Regardless of the type of dog you have, its age, or its size, it needs regular exercise. Dogs that have been able to burn off energy are generally better behaved and calmer, which means in the grand scheme of things making sure your dog is well exercised can help everyone.
The great news is that when it comes to dog fitness, there are different things you can do to make sure that your pup is a happy, well-rounded, and healthy dog, and they don’t all involve walking out in the rain for hours at a time.
Giving Your Dog Relaxation Time
Just like we need time to switch off and relax, so do our dogs. Allowing your dog to create a safe space at home is important for it to be able to relax and switch off properly. This works differently in every household, but a dog bed, crate, or even their own spot on the sofa can work well.
Work with your dog to allow them to know that this is their space and it is the space they need to go to in order to relax. Betway recently looked into relaxation for dogs and the importance of things like calming music to help them relax, and results show that the right music and environment can really help.
Keeping Fit and Healthy
Much like we need to move our bodies in order to stay fit, dogs are no different. Obesity in dogs can be a problem, especially if we’re a soft touch when it comes to things like dog treats and scraps after mealtimes. Rather than allow your pet to get chubby, ensuring that they have enough exercise to burn it all off is essential. A vet will be able to give you advice on things like portion control and exercise amounts if you’re unsure.
Their Mental Health
Of course, we know in order to be well-rounded individuals, we need to concentrate on both our mental and physical health – the same goes for your pets. Taking them outside to burn off steam allows them to relax better, and that leads to a happier dog. It also gives them a chance to have a good sniff and even socialize with other dogs, which in general, can help your pup to be much happier.
Mixing Things Up
When we talk about fitness and the importance of it in your dog, we’re talking about more than just taking them to the park for a run-around. These days we recognize that the overall health of a dog means stimulating them in different ways too. Sometimes the breed of dog you have can make a difference in the activities that they enjoy, but there are lots of ways to keep them happy. If you are worried that your dog might get lost, you can use a GPS dog fence.
Frozen, homemade dog treats can be a great way to keep them busy for a little while, and even mats that they can spend their time licking in order to get the treatment can help too. Many people don’t realize that these fun activities can be just as good for your dog as taking them out for a walk. The trick is to mix things up – play games with your dog, hide treats around the house and make them work for their food.
Regular exercise, giving your dog a chance to relax, and giving them activities to do in the house all lead to a much happier and healthier dog, which can increase their life expectancy and mean that life at home is easier and much calmer for everyone – so definitely all things that you should consider when you become a down owner.
