People often ask: How long does it take to walk a dog? In other words, how much exercise does a dog need? This is an important question, but there's another question that's also important: What kind of exercise is good for dogs, and what kin...
People often ask: How long does it take to walk a dog? In other words, how much exercise does a dog need? This is an important question, but there's another question that's also important: What kind of exercise is good for dogs, and what kind is bad for dogs?
Gaits that help build muscles
Dogs have different gaits. The order from slow to fast is walking (slow walking), pacing, trotting (fast walking) and galloping (running). Which one do you think can exercise the muscles that stabilize the body and keep the joints healthy?
Surprisingly, it is the slowest kind - walking. When the dog walks slowly, it only moves one foot at a time, with a rhythm of 1-2-3-4 (opposite of 1-2-1-2 of trotting). The next time you take your dog for a walk, slow down and try walking. This will help build important small muscles that maintain good health and balance!
Various terrain and various sports
If possible, give your dog the opportunity to walk on different surfaces, such as tree roots or grass, so that you have the opportunity to use small muscles that are often ignored. Dogs need to concentrate when they have to move their bodies with particular precision, and it's also good for dogs to practice moving around arcs and over obstacles.
Playing with other dogs is another activity that involves a lot of action. It's okay for dogs to play with each other as long as each dog is relaxed and in a safe situation. Keep each interaction short and sweet, and call stop before your dog becomes too tired, as dogs often become rough when they get too tired. Experienced dogs will usually rest and call stop on their own, but puppies or young dogs may need some help from you.
What about running?
If you have the opportunity to let your dog put the leash in a safe place, he may trot for a while, usually a lap or two, after which most dogs will slow down to sniff and explore. This form of running—leashed and given options—is no problem, and the dog usually enjoys it.
But another way: running with people or bicycles is not a good way at all. It is harmful to the dog's health and may even cause or aggravate behavioral problems. This running method forces the dog to perform monotonous and repetitive movements, and is likely to cause pain and injury. The lack of choice, the release of stress hormones, and possible pain all have the potential to negatively impact a dog's behavior.
In short, provide more opportunities for dogs to walk slowly on various terrains, advance in arcs, and overcome small obstacles. If given the chance, let them play with other dogs and have the freedom to run away if they choose.
