We have all heard over and over again how good our dogs are for us and we have all determined on our own that they are indeed “man’s best friend.”  Most of us also know that our canine pals are great at making us feel better emotionally and sometimes physically as well. While most dog owners know this, they fail to recognize the fact that not only is your getting exercise important but that it’s important for your dog to exercise as well. In reality, being a responsible dog owner means taking care of your canine pal, not only physically and emotionally, but by making sure that they get the proper exercise as well.

You take your pet to the vet, you make sure they eat only the best food, you even make sure that they have their own space to sleep in and be alone when they feel the need, so why not realize how important it is for them to exercise every day. This is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important if you have a pup that is inside most of the day or cooped up while you’re at work and at other social activities that require your attention.

In this blog, we will go into a few of the top reasons why you should make sure that your pup gets the exercise he needs on a daily basis to be healthy and happy. We will also go into a few of the top ways you and your dog can get exercise together, and possibly much, much more. Ready to delve into this blog on the importance of your dog exercising? So, are we! Grab your pet, your leash, and your water bottle and let’s get started on our journey together.

Reasons Your Dog Needs to Exercise Every Day

First, we are going to go into the many reasons that your dog needs to be taken out to get some exercise on a daily basis. Not only is this important for their health, but for their mental stability as well.

Keeps Your Pet Fit

This one, of course, should be a no-brainer but it still goes without saying. Exercise, just as it does with you, keeps your pet fit and trim. It’s important to note, that some dogs that get regular exercise and stay fit and trim are less likely to develop certain types of cancers, joint problems, and even diabetes.

Helps with Anxiety Issues

Believe it or not, if your dog has suddenly become destructive and is destroying your house when you are gone, it may be as simple as adjusting his exercise routine to cure the problem. Studies have shown that dogs who get very little or not enough exercise actually have more anxiety issues, than dogs that get the required amount or more. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, try upping their exercise time and see if it helps. If it doesn’t, then it might be time to visit your vet instead.

Exercise can Slow the Aging Process

While we all know that getting old is a part of life, that doesn’t mean that you or your pet have to go gracefully. Studies have shown that regular exercise is capable of helping older dogs be healthier and even helps them to avoid certain age-related conditions. It is important to keep an eye on your older pet, however, especially right after a bout of exercising. If he wakes up the next morning looking stiff and moving around slowly, you might need to dial back on the amount of exercise you are letting him do. It’s also important to talk to your older dog’s vet to see what types of exercise are best for your aging pal and how much the vet recommends as well.

Exercise Helps with Obedience and Training

When you spend time with your pup exercising, it helps to create a bond between the two of you. It also helps increase your dog’s obedience and with any training, you are trying to do as well. Not only does the time spent together to improve your relationship with your pet, but it also builds their trust in you, and a tired dog is a good dog. If they get all of their energy out during your exercise time, then they will be tired and eager to snuggle afterward.

Teaches Your Dog Social Skills

This is where exercising at your local dog park comes in handy. Taking your dog out for daily exercise at the dog park helps to develop his social skills. The last thing you want is for your beloved pet to be aggressive or even terribly shy around other dogs and people. Taking your dog on walks or performing other exercises at the dog park ensures that your dog is getting enough socialization that he will coexist with others well. After all, you never know when you might want to bring home another pet, another dog or cat should be able to feel safe in their new home, don’t you think?

Gives Your Pup a Job of His Own

Not only does exercising help your pup to be social and increase his physical health, but it also gives him an important job to do. Doing a good job at something makes you feel great and it’s rewarding. Well, it’s no different for your canine pal. Remember, many dog breeds were once working animals and many still are. Exercising with you is not only rewarding for your pet, but it also gives him a sense of a job well-done at the same time. That is a win-win for both of you, wouldn’t you think?

Exercise can Help with Losing Weight

People aren’t the only one who can lose weight by exercising, your pup can as well. If your pet has put on a few extra pounds, and many do during the long winter months, then a quick jog in the park every day for both of you can help you both shed those winter pounds.

Exercising is Fun

One of the main reasons that you should take your dog out for daily exercise is that it’s fun. It’s not only fun for your dog, but it’s fun for you as well. Whether it’s a jog through the park or throwing the frisbee in the backyard, spending time with you, is something your dog dreams of and you should as well.

