How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?


Very often we think of the physical exercise of dogs as a stimulus to prevent the onset of health problems, but it is also true that physical activity carried out regularly also helps dogs with regard to their behavior, influencing a lot. positive about it.

In fact, remember that dogs have enormous vitality and through these activities they are able to burn many calories and, by releasing their energy, their tendency to certain destructive behaviors also decreases.

If you have a dog in the house that gives you a headache because it doesn’t stop barking or you are angry at it for doing one after the other , it may be time to ask yourself if you are doing things right your furry friend has the opportunity to really release all the energy he has in his body, according to his race and his age.

But fear not, nothing is impossible and below we give you  some tips about the physical exercise that dogs must do , so that you can put them into practice with your four-legged friend.

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

The amount of exercise needed obviously depends on the age, breed and health of the dog: a 10 month old Irish Terrier puppy, for example, will need more exercise than a 5 year old.

An animal needs short exercise sessions. The same goes for guard dogs or those used in dog sports, who like to hunt all day. But even within the same breed, needs can vary.

An exuberant 8-year-old Golden Retriever may need more physical activity than a small three-year-old Pekingese.

Generally speaking, a leashed walk around the block may be sufficient for most dogs, as well as being an essential routine. However, remember that most dogs need at least half an hour or an hour to move.

There are some rules that you must always keep in mind:

  • the dynamics breeds such as Greyhounds, they need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise , preferably every day.
  • Contrary to popular belief, it is not true that small dogs already get enough exercise at home: Pugs, for example, are dogs that have a tendency to obesity and therefore would need to exercise much more than they normally do. .
  • Going out for a walk or running when the weather conditions are extreme (too cold or too much fall) is not good for your dog: on these occasions it is better to stay at home and teach your trusted friend some tricks, such as bringing back a toy that you have pulled him or to go up and down the stairs.
  • A good physical activity planning should include not only exercises that involve your pet’s muscles and body, but also his mental abilities: by exploring, for example, a new trekking route, a lot of physical abilities will be stimulated and tested. as much as the mental ones of your trusted friend.
  • Do not misunderstand the message that a tired dog gives you: an exhausted animal, after having had the opportunity to let off steam with a good daily dose of exercise, is a happy animal .

What are the best places to exercise?

It happens to most dogs just like it does to people: they love places that are familiar to them and a bit of variety in their daily physical activity . Many specimens are familiar with the neighborhood they live in and have their favorite places, where they like to go.

The parks for dogs are suitable places to play and exercise off leash par excellence:  here your four-legged friends also have the opportunity to be with their own kind, essential for most animals.

However, not all dogs are able to play and be with other canine specimens adequately : if your dog does not like the company of his peers, the park may not be the most suitable choice, since problems could arise. unpleasant inconveniences, if not problems with other dogs

What happens if your dog doesn’t exercise?

Lazy, inactive dogs are usually animals that tend to be overweight. The extra pounds are just as bad for your health as they are for ours.

Obesity contributes to serious conditions such as diabetes or other heart or breathing problems.

A dog that does not exercise can begin to have problems with hip dysplasia and arthritis. not to mention that obesity can cause very serious damage to the joints, ligaments and tendons.

These types of difficulties become even more serious when the dog is an adult. For this reason it is important for your four-legged friend to get some exercise to avoid possible health problems and improve the quality of his life.

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