Many people would automatically think, “Of course they do!”
But the answer to this question is actually: “It depends.”
Every article you’ve read states that dogs require daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. However, there are other solutions than trekking every day.
Your dog’s daily need for activity depends on age, brits, and size. Additionally, there are other ways for them to get the exercise they need. There are a lot of different activities that can be done to get them that needed a workout for the day.
Studies show that a dog’s average time for physical activity is around 30 minutes to two hours each day.
Some with a busy schedule have considered letting their dogs run around in the backyard as a form of walking exercise- well, it isn’t! This does not count as a substitute! They don’t only need physical activity but also social interaction. The breeds that require much more exercise hunt, herd, or work. Examples of these breeds are Hounds, Shepherds, Retrievers, Collies, and many more. These dogs need more time to exercise to prevent them from getting bored.
Here’s a fun fact: These dogs are also great for nose work training and agility games. This encourages them to use natural skills, such as herding and tracking.
Meanwhile, short-muzzled breeds such as pugs and Pekingese require quite the opposite. Given their size, they do not need that much exercise.
Don’t get us wrong;—they are playful and full of energy, but they do not have the stamina to sustain long hours of games.
If you plan to walk your dog, try to do it early in the morning or at night. These periods usually have less intense temperatures, so your dog will have less trouble.
Keep an eye on panting; this is a sign that your dog has had enough exercise for the day.
But if you have a dog of a mixed breed that doesn’t fall on one part of the spectrum, then you, as the owner, must study your dog well and assess its capability and style.
Please note that as your dog ages, their need for exercise does lessen.
Numerous conditions hinder them from performing activities they used to. However, this should not mean that they do nothing to exercise.
Try to pace it out and see what works best for your dog. It is easy to tell if your dog has had enough exercise for the day, given the fact that they are very expressive when it comes to this. Just make sure to keep an eye on it.
