Your young dog is the perfect workout buddy! The hard part of exercising, whether with your puppy or on your own, is making exercise part of a routine. When it comes to your young dog getting regular exercise, the responsibility falls almost entirely on you. No pressure, right?!
The importance of exercise for young dogs
Healthy exercise serves multiple important functions for your dog.
Weight management
Nearly 60% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Together with a healthy diet, exercise plays an important role in weight management.
Muscle, bone and joint health
Exercise helps your dog build muscle and maintain healthy bones and joints.
Cardiovascular health
Exercise is good for heart and lung health. Dogs are much less likely to experience cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes) when compared to people, but exercise can improve your dog’s endurance and lower blood pressure.
Mental health and enrichment
Young dogs who don’t get enough activity may develop destructive behaviors or anxiety. Exercise is an important form of mental stimulation for dogs.
Bonding time
When you participate in exercise with your dog, whether it’s playing fetch or going on a walk, you reinforce the bond your dog has with you.
Tips for incorporating exercise into your young dog’s routine
Before starting a new exercise routine, get your dog cleared for exercise by your veterinarian. The following tips may help you incorporate increased physical activity into your dog’s daily routine.
Start slow
Your young dog isn’t going to run a 5K with you right away! You can start with a short, slow walk and increase speed and/or time as you and your puppy adjust to your new routine.
Aim for consistency
It’s better to do a little each day than to do a lot one day a week. A short walk before work each morning may be easier to commit to than a long hike every Sunday.
Set goals
You’re more likely to have success if you know what you’re aiming for. Perhaps your goal is to take your dog for five 20-minute walks each week. Once you’re consistently reaching that goal, you can reevaluate. Do you want to aim for 30-minute walks? Maybe you want to do two 20-minute walks at least 5 times a week, one in the morning and one after work?
Try the buddy system
If your dog has a canine bestie, perhaps you can buddy up with their owner for walks to help hold each other accountable.
Add activity into your play
Rather than expecting your dog to self-entertain with chew toys, consider trying activities like fetch. You could also consider building an obstacle course or trying dog classes like agility or dock diving.
Use treat-dispensing toys
Your young dog will have to work for the treats, increasing their physical activity.
Try the dog park
If your pup is up to date on their preventives and vaccines and gets along with other dogs, the dog park is a great place for them to let off some steam.
Be gentle with yourself
Life sometimes gets in the way. You haven’t failed your dog if you get sick and aren’t able to go on walks for the week.
Your puppy doesn’t necessarily need to be an athlete to be healthy, but consistent exercise goes a long way. By providing your young dog with regular exercise, you’re improving their odds of a long, healthy life.
Learn more about the benefits of taking your young dog on walks.