Now that we know the reasons that physical exercise is something you and your dog should be getting every day, it’s important not to forget that mental stimulation is a type of exercise that your pup should be getting as well. In our next section, we will discuss the reasons that mental stimulation is important for your dog’s health as well.

Top Reasons Mental Stimulation is Important as Well

While most pet owners realize that physical stimulation is important to their pet’s health and happiness, they tend to forget that it’s important for them to have mental stimulation as an exercise as well. Below, you can find some reasons why this is important to your pup.

To Keep Your Dog from Becoming Bored

Humans aren’t the only things that get bored from time to time, dogs do too. Dogs who are bored tend to start tearing up things and seeking more attention than normals, especially if their owners are out of the house for a major part of the day. This is simply a dog who is bored a way of amusing themselves while you’re away. Make sure to have plenty of dog toys available, such as food toys, food puzzles, and other games to keep him busy until you get home.

Helps to Make Your Pup Less Hyperactive

If your pup has ever been accused of being hyperactive, then it might be because he needs more mental exercise to keep him happy. If your dog is pinned up all day, then he could become quite a bit hyperactive. This is where getting him outside will help. Let him explore, run, and don’t forget to play some stimulating games as well, to ensure his energy is spent, both physically and mentally when you go home.

Helps to Keep Older Dogs Healthy Mentally

Even when older dogs get to where they can’t physically exercise as much, mental stimulation can ensure that they stay healthy mentally for as long as possible. Puzzle toys with treats and stimulation are the best ways to keep your older dog mentally sharp for as long as possible.

Helps Teach Younger Dogs Good Habits

Anyone who has ever had a puppy knows that good habits are not something they are born with. Mentally stimulating toys and puzzles have been proven to help young dogs become more confident and can teach them to behave properly. Of course, there is still going to be quite a lot of training involved with a new puppy, but that is to be expected.

It is said that the best way to keep your pup stimulated mentally is by hiding toys and treats around the house for them to find when you are at work and they are alone all day. Make sure to keep those toys and treats in areas that they are allowed to be and you might just find that your house is in the shape you left it when you get home.

Now, that we know the reasons it’s so important to keep your dog mentally stimulated and making sure that they get the right amount of exercise every day, let’s talk about a couple of the ways that you and your dog can make that exercise happen.

Take a Hike Together

There is nothing like you and your pup getting back to nature. Strap on his leash, grab your backpack with treats for you both and head out to climb some nature trails. Make sure that you are equipped for the hike and if you aren’t used to that much exercise, start out slowly and work your way up from there. Try starting out with a 10-minute hike a day and eventually move up to three 20 minute hikes, if time allows.

Play Tug-Of-War

There is nothing more fun for your canine pal than playing tug-of-war with you. It not only helps you build up your upper body strength, but it gives your pup the chance to exercise and show off his muscles and skills as well.

What About Rainy Days?

In every exercise routine, a little rain must fall. You’re going along great, exercising with your pup every day, and then it starts to rain. That’s no reason not to get in exercise for you or your dog. If you have stairs in your home, then go up and down them a few times together. Even a treadmill for you and your pup will work in a pinch.

Play Catch

If none of the above, or anything you’ve read sounds appealing to you, then you can fall back on the tried and true method that has been around for ages. Get out in the backyard and play a game of catch with your dog. It gives you both exercise, you don’t have to leave the yard, and it’s a game you can enjoy doing together. It’s also been around for a long, long time, so both of you should be able to do it with ease.

Check with Your Vet

Remember, that though it is important for your pet to get the right amount of exercise every day, you still need to consult your vet before changing your pup’s routine. Take your dog in for a general checkup, so your vet can make recommendations based on the results of your dog’s physical.

That concludes our blog on the top reasons that it’s important for your dog to exercise. Have fun out there and remember to stay cool and hydrated when you and your dog are exercising together.

Sources:

1. Dog Time: Top 10 Ways to Exercise with Your Dog
2. NoHo: 10 Reasons Why Mental Stimulation is Important for Dogs