Active Dog Month is celebrated in April, and this month highlights the importance of keeping your dog active, both for their health and their overall happiness. There are plenty of benefits to keeping your dog active and virtually no downsides, making it easier than ever to ensure your dog gets their daily exercise needs met.
Our article tells you more about the importance of keeping your dog active, in addition to providing you with tips for boosting your dog’s activity levels with fun indoor and outdoor activities.
Active Dog Month was created fairly recently by Natasha Thompson, blogger and creator of the website Om Shanti Pups. After noticing that her dogs were showing signs of cabin fever after being cooped up for a long period during winter, she became proactive in highlighting how important dog activity is to their mental health and physical health.
Now, every April, Active Dog Month occurs, which encourages dog owners to pay even more attention to their dogs’ exercise needs and incorporate fun indoor and outdoor activities into their dogs’ daily schedules.
Keeping your dog active is essential, and walking your dog is something that all dog owners know they need to do.
However, the amount of exercise that your dog needs does vary on their size and breed; some dogs are much more active than others and need to be playing or working outdoors daily to receive enough exercise, while other dogs have energy in short bursts and prefer to roam around a backyard in small sessions to get their steps in.
You should note that, while tailoring your dog’s exercise needs to their size and personality is important, activity for your dog doesn’t just apply to physical exercise. Your dog will need cognitive activity and stimulation to stay mentally happy, and this can be achieved through games, puzzle toys, and training.
Some dogs, more than others, need a fair amount of training and mental stimulation to prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors due to boredom.
The following are all important benefits of keeping your dog active. As we mentioned above, there are virtually no downsides to spending time with your dog and keeping them active, save for the muddy paws you might get during outdoor adventures.
Most dogs were not created to live a sedentary life, and the majority of dog breeds have their origins in hunting or acting as an outdoor companion to their humans. If your dog isn’t active enough, they can develop lethargy, destructive behaviors, or other behavioral problems that leave both of you more stressed.
However, with the proper amount of exercise, mental stimulation, and activity alongside their owners each day, your dog will have an outlet for their energy and they will be both happier and healthier.
For many dog breeds, obesity and weight gain are genetic issues, and other health issues may be related to a lack of exercise. You can keep your dog fit and in good condition by providing them with plenty of activity, and this will help them feel their best and ensure that any potential health conditions are kept at bay for as long as possible.
Remember, regular exercise and a proper diet and care routine are all essential in keeping your pup healthy.
Dogs are social creatures, and most dogs form very strong bonds with their families. You can strengthen this bond with your dog and provide them with the socialization they need by working on training with your pup, taking them to a park to play with other dogs in a monitored location, and spending time at their side while you engage with them mentally.
Your dog will get their physical and mental activity needs met like this, and both of you will feel closer to each other.
Mental stimulation is a vital part of your dog’s activity, and many dog breeds need training, in addition to other puzzles and games throughout their day, to stay mentally healthy.
It’s important not to forget that dogs can have mental health issues too, and that a lot of behavioral problems can stem from not having enough mental stimulation to keep their minds active and engaged throughout the day.
When your dog has received ample amounts of mental and physical stimulation, they expend a great amount of their energy. This means that the pent-up energy they could have used to bark all day, chew your shoes, or knock over a trash can is gone, and your dog will be less likely to act in destructive or aggressive manners.
However, if you are still struggling with your dog’s behavior even after providing them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, then a trip to the vet and professional trainer may be necessary.
Lots of activity in their day means lots of chances for your dog to play, exercise their mind, and release any energy they may have. This means better sleep for your dog and the potential for longer rest periods between activities, something many pet parents enjoy and take advantage of to go out to work or for an evening.
When your dog is sleeping well at home, you don’t have to worry about them being energetic and destructive while you aren’t around to monitor them.
Fortunately, spending time with your dog is easy, and many pet parents may always be thinking of the next fun activity to do with their dog. We list both indoor and outdoor activities below to give you some enjoyable ideas for keeping your dog happy and active.
Indoor training is great for a rainy day or when you want to give your dog some extra activity time without stepping outside of your home. We recommend learning tricks to give your dog both mental and physical stimulation inside, and you can make your indoor activity time with your dog even more fun by utilizing high-value treats and lots of affection as a reward. We also offer an online course on indoor activities you can do with your dog to help keep them active and engaged.
Outdoor training can be more extensive, as you and your dog will typically have more space to move around and learn. If you choose to engage in outdoor training with your dog, make sure that they are on a leash or in a fenced-in area to prevent any accidents where they run away.
You should also make sure your dog knows the basics of obedience before moving them to more complex or difficult tasks to learn. To help your pup master these basics, you can take our comprehensive basic obedience training program online, which will help get your dog ready to take on more intensive training challenges!
Dog park visits are one of the best ways to keep your dog both mentally and physically stimulated, as these visits ensure they can run around in a safe location, interact with other dogs, and spend time outdoors. Just make sure when visiting a dog park that you keep an eye on your dog to ensure that their play remains harmless, as sometimes other dogs can be unpredictable.
When the weather is nice enough, a day hike is a great way to spend the day with your pup and give them all the physical exercise and mental stimulation they need. Day hikes typically involve a long walk, lots of things to sniff or investigate, and the chance to interact with other humans or dogs on the walk.
When taking a hike with your dog, make sure to pack them enough water, bring paw protection if necessary, and keep them on a leash. Only choose a hike that your dog can reasonably achieve with their energy levels, size, and strength.
Puzzle toys are a great option for giving your dog mental stimulation when you aren’t around, since these toys can keep your dog engaged as you leave your home for the day.
Many times, dog owners will choose to fill a puzzle toy with treats or peanut butter and let their dog spend time figuring out how to get their favorite treats. This is exciting for the dog and allows them to exercise their minds.
Whether or not you and your pup visit a local lake or dog-friendly water park depends on your dog’s personality – some pups love getting wet, while others hate the feel of water on their paws.
That being said, taking your dog for a walk and a swim in a dog-friendly location can be a great way to change up your outdoor activities with your pup.
It may take a little bit of extra time, but creating an obstacle course for your dog, inside or outside, is a wonderful way to exercise their minds and bodies. You can build your obstacle course as large or small as you would like, and you may want to fill the paths with treats and toys to encourage your dog to find their way throughout the course.
Playing in an obstacle course throughout the day and training on an obstacle course is one of the best ways to keep your dog both mentally and physically active.
Staying active is essential for many dogs, even though every dog has different exercise and mental stimulation needs. It’s important when adopting a dog that you understand your pup will need dedicated playtime, regular walks, and other activities to keep them both healthy and happy throughout their lives.
As we celebrate Active Dog Month in April, make sure to give your pup some extra play sessions, longer walks, and a fun time training to ensure they are exercising, active, and enjoying their time at your side. If you’d like help getting your pup more active through training, you can book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our dog trainers today!