How much physical and mental exercise does my dog really need?

We get asked this question all of the time. The amount of physical and mental exercise a dog needs varies by breed and age. Some dogs are difficult to tire no matter how long you walk! The rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 60 minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of training to be happy, well-adjusted dogs. Physical exercise releases "happy chemicals" in human and dog brains that are helpful in keeping us well adjusted and balanced. We usually pay attention to physical exercise and ignore mental stimulation for our pet, mental stimulation is a critical component of exercise.

Lack of mental stimulation can lead to boredom, and boredom can lead to behavioral issues and destructiveness like barking, chewing the furniture and digging up the garden. Imagine if you had to sit in an empty room, alone, all day long with nothing to read, no computer, no television and no games. Dogs get bored just like people.

Provided your dog is getting two or three good walks a day, a game or two of fetch, or a trip to the dog park; focus more on adding mental stimulation to your dog's daily routine.

Mental stimulation of dogs is easy and fun. Here are a few helpful hints to help get you started:
Allow your dog plenty of time to sniff on your walks. It is like getting the news is for us. Using their noses and processing the information is good mental stimulation.

Provide your dog with toys that make them think, like a Kong toys stuffed with food (see our website for recipes), or one of the many varieties of treat dispensing puzzle balls available at your local pet supply store or the internet (look for the Buster Cube, Giggle and Peek Treat Ball, Dog Smart Puzzle Toys, Tug-a-Jug, Kibble Nibble, Intellibone, Hide-A-Squirrel/Bird/Bee.)

Rotate your dog's toys. Continuous access makes toys lose their special value.

Play Treasure Hunt. Confine your dog while setting up this game. Take tiny treats and hide them everywhere - under the coffee table, on a shelf of the bookcase, etc. Now release your dog and say, "Find it!" At first, stand near the places where you have hidden the tidbits, then once he has the idea move farther away and let your dog do the work to sniff them out. Then sit back and watch the fun.

Try dog sports such as agility, freestyle, tracking, flyball, dock diving, lure coursing and rally obedience Training can help build confidence and tire a dog both mentally. It can also help to improve your dog's focus and attention.

You've probably heard the saying, "A good dog is a tired dog". Balance both physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep your dog busy, happy, non-destructive and a good companion.