WE like to move it move it…..
Dogs like to move it move it.
We humans get all the good stuff from exercise. We get mood boosters via chemical processes in our brains. Moving our bodies helps keep all of the mechanical stuff working properly, like joints, muscles, and tendons. Dogs experience some of the same benefits from exercise. Humans have adapted to changes in our lifestyles over time, dogs were bred for jobs they no longer perform on the regular. So that adaptation to their environment is much more important and being bred for traits to perform a job means it’s not as easy for them to adapt to sedentary lifestyles.
It has been my experience that dogs that were bred to work, should work, or do something as satisfying to their urges as the work would be. Herding dogs are the big misunderstood blue heeler in the room. They need to herd. They don’t just want to herd; they need to herd the same way they need breathing. They will herd you, your toddler, the cat, and all the Labradors that you can put in one room. At Annie’s Ruff House we have an outlet for all of that herding, it is called big open space with lots of other dogs that would love to please be chased around in circles.
Exercise all by itself is great. Running with your dog, walking with your dog, and dog park time, all good things. But what a dog really needs is the opportunity to do interesting things paired with exercise. There are treadmills for dogs that can run the dog and make them tired. But a better overall experience for the dog includes interesting smells, textures, tastes, and visuals. Things that will stimulate their senses in a whole-body kind of way. Running is great but running while herding a Labrador is even better. Sniffing while running is great but sniffing while running with other dogs adding interesting smells is even better. Running on a city paved sidewalk is fine, but running on a trail where coyotes, deer and/or bunnies have traversed recently is even more fun.
Care should be taken to warm up the muscles and joints before sprinting after another friend or wildlife. Just like human bodies, canine bodies should acclimate to exercise to prevent injuries. An elderly sedentary dog is going to have much different needs than say a 6-month-old puppy. Dogs will need exercise daily to maintain their stamina, flexibility, and joint strength. If you have been busy of late and your dog has had less exercise than you would like, then be cautious as you start a new program. Start with a walk if possible and move up to a run, adding time and distance a little at a time. Spend time training your dog to walk well on leash so they aren’t tempted to pull you out of the car on cold muscles and joints. Remembering to add play into your exercise as often as possible for the mental stimulation aspect of it.
Paw pads should be tempered to withstand the exercise that your dog is about to embark upon. If you will be running on pavement, consider shorter runs to build up the paw pad toughness, and consider temperature of the surface. Dogs can burn their pads on cement very easily, as well running on pavement will cause friction blisters. Work up to longer runs. Think about if you were to have to do what they are doing bare footed.
Cardio-vascular system can be overworked easily. Consider your breed, coat structure, and overall health, as well as outside temperatures. If you have a brachiocephalic (short snout) dog, then running and heavy cardio might not be the best form of physical and mental stimulation for them. A walk early in the mornings might serve them better. However, some dogs absolutely thrive in warmer temperatures. Remember that black dogs also get hot faster than a lighter color coat. Additionally, stop often for water and cool down opportunities.
Ultimately it is the human’s responsibility to ensure a safe and active lifestyle that fits the breed, or a breed that fits the human’s lifestyle. We should be providing physical exercise and mental stimulation for our dogs in the way that best suits them.
Happy Tails on Happy trails!
