Puppy zoomies are our fave! And we’re willing to bet you’ve got more than one video of your puppy zipping around your yard or home. As adorable as it is, too much boundless energy can turn into destructiveness and anxiety, not to mention a constant distraction for you!
When it comes to coping with boundless energy, intentional physical exercise is a great way to help your dog feel more at ease. Exercise for your dog is extremely important. Aside from helping to curb your pet’s wild energy, it also plays a role in physical health by warding off obesity and keeping your pup’s joints and muscles strong. Dogs who remain at a healthy weight are less likely to develop chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes, and they tend to live longer.
Just as your physician recommends a regular exercise routine for you, we recommend a regular exercise routine for your puppy. Luckily, you and your pup can exercise together! Not only is this great for you both in terms of health but also strengthens your bond.
Before you begin a regular exercise plan for your dog, make sure to consult with your veterinarian. Large- and giant-breed dogs may not be quite ready to go for long runs just yet, and intense exercise may put short-snouted breeds like English bulldogs at risk for heat stroke or respiratory difficulty.
Recommendations for exercise include:
- Going for a jog or walk
- Hiking
- Supervised swimming
- Participating in agility classes or other competitive dog sports
- Playing fetch
- Setting up doggie play dates with other dogs that you know
- Attending controlled play groups or doggie daycare programs
- Dog parks are generally not recommended because many dogs can become overstimulated or aren’t particularly well trained or sociable, and there is no formal supervision.
Remember that consistency is key! A short walk every day is better than a long weekly walk. If you’re just starting out, make sure to start off easy and slowly increase the time and intensity of your puppy’s workout time. Do not use a bicycle, scooter or other “fast” vehicle to exercise your dog, especially while they are young or ever if they are small. Instead, walk, hike or jog with them.
If you’re concerned that your pet’s boundless energy is more than just puppy wildness, learn more about disobedient or unruly dogs and what you can do to regain control.
