Exercise

We all know that exercise and good health go hand in hand. Many of us try (with varying degrees of success!) to build habits and routines around exercise in order to reap those benefits.

But have you ever thought about the health benefits of exercise for your dog? Sure, going on a walk is a chance for your pup to get some fresh air and blow off some steam -- but the effects actually run much deeper than that.

If you want your furry friend to live up to his fullest potential, then dog exercise should be an integral part of your routine. Read on to learn why!

Physical Benefits

Just like humans, dogs need regular periods of exercise in order to stay in good physical shape. Exercising can be a key way to prevent certain illnesses and health problems while also helping to alleviate existing issues.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Helping your dog exercise is one of the best ways to avoid issues with their weight, particularly obesity. Your dog, while living in your home, has access to a steady supply of food; so, unless he gets regular exercise, his weight gain may be steady as well!

Becoming overweight can lead to a variety of future health complications for your pup, including joint pain, respiratory issues, and heart failure. Going on regular walks and engaging in active play can help your dog stay at a healthy weight.

Preventing Premature Aging

Like all loving pet owners, you want your dog to live the longest and healthiest life possible. However, letting your dog lounge around all day isn't going to be the best way to achieve this goal.

One of the simplest, but most important, benefits of dog exercise is that it keeps your furry friend moving. Physical activity of any sort can help to prevent premature aging by exercising your dog's muscles and joints and building up their endurance and strength. The work you two put into staying active now will benefit him for years to come.

Promoting Strong Muscles and Bones

By fortifying the muscles and bones, dog exercise also builds a strong defense against future health issues which may crop up in these areas later in life. Regular exercise can help prevent problems with muscle loss and osteoporosis later on -- saving your pup a lot of pain, and you a lot of money on vet bills.

Improving Internal Health and Metabolism

In addition to its various musculoskeletal benefits, dog exercise can improve other aspects of internal health as well. Healthy activity levels can help keep your dog's cardiovascular and respiratory systems in top shape. Exercise can also promote better digestion and improve insulin health, both of which can help your furry friend to feel his best.

Mental Benefits

Dog exercise isn't just important for your pet's physical health -- it's vital for his mental wellness, too. A healthy pup is a happy pup!

Giving Your Dog a "Job"

If you've ever watched a competitive dog show before, you know that the adorable contestants are sorted into certain groups: herding, sporting, and so on. Dogs are companion animals, and many were originally bred to assist with specific activities like those represented in these categories.

Your dog still has these basic instincts for helping. Thus, it's important to ensure your pet feels like he has a purpose in his life with you. Dog exercise can help with this, as your pup will enjoy having special "tasks" to do for you, like fetching a ball or finding an item in hide-and-seek.

Combatting Anxiety and Behavioral Problems

Your dog's instinctive desire to assist you also means that he enjoys having routines -- after all, he can "help" you better if he can predict when you'll need him. In addition, dogs are naturally active creatures. Because of these factors, it shouldn't be a surprise that not getting exercise on a regular basis can contribute to your pet experiencing anxiety and acting out.

Having a proper amount of dog exercise in your schedule can help to combat these issues. Physical activity can help your dog let off steam and work out nervous energy, leaving him calmer and more content. Exercising on a routine basis can also help create a rhythm in your dog's daily life, giving him a greater sense of stability.

Getting enough exercise can help your dog to behave better at home, too. If you give your pet a dedicated time of freedom and play, he's less likely to seek out ways of "entertaining" himself that you might not enjoy (chewed slippers, anyone?). Remember, a tuckered-out and content dog is less likely to tear the house apart!

Social Benefits

In addition to the great physical and mental benefits of physical activity, dog exercise can also help your pet to become more socially and emotionally well-rounded.

Providing Opportunities for Socialization

Dogs can often be territorial and protective creatures; it's in their nature, but it's not always desirable in a pet. After all, it's never fun when your dog gets overly agitated by visitors to your house or too aggressive with other pups at the park.

One of the best ways to encourage more friendly and sociable behavior is through exposure; you need to help your pet spend more time around other dogs and other people. Helping your dog exercise by going on walks and playing at the park gives him more opportunities to be around others, gradually teaching him how to be more comfortable and calm in social situations.

Strengthening You and Your Dog's Bond

Devoting time to dog exercise also means that you'll be getting quality one-on-one time with your favorite pooch. Naturally, this will bring the two of you emotionally closer together. Especially if you're someone who often spends a significant amount of time away from your dog due to your work schedule or other factors, this can be a great way to forge a special bond with him.

Promoting Obedience

By enjoying the time spent exercising with you, your dog will also learn to trust you more. After all, you're the wonderful human who takes him on fun walks and plays fetch with his favorite ball! Because of this positive association, he will gradually become more inclined to listen to you and obey your commands. This can make training easier and more efficient in the long run.

