Exercise for Dogs: The Dos, Don’ts, Benefits, and Types

Dog Exercise - A comprehensive guide

"A tired dog is a happy dog." You’ve probably heard this before, but have you ever wondered why it's so true? Imagine coming home after a long day, and instead of finding a hyperactive dog bouncing off the walls, you’re greeted by a calm, content, and happy dog.

The secret to this transformation? Exercise. Just like us, dogs need regular activity to stay healthy and happy. But how much exercise does a dog need? And what are the best ways to keep them active? Dive into our guide to find out the answers to these questions and more!

Table of content

Benefits of Exercise for Dogs

Regular dog exercise has a lot of benefits. A few of them are:

  • Fitness and Agility: Regular exercise keeps your dog fit, agile, and flexible, promoting healthy bones, joints, and muscles.
  • Healthy Digestive System: Exercise improves dogs' digestive health, helps establish bathroom routines, and reduces constipation and bladder infections. It also aids in better food digestion.
  • Better Sleep Quality: Exercise helps dogs release excess energy, leading to better sleep. A couple of hours of intense exercise before bedtime can be especially beneficial.
  • Better Mental Health: Regular exercise enhances dogs' mental well-being, making them calmer and less anxious. It also helps with behavioral issues like separation anxiety and destructive chewing.
  • Weight Control: Exercise helps prevent obesity, which can lead to diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, liver problems, and joint-related problems. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health.
  • Nutrition Control: Exercise helps burn excess calories from treats, preventing weight gain. Dog parents need to manage their pets' diet and exercise to avoid overfeeding.
  • Confidence Buildup: Exercise exposes dogs to new surroundings and people, building their confidence and reducing anxiety and behavioral issues over time.

Exercise Requirements for Different Dog Breeds

Different breeds have varying exercise needs based on their original purposes. Some dogs require aerobic training, which means any physical activity that lasts longer than two minutes such as long-distance walks, runs, etc.

While some breeds require anaerobic training, mean physical activities that occur in short bursts and ask your dog’s body to produce energy such as sprints, and high-intensity games of tug. Here's a brief overview of breed-specific exercise recommendations:

Toy Breeds

Bulldogs and Pugs

  • Both breeds are brachycephalic (short-nosed) and prone to breathing difficulties.
  • Need light and short exercise sessions.
  • Daily short walks and play sessions totaling about 30 to 60 minutes are required for bulldogs and pugs.
  • Avoid exercising in hot or humid conditions.
  • Popular bulldogs and pugs include English Bulldog, American Bulldog, French Bulldog,  Australian Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Pugs, etc.

Terriers

Hounds

Herding or Working Dogs

Ways to Exercise Your Dog

Outdoor Exercises for Dogs:

Outdoor exercise is essential for dogs as it provides them with fresh air, new smells, and different surfaces to explore. It helps keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.

  • Hiking: Take your dog on a nature trail or park. Hiking provides a good mix of cardio and muscle work.
  • Jogging: Running alongside your dog helps build endurance and provides a great cardiovascular workout.
  • Swimming: Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for dogs, especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues.
  • Fetch: A classic game of fetch can be done in your backyard or at a park. It’s great for high-energy dogs who love to chase.
  • Dog Sports: Engage your dog in sports like frisbee, flirt pole, lure coursing, or scent work. These activities provide mental stimulation and physical exercise.
  • Backyard Obstacle Courses: Set up jumps, tunnels, and weave poles in your backyard to create a fun and challenging course for your dog.

Indoor Exercises for Dogs:

Outdoor exercise is not always possible due to weather conditions, space limitations, or safety concerns. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog active and entertained indoors. 

  • Running Up and Down Stairs: If you have stairs, you can use them to give your dog a good cardio workout. Just be sure it’s safe for your dog’s joints.
  • Indoor Obstacle Courses: Use household items to create an indoor obstacle course with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles.
  • Hide-and-Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house and let your dog find them. This game provides mental stimulation as well as physical activity.
  • Treadmill: Train your dog to walk or run on a treadmill for a controlled indoor workout. Start slow and use treats to encourage them.
  • Games of Tug: A game of tug can be a great way to engage your dog’s muscles and provide a fun indoor activity.
  • Agility Training: Practice agility training indoors using small hurdles, tunnels, and weave poles.
  • Obedience Training: Spend time working on commands and tricks. This provides mental stimulation and can be physically engaging for your dog.
  • Food and Treats Hunt: Hide food or treats around the house to encourage your dog to hunt for them, providing both mental and physical exercise.
  • Doga (Dog Yoga): Engage in yoga exercises with your dog. This can be a calming and bonding activity that also helps with flexibility and strength.

Mental Exercises for Dogs

Food puzzles, edible chews, and treat hunts are great mental exercises for dogs. These can teach your dog obedience and habits or just make them smarter.

They also help keep them engaged while you’re away and curb issues like separation anxiety and destructive chewing.

Learn more: How Dog Chews Might Help with Dog Anxiety

FAQ

What is the recommended daily exercise for a dog? 

The recommended daily exercise for a dog varies based on breed, age, and health. Generally, dogs need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise each day. Small dogs and puppies need short sessions of light exercise and adult dogs may require longer sessions and medium to moderate levels of exercise.

My dog doesn't know how to exercise. What should I do? 

If your dog isn't accustomed to exercising, start with short walks or play sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Use toys or treats to encourage movement and make exercise enjoyable.

Is exercise good for dogs with enlarged hearts? 

Exercise can be beneficial for dogs with enlarged hearts, but it must be tailored to their condition. Consult your veterinarian for specific guidelines. In some cases, low-impact activities like gentle walks or swimming may be recommended.

Can dogs eat after exercise? 

It's generally safe for dogs to eat after exercise. However, avoid feeding them immediately before vigorous activity to prevent digestive issues. Allow your dog to cool down and rest briefly before offering food or water.

Also read: Common human foods dogs should avoid

Conclusion

Physical exercise is a must for any dog, regardless of its breed, age, or tendencies. They help dogs’ physical and mental wellness and strengthen bonds between dogs and their parents.

To keep your dog motivated during exercise, consider using high-quality, natural, and healthy chews and treats, such as our Tibetan Dog Chew or Tibetan Crunchy Cheese Puffs.

We hope you are now better informed about the basics of dog exercise. If you need an advanced guide on dog training, you can check our post: How to Effectively Train Your Dog

If you are an aspiring dog parent and looking to adopt your first pup, here’s a guide on how to choose the perfect dog breed for you and the essentials every dog parent should know.

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