Keeping Pets Fit: The Importance of Exercise

Every dog needs physical exercise irrespective of age, breed, or size. It is a proven fact that a weary dog seems to be better behaved, calm, and focused. Exercise is a terrific way to bond with your pet and is enjoyable for the entire family. Also, regular exercise not only benefits your dog but also you! Remember, a frisky puppy is a healthy puppy.

Issues due to lack of exercise

It is normal for your puppy to crave a great deal of activity, such as chewing, playing, and exploring. If you don't give this energy an outlet, it may manifest into destructive behaviors

such as:

• Grinding, Biting, Scratching

• Obesity

• Hyperactivity and unnecessary roaming at night,

• Raiding the garbage,

• Harsh play,

• Frequent barking and whining,

• Excessive predatory behavior

• Acting vigorously on people, etc

Typical kinds that require regular exercise

Different varieties were designed to perform different tasks. Some were intended for herding, some for work, and some were meant to be our companions. Since different breeds perform distinct tasks, their exercise requirements will vary as well. Common types that need regular exercise are:

• Australian Shepard

• Labrador Retriever 

• Weimaraner

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Dalmatian

• Border Collie

• Siberian Husky

• German Shepherd

• Boston Terrier

• Jack Russell Terrier

• Pointer, etc.

How can you train your pup?

Even if you have a lot of space, your puppy needs more than a backyard to burn energy. Taking your puppy for walks or jogs can be beneficial for both you and your pup. 

• Games like fetch and tug-of-war can help your puppy strengthen their bond with you while teaching him self-control. 

• Along with the physical exercise, you can train your dog's brain with food puzzle toys, hunting for dinner, trick training, obedience training, and chew toys.

• Frisbees or sticks, fetch with balls, find it, hide-and-seek, and chase are some of the games that excite your pup.

• If your dog enjoys being around other dogs, you can take him to a dog park or organize play dates with friends or neighbors who own dogs. 

In this approach, you'll provide your dog the opportunity to engage in energizing social play with other dogs.

Daily duration for exercising

Take your puppies for short walks every day. Aim for 5 minutes of exercise twice a day for each month of growing age as a starting point. 

For example, if a three-month-old puppy gets 15 minutes of activity twice a day, then in the fourth month, it is good to have 20 minutes of activity twice a day and this continues. Always keep an eye on how your pet reacts to this change in the level of activity and reduce it if necessary.

Though it depends on the age, breed, etc, adult dogs can exercise ranging from 30 minutes to two hours a day.

Benefits of exercising

The advantages of exercising for dogs will be no less than those for humans. It helps your pup’s health in many ways and let's discuss a few of them:

Helps in tackling obesity:

This one should be self-evident. Obesity is the most common issue faced by puppies in recent days. Your dog, like us, requires some physical activity to stay healthy and energetic. Many of you buy dogs to keep you fit, but keep in mind that they require the same amount of exercise to manage their obesity. Puppies who maintain a healthy weight are less prone to develop joint problems, diabetes, and even cancer.

Promotes mental health:

To absorb all the other benefits from sunlight, it is a must for dogs to spend at least 30-40 minutes daily in the fresh air. Sunlight also boosts the synthesis of endorphins, which help your dog stay in a good mood. So, simply going outside can improve your dog's emotional health too. Exercise helps most dogs avoid negative behavior by releasing all of their pent-up energy and emotions.

Gives anti-aging look:

Loss of balance and muscular tone accompanies the aging process, which can lead to inactivity and weight gain. As with humans, getting enough exercise sharpens your dog’s brain and staves against some age-related disorders. 

Makes your pup obedient:

More interactive action could be the best way of getting your dog to stay with more zest. Spending time playing with your dog and teaching him new games strengthens your bond on all levels, resulting in more obedient behavior.

Conclusion

Under activity and over-exercising are equally harmful to your puppies. Over-exercising will lead to some serious problems like wear and tear of jaw pads, heatstroke, sore muscles, joint injury, etc. It is better to schedule your nutritional diet plan along with your exercise for a happy and long-living healthy puppy.