The Crucial Role of Exercise in Dog Behaviour and Training

Oct 31, 2024 | Blog, PRA Blog

Here at Pet Resorts Australia, we’ve seen just how much of a difference daily exercise can make for dogs. Whether it’s a fun game of fetch or some time running around with their buddies, our daily playtime sessions for both our dog boarding and doggy daycare guests show us firsthand how important staying active is for our furry friends. It’s not just about keeping them in shape—exercise plays a huge role in helping dogs stay calm, well-behaved, and ready to learn. In this post, we’re excited to share what we’ve learned about how regular exercise can benefit both your dog and you. By making physical activity a part of your dog’s routine, you’ll see the positive changes for yourself, just like we do every day with the dogs in our care.

Benefits for Dogs

Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Without enough physical activity, dogs can easily become overweight, leading to a host of health problems like joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease.

Promoting Overall Health:
Exercise does wonders for a dog’s overall health. Regular physical activity helps improve digestion, ensuring that your dog’s system is working smoothly and reducing the risk of issues like constipation. It also boosts circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, keeping your dog’s body in top condition. Plus, exercise helps build stronger muscles and bones, which is particularly important for breeds prone to joint problems.

Stress Reduction:
Exercise is a natural stress-buster for dogs. When dogs don’t get enough physical activity, they can become restless, anxious, and more likely to engage in destructive behaviours like chewing or excessive barking. Regular exercise helps burn off that pent-up energy, leaving them calmer and more relaxed.

Anxiety and Aggression Management:
For dogs dealing with anxiety, especially separation anxiety, regular exercise can be a game-changer. Physical activity helps tire them out, making them less likely to get worked up when you leave the house. It also reduces the likelihood of aggression, which often stems from frustration or excess energy.

Boredom Prevention:
Boredom is one of the most common causes of behavioural issues in dogs. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, dogs can turn to unwanted behaviours like digging, chewing, or excessive barking to keep themselves entertained.

Improved Focus:
A well-exercised dog is a focused dog. When your dog gets enough physical activity, they’re more likely to be calm and attentive during training sessions. This improved focus means they can learn new commands faster and retain them better.

Benefits for Owners

Strengthening the Bond:
Spending time together on walks, playing fetch, or engaging in other physical activities helps build a stronger bond between you and your dog. As your relationship grows stronger, you’ll notice that your dog is more eager to please and cooperate during training sessions, making the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Physical Health Benefits:
Exercising with your dog isn’t just good for their health—it’s great for yours too! Regular walks, runs, or play sessions with your dog help improve your fitness, boost cardiovascular health, and increase your overall physical activity levels. Plus, the endorphins released during exercise can enhance your mood, reduce stress, and contribute to better mental well-being.

Stress Relief:
Exercising with your dog is a fantastic way to relieve stress. Whether it’s a peaceful walk in the park or a lively game of tug-of-war, these activities allow you to unwind and enjoy quality time with your furry friend. The mutual benefits of stress relief make exercise a valuable part of both your daily routines.

Social Interaction:
Taking your dog out for walks or to the park often leads to interactions with other dog owners. These social opportunities can enhance your social life, providing a chance to meet new people and build connections with fellow dog lovers.

Implementing Exercise in Dog Training

Fetch with a Twist: Incorporate obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “down” before the dog is allowed to chase the ball. This adds a training element to a traditional game of fetch.

Tug-of-War with Rules: Use tug-of-war as a reward, but only after the dog has successfully followed a command. This can also help teach impulse control, where the dog must wait for a command before grabbing the toy.

Agility Training: Set up an agility course in your backyard or join a local agility class. This type of exercise combines physical activity with mental challenges, requiring dogs to navigate obstacles like tunnels, jumps, and weave poles while following commands.

Flyball: A team sport where dogs race against each other to retrieve a ball and bring it back. It’s great for high-energy dogs and teaches them to focus and follow commands in a high-stimulation environment.

Trail Training: While hiking, stop periodically to practise commands like “heel,” “wait,” and “come.” The varied environment provides natural distractions, helping to solidify obedience commands in different settings.

Pack Walks: Organise group walks with other dogs and owners. Use these walks to practise walking calmly on a leash, proper greetings with other dogs, and basic commands in a social setting.

Water Retrieval: For dogs that enjoy swimming, incorporate retrieval exercises in the water. This not only provides excellent physical exercise but also builds on training commands like “fetch” and “come.”

Hydrotherapy Training: If your dog has joint issues or is recovering from an injury, hydrotherapy pools can be used for low-impact exercise that integrates gentle training commands.

Search and Rescue Games: Hide treats or favourite toys around the yard or house and use commands like “find it” to engage your dog in scent-based games. This is mentally stimulating and provides a controlled form of exercise.

Hide and Seek: Play hide and seek with your dog using interactive toys that make noise or have hidden treats. Incorporate commands like “stay” and “find” to add a training element.

Obstacle Courses in the City: Use everyday objects like benches, stairs, and curbs to create an urban agility course. Teach your dog to jump over benches, weave through poles, or balance on narrow surfaces while following commands.

Remember to Change it Up

Varying the type, intensity, and location of exercise can keep training sessions engaging and prevent boredom. For example, alternate between walking routes, types of games, and introducing new commands or challenges during each session.

You may also designate specific days for different types of exercise and training. For example, “Mental Monday” could focus on puzzle games and scent work, while “Trek Tuesday” could be dedicated to hiking and trail training.

Wrapping It Up: The Power of Exercise for You and Your Dog

Exercise is more than just a way to keep your dog physically fit—it’s a crucial part of their overall well-being and behaviour management. For dog owners, the rewards are mutual. Whether it’s the joy of spending quality time with your furry friend, the physical health benefits, or the stress relief that comes from a good walk, regular exercise is a win-win. So, take a look at your dog’s current routine and think about how you can incorporate more physical activity into your daily life. Your dog—and you—will be happier, healthier, and more connected for it.

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Connect with

Pet Resorts Australia

At Pet Resorts Australia, we are always here to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have about our pet accommodation services. Whether you’re ready to enrol your pet or just need more information, our team is eager to help.

Get in Touch with Us

Send an online enquiry through this website. Fill out an enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Visit Our Locations

Schedule a tour at your local resort, see our facilities, meet our team, and experience the environment your dog will enjoy.

 

Stay Connected

 Follow us on our social media to stay updated on news, events, and stories from our daycare centres.  Our sign up to our newsletter below

 

Connect with Pet Resorts Australia

At Pet Resorts Australia, we are always here to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have about our pet accommodation services. Whether you’re ready to book your pet in or just need more information, our team is eager to help.

Get in Touch with Us

Send an online enquiry through this website. Fill out an enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Visit Our Locations

Schedule a tour at your local resort, see our facilities, meet our team, and experience the environment your dog will enjoy.

 

Stay Connected

Follow us on our social media to stay updated on news, events, and stories from our daycare centres.  Our sign up to our newsletter below