your pup always stays healthy and active. This guide will provide you with the ultimate tips and tricks to exercise your dog, ensuring they stay in great shape.
A sedentary lifestyle for dogs can lead to an array of health issues and can also cause your buddy to become unhappy and uninterested in their daily activities.
Some of the main problems that can arise from a lack of physical activity include:
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also improve everyone's mental health. Dogs, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety, and regular exercise reduces these feelings, promoting a calmer, more relaxed state of mind.
Did you also know that dogs who exercise regularly are generally better-behaved and more obedient? This can be great news for owners who have a pup that likes to be a little naughty. Exercise can help burn off excess energy, reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviour and hyperactivity. A well-exercised dog is also more likely to be receptive to training and follow commands.
This can vary significantly based on individual factors; for example, high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers may require up to two hours of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Conversely, breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs may need less activity due to their lower energy levels.
Age is another critical factor; puppies should not engage in intense exercise or long walks until they have fully developed. Senior dogs may also require less movement due to mobility issues or health conditions.
Your best approach will be to tailor your dog's exercise routine to their specific needs. For example, if your dog is prone to joint problems, you can choose low-impact exercises such as swimming or short walks on soft surfaces. If your dog is overweight, you may need to gradually increase their exercise routine to help them lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the amount of exercise your dog needs can be determined based on certain factors. Their breed, age, and overall health, combined with some general guidelines, will ensure your pup always stays healthy and active. This guide will provide you with the ultimate tips and tricks to exercise your dog, ensuring they stay in great shape.
The Importance of Exercising Your Dog
Physical exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining our furry companions' overall health and well-being. In addition to toning their muscles, exercise provides mental stimulation, keeps their metabolism functioning optimally, and prevents boredom from setting in.A sedentary lifestyle for dogs can lead to an array of health issues and can also cause your buddy to become unhappy and uninterested in their daily activities.
Some of the main problems that can arise from a lack of physical activity include:
- Reduced muscle mass which puts pressure on a dog's joints and tendons, leading to complications like arthritis.
- Weight gain if a dog's diet is not balanced and they do not get enough exercise. This can lead to various health problems, including obesity.
- Unwanted behaviours like barking, biting, digging, chewing, and howling which can indicate that your dog is not getting enough exercise.
The Benefits of Exercising With Your Dog
Exercising with your dog is a win-win situation as it benefits your and your dog's physical and mental health. One of the most significant advantages of exercising with your dog is that it can help prevent obesity and joint problems. Many dogs suffer from obesity, leading to various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Regular exercise can help keep your dog's weight in check, reducing the likelihood of these avoidable problems.In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also improve everyone's mental health. Dogs, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety, and regular exercise reduces these feelings, promoting a calmer, more relaxed state of mind.
Did you also know that dogs who exercise regularly are generally better-behaved and more obedient? This can be great news for owners who have a pup that likes to be a little naughty. Exercise can help burn off excess energy, reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviour and hyperactivity. A well-exercised dog is also more likely to be receptive to training and follow commands.
How Much Exercise Do Dogs Need?
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on several factors, including breed, age, size, and overall health. Generally, dogs require a minimum of 30 minutes to one hour of exercise daily.This can vary significantly based on individual factors; for example, high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers may require up to two hours of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Conversely, breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs may need less activity due to their lower energy levels.
Age is another critical factor; puppies should not engage in intense exercise or long walks until they have fully developed. Senior dogs may also require less movement due to mobility issues or health conditions.
Your best approach will be to tailor your dog's exercise routine to their specific needs. For example, if your dog is prone to joint problems, you can choose low-impact exercises such as swimming or short walks on soft surfaces. If your dog is overweight, you may need to gradually increase their exercise routine to help them lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way.
Types of Exercise to Do With Your Dog
Walking around the neighbourhood or heading to the dog park are great ways to get your dog some exercise, but everyone likes to try new things, and your dog is no exception!Here are some dog-friendly exercise types that you can try to make sure staying fit remains fun:
Hiking
This is an excellent form of exercise for both people and dogs, as it allows you to explore nature while improving your cardio! The uneven terrain and varied inclines of hiking trails can provide an excellent workout for your dog's muscles while challenging their agility and balance. Plus, nature's sights, sounds, and smells can help stimulate your dog's senses and improve their overall well-being.Running and jogging
Burn off that excess energy with a high-intensity workout that can improve cardiovascular endurance, strengthen muscles, and help maintain a healthy weight. Running with your dog also strengthens your bond and provides an opportunity for some quality time together.Fetch, hide-and-seek, and frisbee
Fun games can also provide a great workout for your dog! Exercise for the muscles and mental stimulation combine with games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and frisbee, which help reduce stress and anxiety. These games can also be a great way to try obedience training.Swimming
This low-impact exercise is perfect for dogs with joint problems or mobility issues. Swimming provides a full-body workout without stressing your dog's joints, making it a great exercise for seniors or those recovering from injuries.Agility training
Agility training teaches your dog to run through obstacle courses, and follow commands while performing specific tasks. This helps to provide both mental and physical stimulation while also helping to improve your dog's overall fitness and obedience.Kayaking
Dogs love this fun activity that can provide a unique form of exercise for both people and dogs. Kayaking strengthens your upper body and core muscles while providing an opportunity for exploration and adventure with your furry friend with plenty of options for a swim, teaching your furry friend some great water skills (while offering a solid workout).Dock diving
Dock diving involves your dog jumping off a dock into a body of water to retrieve an object. This helps to improve not only your dog's fitness, but their coordination and agility as well. Just ensure you know where you are diving to guarantee this activity is safe for all involved.Sledding
Sledding is a popular activity for dogs that live in colder climates and provides a full-body workout as dogs pull the sled through the snow. It also provides a chance to get out and enjoy the winter weather!Flyball
Flyball is a fast-paced relay race involving jumping over various hurdles to retrieve a ball and bring it back to the start line. Flybally provides a high-intensity workout for your dog's muscles while also helping to improve their agility, coordination, and obedience.
