Does your dog have destructive behaviours like
digging, or tearing up your house? Or even psychological issues like biting,
endless pacing, or other seemingly absurd behavioural issues? Then prevent
these problems and let your canine friend get more and enjoy life. The best
answer and prevention to these problems is to give your dog plenty of exercise
and activity. Your animal also demands quality attention from you as the dog
owner!
Dogs are born to
work for a living. They’ve worked alongside us for thousands of years, and most
are bred for a particular purpose, like hunting, herding livestock or providing
protection. Dogs’ wild relatives spend most of their waking hours scavenging
and hunting for food, caring for offspring, defending territory and playing
with each other. They lead busy, complex lives, interact socially and solve
simple problems necessary for their survival.
The most common
job for our companion dogs today, however, is Couch Potato! They no longer have
to earn their keep and instead have to adjust to our sedentary lifestyles. They
get their food for free in a bowl and are often confined, alone and inactive,
for most of the day. This lack of purpose leaves dogs no outlet for their
naturally active tendencies—physical and mental—and it contributes to the
development of behavioural problems.
Another problem modern dogs face because
they rarely work anymore is the lack of opportunity to exercise. Some pet
parents make the mistake of assuming that, if a dog has access to a yard, he is
getting exercise. But your dog doesn’t run laps by himself in your yard—or do
much of anything besides waiting for you to come outside or let him back
inside. It’s the interaction with you that counts!
The key to a good exercise is working up the heart a good amount so that
the dog reaches a good pant. This happens to be the dog's reaction to body
heat, so it is a good indication they are working hard. If the pant is too
strong, you will hear a harsh wheezing breath that sounds very unpleasant. Be
sure to give rest to your dog, especially older dogs and provide plenty of
water when finished. They will be very thirsty.
Problems that result
from dogs due to lack of exercise and play can be similar to that obtained from
young children. If you don’t give them something constructive to do with their
energy, they’ll find something to do on their own—and you may not like it! Some
of the most common behavioural problems seen in dogs that don’t get enough
exercise and play are:
- Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
- Investigative behaviours, like garbage raiding
- Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
- Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
- Excessive predatory and social play
- Play biting and rough play
- Attention-getting behaviours like barking and whining
Benefits of exercise
and play for your dogs are remarkable. Keeping your dog healthy, happy and out
of trouble with daily exercise is a lot of fun and provides many benefits,
including:
- Helps to reduce or eliminate the common behaviour problems listed above, such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity
- Helps to keep dogs healthy, agile and limber
- Helps to reduce digestive problems and constipation
- Helps timid or fearful dogs build confidence and trust
- Helps dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless, at bedtime or when you’re relaxing
- Helps to keep dogs’ weight under control.
Thus exercising
your pet is equally important as it is for you. Exercising your pets would also
lead to sweating and panting. Hence it is necessary to keep your pet fresh and
clean. Bathe Me Dry, a herbal dog shampoo, is one such product that helps keep
your pet hygienic and clean throughout his work out session.