Benefits for Older Dogs and Dogs with Disabilities

It's clear that dog exercise comes with a myriad of benefits for your pup. However, keep in mind that regular physical activity isn't just for the young and fit; rather, it is important for dogs of all ages and abilities.

Easing Arthritis and Joint Pain

It might be natural to initially want to cut back on exercise if you know that your dog is dealing with some chronic pain. But contrary to what you may think at first, the right kind of movement can actually help to alleviate joint discomfort. Knowing your pet's abilities and limits can help you to create an appropriate dog exercise plan.

You'll want to avoid intense activities such as fetch and tug-of-war, as they involve quick bursts of movement and sudden stops. Keep an eye on the weather, too, as cold temperatures can aggravate joint discomfort. However, low-impact activities such as swimming and going on a leisurely walk on a nice day can be incredibly helpful for easing arthritis and other joint pain.

Building Strength and Balance

As we covered earlier, dog exercise can help to build up strength and endurance; this is especially vital for those with disabilities and other physical challenges. If a dog has experienced a health setback and needs to either relearn certain skills or learn to do them in different ways, regular physical activity will be vital in this process.

For instance, a dog recovering from orthopedic surgery can regain his sense of balance with appropriate exercise as he adjusts to his new gait. In situations where a longer rehabilitation program is needed, specialized aquatic therapy can be an incredibly beneficial experience as well. Your vet should be able to provide you with specific ideas to help your dog on his road to recovery.

Keeping Your Dog's Mind Sharp

The cognitive benefits of dog exercise can become particularly important as your furry friend gets older. In the same way that some folks do crossword puzzles to stay sharp, your pooch will continue to benefit from the mental stimulation of having special "tasks" to do.

For dogs unable to participate in high-intensity physical activities, food puzzles can be a great way to still engage them mentally. These toys provide plenty of stimulation as your dog tries to figure out how to get to the hidden treat. If this sounds like something your pup would enjoy, check out the endlessly entertaining Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle.

Furthermore, regular exercise routines can help your dog feel more comfortable with the pattern of their day. This can help them maintain a sense of clarity and peace as they age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we've discussed the major benefits of dog exercise, let's turn to some frequently asked questions.

Q: Is a good run around the yard enough exercise for my dog?

Letting your dog go for a good run around the yard is better than not getting any exercise, for sure -- at least it provides movement and time spent out in the fresh air.

However, good dog exercise should be more engaging than this, especially if you're hoping to achieve the mental and social benefits we went over earlier. Consider how going on a long walk together provides an opportunity to bond with your pet, and how playing games engages your dog's problem-solving skills. Your active involvement in the exercise is key for reaping all of its rewards.

Read our recommendations about the Best Exercise Equipment for ways to make exercising your dog fun.

Q: How much exercise is ideal at each life stage?

While dog exercise is important throughout your pup's lifespan, the exact amount will vary at each stage of their development.

Puppies have an incredible amount of energy and love to play -- but since they're still growing and tire easily, they're better suited to several shorter periods of exercise throughout the day rather than one longer one.

On average, adult dogs should be getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day. This amount can vary widely based on breed and temperament; doing some research to learn more about your dog's specific needs can help you determine how much time you should be aiming for.

As far as senior dogs go, the target amount of exercise should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some older dogs may get tired more easily and require shorter exercise periods, while others may still have the stamina of their youth.

Q: What sort of exercise is best for my dog?

Honestly, the answer to this question will be different for each individual dog! However, there are some general considerations you can take into account when deciding how to help your dog exercise.

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and smaller and larger dogs have different strengths when it comes to participating in physical activity. Larger dogs can be well-suited for going on longer walks and participating in high-intensity sports activities, which would wear a smaller pup out too quickly; conversely, smaller dogs may enjoy playing games which wouldn't be enough of a workout for their larger counterparts.

Your location and community will also play a part in what sort of exercise options are available to you and your dog. A rural setting may be more conducive to activities needing more open space, such as playing frisbee or running a homemade agility course. Suburban and urban communities, on the other hand, may provide better access to dedicated dog parks.

Of course, there will always be those days when the weather just isn't great for outdoor activities. But the fun doesn't have to end just because you're stuck inside! Tossing a ball up and down the stairs, setting up a homemade obstacle course, or playing tug-of-war are all great options for getting your daily dog exercise done indoors.

Moving Towards a Healthier, Happier Future

It's hard to overstate the importance of exercise in your quest to provide the best quality of life for your pet. Helping your dog exercise is one of the most vital things you can do to ensure his health and well-being for years to come.

Are you ready to keep working towards a better lifestyle with your dog? Check out our other Dog Exercise posts and guides!

Your dog is part of the family, so you obviously want to do what is best for them. From choosing the right food and the highest quality treats, your pup looks to you for the care they need. Part of that care is learning how to exercise your dog.