How To Build An Exercise Routine
As we mentioned earlier, every dog has different exercise requirements and abilities. To build the perfect exercise routine for your dog, start by researching their needs based on their breed, age, and activity level. This will help you determine the appropriate amount and type of exercise your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.Once you have this information, choose activities to provide them with enough physical and mental stimulation and consider the following tips:
- Start slow: If your dog is not used to regular exercise, begin with short walks or gentle play sessions and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the activity. This will help your dog build up their endurance and prevent injury.
- Be consistent: Try to exercise your dog at the same time every day to establish a routine. This will also help your dog anticipate and look forward to their exercise time.
- Monitor their health: Keep an eye out for signs of fatigue or overexertion during exercise. If your dog is excessively panting, drooling, or struggling to keep up, it's time to take a break or adjust the intensity of the activity.
- Keep your dog engaged: Your efforts across any activity with your dog will be successful if you prevent boredom. Mix up the types of exercise they do and incorporate a variety of activities into the routine to keep things interesting and engaging.
A Rough Exercise Guide by Age
Your dog will have different activity level requirements, from a puppy to a senior. While breed and any potential health issues will also play a factor in their required exercise limits, here is a rough activity guide based on the three main stages of your dog's life:Puppies
As a puppy parent, gauging how much exercise your new addition needs can be challenging. It's important to remember that puppies have a lot of energy to burn, and regular exercise is crucial for their growth and development. However, high-impact activities like long walks and trips to the dog park should be avoided until their growth plates have closed to prevent joint damage and other issues.Instead, try incorporating short walks into your puppy's routine and use these opportunities to teach them leash skills and socialisation. You can also engage them in training exercises and enrichment activities to stimulate their minds and bodies. Remember, your puppy's energy levels will vary throughout the day, so be prepared for sudden bursts of energy at any time.
Adults
During their prime (between the ages of two and eight), your dog will require more exercise than they will as seniors. Therefore, continue providing regular exercise to keep them strong, agile, and at a healthy weight. Also, as your dog has more world experience at this point, you can get more adventurous with the activities you partake in; basically, it's time to have as much fun as possible!Seniors
Exercise needs can decrease for older dogs, but it's still important to keep them active to maintain their physical and mental health. Moderate exercise can help manage weight, prevent joint problems, and reduce chronic pain. Engage your senior dog in low-impact activities like short walks, gentle playtime, and puzzle toys to keep them active and happy.Important note: Every dog is unique, so paying attention to individual behaviours and adjusting their exercise routine accordingly is essential. It can be challenging to know if your dog is getting enough exercise, especially if they have varying energy levels or if their breed has specific exercise requirements. However, there are some signs that you can look out for to determine if you need to boost the activity levels.
One common sign is restlessness, which can manifest in a variety of ways, including destructive chewing, excessive barking, pacing, or more anxious behaviour in general. The other main indicator is noticeable weight changes or shifts in eating habits.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Their Workout
Ensuring your dog's safety should always be your top priority when exercising. You can take several simple steps to avoid any issues that may arise:- Choose appropriate equipment: Ensure that your dog's collar or harness fits correctly and that their leash is the right length for the environment you'll be in. For example, a longer line may be necessary for walks in open spaces, while a standard six- or eight-foot leash is suitable for neighbourhood strolls.
- Bring enough water: Always carry plenty of water and a collapsible or travel bowl if you plan a longer adventure. Hydration is critical to keeping your dog healthy and happy.
- Check the weather: Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time, especially for extreme heat, cold, or storm warnings. It's important to avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day in the warmer months and to stay off hot asphalt.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Keep a close eye on your surroundings and any potential hazards that may pose a risk to your dog. This includes staying away from areas with busy roads or wildlife that may cause a distraction.
- Keep an eye on your dog at all times: No matter how well-trained your dog is, you'll want to keep a watchful eye on them when out and about, especially when trying new activities.
Rest Days are Important
You wouldn't go to the gym seven days a week without a rest day (or at least, you shouldn't), and a similar rule applies to your dog. Even though your furry friend may have boundless energy and excitement, they can still experience muscle and joint soreness after strenuous activity, just like humans. So, be sure to give them enough time to recover between workouts to prevent any injuries or discomfort.If you're planning a long hike or a huge day at the beach, take rest breaks throughout the day. This will allow you and your dog time to recharge and prevent overexertion. Taking short walks around the neighbourhood or letting your dog explore and sniff around in a new environment can be a great way to get some exercise while still allowing for a bit of rest.
On rest days, try mental enrichment activities to stimulate your dog while allowing them to rest their muscles. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and training exercises will do this and help you find a balance between activity and relaxation to keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and ready for their next adventure.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
Exercise for your dog likely means exercise for you, so everyone stays fit when you keep your furry friend active! However, remember that any physical activity requires a well-matched, nutritional diet, and Eukanuba is here to give your dog the energy they need to stay active.This guide has given you all of the information and tips you need to lead an active lifestyle with your dog. Just remember to ensure they have access to water and rest when needed, and watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion. If you have any concerns about your dog's exercise routine or their health during exercise, it's always a good idea to book an appointment with your local veterinarian.
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to stay active while having a lot of fun. Check out our article about the best dog-friendly hiking spots in Australia and get out there and explore with your dog while keeping fit!