Lack of exercise is often to blame for bad behavior. Then there’s the obedience training, or rather, the lack of it. Every dog needs at least basic training and daily exercise. Once shepherds, guard and hunting dogs, now our dog friends have a new job; unfortunately, he usually collects his own dog welfare checks. Modern dogs lie around waiting for food and someone to pick them up among all the fabulous beds and toys.
While he wears the best collars, the matching leash is often rarely used. Most dog breeds need a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise every day and the best type is forward motion exercise. People believe that dogs need a big yard so they can get plenty of exercise. The truth is, most people don’t have a large yard and even if they did, most dogs don’t get exercise when they’re alone outdoors; they spend most of their time lying around waiting for “their people” to play with them.
Let’s be honest; most people don’t get enough exercise either. We are an overweight, cranky, multitasking society and we are doing a good job of creating dogs that reflect our own bad habits.
The best thing you can do for your dog is to take him out for exercise and the benefits for you and your dog will be immeasurable. Exercise channels the activity of both mind and body. Dogs that get regular exercise with their people tend to outgrow unwanted behaviors like chewing, annoying barking, separation anxiety, and aggressive tendencies.
You don’t have to start running marathons to properly exercise your dog. Start as you would any program on your own. Make sure your dog is mentally sound and then acclimate. He salts for 15 minutes and adds 5-10 minutes each week until he gets to at least 45 minutes, preferably every day. Walking is great, and if running is within your means, your dog will love it even more.
Dogs are labeled as our best friends and they can be if we give them the basics: exercise, discipline, and our time. Develop your relationship with your dog through exercise and you will get a friend who is not afraid of the dark, never criticizes you, never gossips, will follow you anywhere, will never stop showing up, and will always love you.