But do you know how to exercise your dog? What does it mean to exercise your dog? Walks? Fetch? Agility courses? And how much exercise is right for your dog?

As you can see, there are lots of questions to answer. Keep reading to see how to keep Fido or Lady in tip-top shape!

What Kind of Exercise Does Your Dog Require?

Breed

When taking proper care of your furry friend, you need to understand what their breed needs to live a long and healthy life. When it comes to exercise, different dog breeds require different types of daily physical activity. For example, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds require a significant amount of daily physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. Exercising your dog in a way that doesn’t match the breed will either under-stimulate them or put them at risk for injury.

Flat Face Dogs

Flat-faced pups like pugs have a lower tolerance to high physical activity because of their breathing constraints. These dogs have smaller airways making breathing more complicated than the average long-snouted dog. In turn, this makes it hard for them to pant to cool down.

You may think you’re doing a good deed by taking them on a long walk, but this type of exercise for flat faced breeds can be quite dangerous. Even worse than heat for these flat-faced dogs is humidity. This can drastically raise the dog's body temperature, resulting in overheating and heatstroke.

Small Dog Breeds or Toys Breeds

Just like flat-faced breeds, smaller breeds cannot take on as much exercise as larger breeds can. So taking your chihuahua on a 3-mile hike can be more harmful than helpful. Rather, these type of dogs thrive on short-duration activity throughout the day. Multiple short walks and fully charged playtimes keep them happy and healthy.

Large Dog Breeds

The larger the breed, the more exercise they need, right? That’s not always the case.

Giant breeds like Great Danes can be prone to hip and joint issues, so prolonged periods of running and jumping aren’t the best choice of daily activity for them. St. Bernards only need daily walks to meet their exercise requirements. This is why it’s important to research your dog’s breed (or mix of breeds)!

In general, most larger breeds need short bursts of high activity followed by long walks or moderate runs.

Age

Age plays a big part in how to exercise your dog. Younger pups crave more frequent and physically strenous exercise and can go from sun up to sun down. An older dog, on the other hand, may take a few more naps during their day.

Remember that old dogs can and will learn new tricks if you’re willing to teach them. Just make sure that the activity is age appropriate for your pup. Taking your 10-year-old German Shepherd to agility training might not be best for his age.

Younger dogs need lots of exercise to aid in their development and learning. Taking them on walks also helps with mental stimulation of their growing minds and socialization skills.

Senior dogs benefit from more low-impact activities such as light walks, swimming, or even chasing or fetching when limited to 15-minute increments.

Weight

Like us, it’s not uncommon to see some weight gain in your dog if there has been an excess of treats and not as much physical activity. But once you learn how to exercise your dog, you can get their weight under control.

Don’t expect your dog torun for a mile or play an hour-long game of fetch right away. Like humans, they need to build up their stamina. Once they’ve established a routine of shorter walks and small increments of heavy activity, they’ll be ready to work up to longer periods of daily exercise.

Make sure to keep your dog comfortable by offering them a warm-up before any type of intense activity as well as cool-down sessions. This keeps their muscles and joints happy and healthy.

If your dog is not used to physical activity and has fallen into a sedentary lifestyle, look into physical therapy to avoid damaging joints or ligaments, especially with older dogs.

Be On the Lookout For…

When exercising your dog, there are a few things to watch for, one being hot weather. This goes for all breeds, big and small. Dogs can get overheated easily, and it can lead to life-threatening outcomes. Make sure your dog always has access to cool, clean water, when exercising.

Make sure you know of any medical conditions your dog has, such as arthritis, hip, or joint issues. If your dog does have any medical issues, always check with your vet about the best exercise or add daily activity for your pet.

How to Exercise Your Dog

Walks

The number one best exercise for your pup is walking. Not only is this amazing for your dog’s joints and muscles, but it also offers great mental and social stimulation. Walking is the perfect way beginning of exercise, especially for dogs not used to being active.

Running

All dogs have an instinctual urge to run and chase, so why not let them satisfy that urge? Running offers your dog a way to blow off steam and release any built-up tension, which results in a calm, happy pup afterward.

Obedience Training

Not only is obedience training a necessity for all dogs, but it also gives your dog much-needed mental and physical stimulation they can’t get with other kinds of activity. They learn commands, manners, tricks, and get to do scent work.

Fetch

Like running, fetch is a good way to tap into your dog’s instincts. The short bursts of energy work your dog’s muscles and ligaments and provide a ton of mental stimulation. All dogs, big and small, love fetch.

Now whether or not they retrieve the ball or frisbee and bring it back is a whole other question.

Dog Parks

Like people, dogs have all sorts of personalities with unique characteristics and quirks. Not all dogs benefit from dog parks. While it’s like Disneyland for one dog, another dog may find it a stressful and traumatic experience. Know which dog yours is!

