Experienced pet parents and new pet owners have one thing in common: they want their pets to be happy and adjust well to social life. Pet owners like to take their dogs outside and socialize with other dogs.
“A tired dog is a good dog,” or maybe you’ve heard it as “A tired dog is a happy dog.”
These old sayings couldn’t be more accurate. This popular wisdom perfectly describes the situation when it comes to our best friends’ mental and physical well-being.
Furthermore, it’s not just about our dogs. Happy and well-adjusted dogs will make you a happy and proud owner.
This guide helps current dog owners and people who are preparing to receive their first dog into their homes understand the importance of regular exercise. If you are thinking of getting a new dog and living near Ladera Ranch, you should check out this blog post about dog shelters in Ladera Ranch.
The Veterinarians and staff at BrightCare Animal ER want to remind you that a simple, daily walk outside with your dog will help maintain their muscle mass, mobility, and bones in great shape.
This physical activity, in turn, will increase their longevity and quality of life, not to mention that regular walks also strengthen the human-animal bond, which is also crucial to your dog as a pack animal.
Why Veterinarian Recommended Daily Exercise for Your Pet
Both Veterinarians and Dog trainers will agree that there are many benefits to Exercising your pet daily.
To keep things fun and interesting for your dog, we suggest you switch between different activities that count as exercise. You could try taking your dog for walks, some free time at a dog park, and maybe even practicing obedience commands your dog already knows. Most of these activities are valid for large and small dogs alike.
Keep reading below for details on some of the benefits.
The Importance of Socialization – Becoming a Social Butterfly
Just like in humans, proper socialization will increase your dog’s sense of happiness and well-being and may even help him live longer. Of course, dogs and humans have their own personalities, and you should get to know your dog’s as time goes on.
If a puppy is well-socialized, he will turn into a behaved, relaxed, and safer dog. The broader range of situations and things your dog experiences, the less likely they will be to use aggression in moments of fear.
Doggie Daycare, Play Groups, or just playing at the local dog park with other dogs could be the perfect places for your dog to get rid of excess energy.
These places let your dog exercise, run, chase other dogs, jump, and even give some doggie obstacle courses a try. All these activities help your dog become a well-adjusted, happy, and healthy social butterfly, just as most pet owners wish.
It’s important to remember that most dogs might still need mental stimulation to feel challenged and useful, aside from playtime. A socialized dog comes with the following benefits:
- Easier to groom.
- Less fear & anxiety
- Easier to take to veterinary exams
- Decreased risk of running away
- Easier traveling
- Decreased risk of unprovoked violence
The Good Ol’ Regular Walk
Getting your pup used to go for walks every day is a great way to help them stay fit & active. Regularly walking with your best friend will help preserve your dog’s muscles and joints in top shape, and it’s also a great way to help them get rid of some extra pounds if your dog is overweight. According to this study, going out with your dog is also a great source of motivation for dog owners to exercise.
Additionally, the regular cardio that a daily walk provides your dog with will improve mood and energy levels.
Whether long or around the neighborhood, walks will also increase the chances of running into other dogs and people, including kids. Just be mindful of other people’s preferences. Keep your dog away from people who are not comfortable in their presence.
Walks will give your best friend a chance to see and smell the world around them, increasing their senses and strengthening their bond with you as their pack leader. Dogs naturally want to please their owner and want to be included in their routines or activities. Dogs simply love to be included in everything we do!
Mental Stimulation and Physical Exercise – An Old Dog Can Learn New Tricks
These recommendations are not just valid for puppies. Older dogs can benefit a lot from physical activity.
It’s not just about jumping higher and running faster; these activities also help your dog’s brain. Contrary to popular belief, dogs that only get physical exercise and no structured play or mental stimulation can still have a very unsatisfied mind. This mental state could lead, unfortunately, to destructive behavior and excessive anxiety.
Obedience training such as learning a new trick or a problem-solving activity such as getting food out of a toy designed to hold some kibble or treats actually can take a lot of built-up energy out of your dog.
Always balance your dog’s physical activity with some calm and quiet focused time. Help your dog learn a new trick or practice an already known one!
Helping them learn lowers stress, wards off boredom, and curbs unwanted or destructive behavior.
Keep in mind too that it’s not just exercise and no fun. Check out this other blog post about local pet resources, such as a lovely spa.
Learning Some Tricks
Excellent tricks to practice with your dog with just 5 – 15 minutes a day include:
- Paw
- Sit and Stay
- Leave it
- Go Find
- Hide and Seek
We are sure you and your dog will enjoy practicing or learning these new tricks and games, which will undoubtedly lead to happy, quiet time together and a stronger bond for you both.
Where to Take Your Dog for a Walk and Some Exercise
Not sure where to take your pet to blow off some steam? Try one of the parks below:
- La Paws Dog Park: This park is open Mon-Wed from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Fri – Sun from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Park amenities include: Bike and Car parking lot, and it’s also great for kids. Inside the dog park itself, There are clean chairs to sit on and a water fountain for dogs to grab a drink.
- Coto de Caza Dog Park: Usually crowded after 3:30 p.m. according to pet parents, one of the best parks to have your dog chase after tennis balls. Open, with plenty of shade; this park also offers poop bags throughout the property to help pet owners clean up after their best friends.
- Wagsdale Dog Park: Great for kids and Pets! With separate big and small dog areas, this park also includes bike and car parking areas. Park has seating for the humans in the family, running water for thirsty pets, and high fencing to keep everyone contained. According to pet parents, the Park is quiet during the weekdays and relatively busy on Saturdays and Sundays. However, it is always closed for maintenance on Tuesdays.
Check out this other blog post about dog-friendly villages in Ladera Ranch.
Summing It Up
Always remember that your family’s best friend’s health goes beyond the time spent at the vet and the food and treats they eat.
At Brightcare Animal ER, we are committed to providing your pet with the best neurologic care, the best service, and the most efficient communication possible.
If your pet has an emergency while outside having a walk, you can trust our team to provide your pet with the best emergency veterinarian care Ladera Ranch neighbors can expect.
We will ensure that our patients, your beloved pet receives the most comprehensive care possible at our emergency animal hospital. No matter what, we are here to help. You can contact us at 949-716-9270. We are open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week.
