Exercise keeps the dog happy and content, it promotes their health and is one of the most important elements of keeping your pet happy.
Couch potato or athlete?
When it comes to exercise, dogs are very different. Some love it cozy and only want to go outside when the weather is nice. Others are happy when they can work and romp outside all day.
How much exercise a dog needs also depends on its age and fitness. But the preferences of the owners also vary, and if the needs of owner and dog do not match, problems are inevitable.
Most people choose their dog based on looks alone. But behind every dog's physique are years of selective breeding. Whether it is a pedigree dog or a mixed breed, the genetic predisposition of a dog is reflected in its character, its tendencies and thus in its need for exercise. The ancestors of some dogs were bred specifically for sustained physical and mental activity. These include hunting and herding dog breeds, such as Springer Spaniels or German Shepherds. Other dogs, such as Pekingese, have existed for generations only to be decorative and sociable.
Unfortunately, some dogs are severely physically impaired by torture, such as deformed airways, so that they do not like to run, but only trot slowly or prefer not to move at all in unfavorable conditions and heat.
It is important to know the lineage of your dog, i.e. the breeds involved and their original breeding purpose.
You can also get an idea of how much energy and urge to move your dog might have if you compare its body shape with that of a wild dog or a wolf.
how much is enough
Finding the right balance between your dog's need for exercise and your own time isn't always easy, especially when you come home tired after a long day at work to a dog who now wants to get rid of all his energy.
But for a happy and healthy dog it is necessary that we provide him with sufficient physical and mental stimulation .
Life with an under-challenged dog can quickly become a challenge. Not only is it frustrating for the dog, but for its owner as well. For an energetic, fun-loving dog, living with people who walk out the door and otherwise spend hours in front of the screen or have little interest in playing and walking with them must be unbearably boring.
He has to go somewhere with all that energy. Such dogs often become flashy, loud, boisterous, naughty, and destructive.
Is your dog more tolerable on Sunday evenings after a busy weekend? Or after a holiday in which he had plenty of opportunity to let off steam? If so, and if problems start to build up during the week when he spends too much time alone, then you can be sure that your dog is storing up too much energy. If you give him more opportunity to work these off, he will be calmer, happier, easier to train and you will enjoy him more.
A lifestyle that is too inactive does not only lead to a lack of fitness in dogs. The frustration of not moving causes stress, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of disease. Getting enough exercise on a regular basis can help you and your dog live happier and more relaxed lives together, although you may need to hire a dog walker to do so.
On the other hand, there are mainly small dogs or dogs with physical problems that need or want less exercise than their owners would like. Some dogs are afraid to go outside and would rather stay at home. The best compromise here may be to leave the dog at home more often, even if you'd rather be out and about with him.
It is often difficult to say how much exercise is sufficient, as this depends on many factors, such as the dog's genetic predisposition, fitness, age and health. Several moderate exercise sessions throughout the day are certainly better than one or two short, high-energy phases. But that is simply not possible for many owners. Too much exercise can lead to body aches, making the dog reluctant to exercise. A lack of exercise, on the other hand, often triggers problematic behavior because the dog tries to release the pent-up energy. It is best to look at how the dog behaves at home and on walks. Follow him rather than any general rules. If your dog is lethargic and reluctant to exercise, do less. (However, if this is sudden and unusual, consult your veterinarian .) If your dog is constantly overexcited, he will need more exercise and mental stimulation.