If you want to be able to bring your dog to a dog park for regular exercise, you’ll need to introduce them to this environment slowly. Ideally, you want to start when they're puppies, but not everyone gets their dog at that age.

Pay attention to how your dog responds to the dog park. If your dog is social and likes the park, this is a space where your dog can run, jump, play, and, most importantly, socialize. It’ll probably be their favorite exercise activity they can’t wait for.

If you’ve tried visiting the dog park a few times and your dog’s clearly uncomfortable with the situation, it’s just not their thing, and that’s okay! Dog parks are only one exercise option and there are plenty of exercise your dog will enjoy.

Swimming

Swimming offers exercise for dogs that's easier on joints and is perfect for older dogs or dogs with physical limitations. Swimming is proven to decrease inflammation and is the best exercise for pups with arthritis. Of course, swimming isn’t just limited to older dogs – younger dogs will also greatly benefit from it.

Agility Classes

Have an active pup that just wants to run, chase, and jump? Try your dog at agility classes. These classes are specifically aimed at dogs that have energy to spare. These classes help prevent obesity and improve endurance, strength, and joint health.

These classes also provide your dog with problem-solving skills and mental stimulation that will keep them sharp and as healthy as can be.

Scent Work

Scent work is the answer if you are home and wondering how to exercise your dog. Scent work offers brain benefits that walking and other activities don't. Your dog does have to learn this, but most dogs catch on quickly after the first few sessions.

Scent work is great for those who aren't able to be physically active with their dogs but want to keep them in shape. This works to fufill a dog’s natural instincts and offers wonderful brain and physical stimulation. Scent work tires out the dog because they are using different portions of their brain to do the work.

The same way walking your dog around the block can activate their little sniffers and get them walking about and tired out, scent work can offer the same benefits.

Post-Exercise Care for Your Dog

Just like us, dogs need post-workout care. After a long hard workout or strenuous activity, properly taking care of muscles prevents muscle pain or injury.

Hydration

Regardless if you’re taking your dog on a casual walk or a jog through the park, your pup always needs access to clean, fresh water. Hydration is key when exercising your dog because water replenishes the body so everything can run smoothly. This also helps keep muscles from cramping up and causing aches and pains.

Remember not to let your dog gulp up the water. Instead, offer it in smaller amounts to prevent stomach upset and bloating.

Cool Down

After a fast walk, hike, or run, allow your dog to cool off. Letting them take a small stroll or sniff around for 5 minutes is enough to get their body temperature and heart rate back to normal. This also allows their muscles to relax and stretch after working hard.

Diet

After learning how to exercise your dog, you don’t want it to all be in vain because of what your dog eats. Giving your pup the proper diet to nourish their bodies will keep them happier and healthier for longer.

Whether you feed your dog fresh, raw, kibble, or canned, make sure to check that it’s made with high-quality ingredients. Avoid foods with fillers or by-products at the beginning of the ingredients list, as those cause adverse effects on a dog’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I exercise my dog without walking or running?

There are many alternative ways to keep a dog fit and active without going on a daily walk or run. You can play a game of fetch in the backyard, play tug of war, or even teach them a new trick! Anyway to get them moving and mentally engaged is good for them.

There are all kinds of dog exercise equipment you can purchase to make the exercise even more fun! You’ll see exactly what your dog needs from sniff mats, ball throwers, and even treadmills for dogs.

What is considered active for a dog?

Active would be any dog that is bred to have a job – typically called “working dogs.” An example is Australian Shepards. They were specifically bred to herd sheep. Working dogs are highly active and require more exercise than the average dog.

How do I exercise my dog when I have a busy schedule?

You can make the exercise session short, yet effective. A 10-minute run or intense game of fetch a few times a day could be perfectly adequate for your pup. There are also many interactive toys like Flirt Poles on the market today that can give you a bit of a break without sacrificing your dog's need to run and chase!

Can dogs go one day without exercise?

Of course, yes, there may be times when you’re unable to take your dog for his favorite run or walk through the park, and that’s ok. One day or even two days off won’t hurt them. It may even benefit them, especially after being more active than usual.

What happens if you don’t exercise your dog?

Sedentary lifestyles can result in stiff, tense, painful muscles that lead to early onset weakness when moving. Exercise helps keep these muscles and ligaments relaxed, which maintains your dog’s strength.

Keeping your dog exercised also keeps your dog from getting bored. When dogs are bored, they tend to lean into more destructive behavior to relieve their boredom. You’d much rather take them for their nightly walk than replace the furniture.

How to Exercise Your Dog the Right Way

dog exercise equipment

Now that you know exactly how to exercise your dog, you’ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier pup! More activity leads to a longer life and creates the ultimate bond with your dog.

Want to see even more dog care tips? Check out All Paws for all you need to know.