WHY WALKS SOMETIMES JUST AREN’T ENOUGH ​

Every dog is different, going on walks can be sufficient exercise but it’s not always enough. Don’t always rely on walks for your dog’s daily physical activity.

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If walks are the main feasible activity, here are some tips to make walks more valuable.

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  • Find new routes for your dog to explore

  • Allow your dog time to sniff

  • Incorporate other dogs and people into your walking routine, companionship is valuable for dogs

  • If it’s safe, try using a long lead to give your dog more freedom on walks

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Certain breeds have been bred for 100s, if not 1,000s, of years to perform specific tasks.

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So ask yourself, what was your dog bred to do?

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If the answer is to be a lap dog, then walks might be perfectly suitable for meeting his or her exercise needs.

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But if the answer is to help with hunting, walks might not be enough.

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Or if the answer is to herd livestock, walks might not be enough.

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Possibly the answer is to protect, and walks might not be enough.

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Do you see what I mean?! Every single dog is different.

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The key is to find what type of exercise your dog derives the most enjoyment and physical exertion from and do that.

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If you find yourself coming home from a long walk and your dog is still hyper, it might be time to reassess your exercise routine.

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How much enrichment, activity, and bonding time do you spend with your dog?

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Enrichment

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Canine enrichment and mental exercise can come in many forms.

 

Here are some basic mental exercises and enrichment ideas for your dog:

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  • Snuffle mats

  • Flirt poles

  • Lick mats

  • Foraging boxes

  • Hide and seek (with humans or treats or toys)

  • Digging (in a proper place, like a dig box/pit)

  • Trick training and more!

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The bottom line is, that enrichment and mental exercise can dramatically reduce problem behavior and help your dog feel happy, exercised, and fulfilled.

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Here are some great alternatives to walks to give your dog plenty of exercise:

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  • Flirt Poles

  • Fetch

  • Hide and Seek

  • Puppy Play Dates

  • Tug of War

  • Running/Jogging

  • Free Exploration

  • Hiking

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While every dog is different, most dogs truly enjoy quality time with their hooman companions.

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Sometimes that is just as simple as giving your dog a nice belly rub after a long day’s work.

Or, you can use food and chews to bond with your dog.

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Us dogs rely on you hoomans for many things, and bonding time is certainly one of them.

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Do your best to give your dog focused attention and bonding time each day!

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