Dogs Need Exercise Too

It is well documented that in order to maintain a healthy life style we need to eat right and get the proper amount of exercise. The same is true for our dogs and they need exercise a lot more than we do. Why? Most dog breeds were bred to work and as a result have enormous amounts of energy and an instinctive drive to do that work. It is important to understand that most pet dogs were bred to perform daily tasks alongside humans, such as pulling sleds, herding sheep, hunting, retrieving and so on. Even before being domesticated our dogs' wolf ancestors roamed as many as 50 miles per day to hunt for food. If a dog does not get adequate exercise, this instinctive energy will build up and demand an outlet, usually in unwanted behaviors. Lack of exercise is the reason many dogs are hard to handle, out of control, and then end up driving their owners crazy, and are turned over to shelters, usually because their owners decide they are “just too hyper.” There is no such thing as a hyper dog - there are only under-exercised and untrained dogs.


The amount and duration of exercise needed by our canine companions varies by age, size, and breed. Medium size dogs need to run a minimum of five miles per week to maintain their health, large dogs need to run even more. Studies have shown that the benefits from consistent exercise are indeed significant as an active dogs life can be prolonged, just like humans. No matter what, it is certain that regular exercise has many health benefits and will help prevent heart disease, extend the life of your pet, promote strength in their bones and muscles that will help ward off arthritis and help your dog maintain a healthy weight.