As a pet owner, our Okemos dog trainers recommend you ensure your animal is receiving enough exercise as it affects both their mental and physical health.
Things like breed type, level of intensity, and consistency also matter when it comes to . Of course, if you’re not willing to invest in your dog’s physical health, we recommend holding off on getting a pet pal until you are.
Here’s what you need to know with regards to giving your dog the exercise it deserves.
Try to Aim for 60 Minutes a Day (Generally)
Remember the “Let’s Move” ads for getting out to play an hour a day? Well, those ads apply to more than just people because your doggo needs that same level of attention!
At Dog Gone Fun, we strongly recommend at least one hour of physical exercise for your dog (and you!) a day. This helps keep them both physically healthy and mentally alert. If you notice your dog is barking a lot more, gnawing on the table, or tearing up the yard, it may be a sign that they’re not burning off enough energy throughout their day.
When we say exercise, we also mean more than just a casual walk around the block (although for smaller dogs and puppies this can work sometimes!) You want your dog to put in some effort, not just stroll. A way to tell if your dog gets enough exercise is if they slow down by the end of the workout. If they’re still bursting with the same vigor they had at the start, chances are they’re not getting enough out of the routine.
As a dog daycare, we know how busy parents’ schedules can get so we promise to give your dog a full day of play and fun. Our goal is that they’ll be ready to snuggle and nap in the evening, not chew on your shoes.
Consider Your Dog’s Age and Breed Type
Puppies sleep a lot. But when they’re not sleeping, they’re usually bursting with energy. For puppy owners, setting incremental play periods will keep your dog on a routine where they’re not bouncing off the walls.
Play periods could be 15-20 minutes of an activity like fetch or a light jog around the block. As they grow, exercise time will increase along with the type. A light jog might become a bike ride and the distance may double.
Your dog breed matters too. Herding dogs, dalmatians, terriers, huskies, and hunting dogs all need to burn a lot of physical energy throughout the day. On the other hand, smaller dogs or dogs with elongated bodies like greyhounds end up needing a less intense exercise routine.
Our dog trainers and daycare professionals will make sure your dog gets as much exercise as they need without burning them out. If we notice your pet needs a break, we’ll escort them to a private suite to rest and recharge.
Consequences Your Dog Faces With a Lack of Exercise
Much like people, not enough exercise in a daily or weekly schedule can create problems for your dog’s health. Common factors that people face like obesity, , respiratory issues, and diabetes are all still possibilities with your pet. The same goes for things like arthritis and joint failure.
Just like humans, dogs need to keep moving to stay healthy, and failure to do so means that their bodies are at a higher risk for premature failure. Whether you require daycare or dog boarding, we’ll establish a daily exercise routine for your pooch so they stay happy and healthy.
Exercising Tips to Keep in Mind
When it comes to exercise routines, here are a few things to consider:
- A routine is great, but a new trail or route will help keep your dog’s mind stimulated and help give them a better workout.
- Inclement weather should always be taken into consideration. Excessive heat and freezing temperatures should be avoided for certain breeds.
- Most dogs will drink more water when they get home than at the daycare or while out exercising. Be sure to keep them adequately hydrated.
- Dogs do like to check on their favorite spots! If you notice your dog always taking an interest in a house or tree while out for a , it may just be special to them.
- Dogs can benefit from playing indoors as long as they’re getting attention and play for a proper duration.
Whether you’re a puppy owner or you’ve had a dog for ten years, it’s never too late to give your dog the love and attention it needs through proper exercise!
We Can Help Your Dog Exercise Properly
If you work all day and have to leave your dog in a crate, it might be time to consider Dog Gone Fun. Our dog daycare in Okemos, MI, will give your pet the proper love and attention it needs so that you can continue loving it into a healthy, old age. If you’re curious about our services, feel free to reach out and contact us online or by phone at (517) 657-4300.
This blog has been updated.