The Importance of Regular Exercise for Dogs: No Bones About It

The benefits of exercise for dogs are often overlooked. It's easy to focus on things humans think about, like heart health and weight management—but exercise is also critically crucial for mental health, happiness, and behavior in dogs. The effects of lack of exercise are much more noticeable in these areas.

Last Saturday morning, I grabbed Pixie’s leash, ready for our usual trot around the neighborhood. The moment she saw it, she started doing her signature "spin dance" of excitement, practically dragging me out the door before I had even had time to get my coat zipped. You’d think we were headed to the dog treat store.

But no, she's just this enthusiastic about exercise.

Signs a Dog Isn't Getting Enough Exercise

Exercise for dogs is more than a daily walk. Dogs want to stay active. And like humans, they feel energized and healthy when they reach their 10,000 steps.

Dogs can tell the difference, and so can I. A dog that's not getting enough exercise may:

• Become more aggressive and greedy toward housemates
• Destroy household items like floors, doors, furniture, shoes, and more
• Bark or whine excessively
• Pace or act restless
• Gain weight
• Appear tired
• Lack muscle tone
• Experience heightened anxiety
• Have digestive issues

How Exercise Helps EVERYTHING

Physical Health

Exercise keeps your pup’s weight in check and helps prevent conditions like obesity, joint issues, and heart disease. Think of it as their prescription for longevity.

So, it's like in physics class, "a body in motion stays in motion". Keeping them moving helps them feel like moving more. A sedentary lifestyle will make them achy, and eventually, they won't want to move much. And you have a vicious cycle that's harder to break out of.

Dogs' bodies are made to move. Regular exercise improves everything, from digestion to skin health to the immune system. Movement keeps the blood flowing so cells get the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive. It's just amazing for dog health and longevity.

Mental Stimulation

Dogs are naturally curious and love to explore. Many breeds are hunters by nature.

Exercise challenges their brains, preventing boredom and destructive behaviors (like chewing on your favorite sneakers).

Emotional Balance

A tired dog is a happy dog. I know it seems counterintuitive.

But tiredness after exercise is not the same as lethargy. They feel accomplished and satisfied with life when they wear themselves out with good fetching sessions.

They're much less likely to become aggressive or act out because they're content.

Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety—especially in high-energy breeds like Pixie.

Dog Exercise Tips for a Balanced Routine

Every dog is unique. So, creating a routine that suits their needs is key. Here’s how to make it work with any dog at any age:

Start Slow

If your dog isn’t used to regular exercise, ease into it. Start with short walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity.

Support Their Joints

It's never too early to think about joint health. Regular exercise helps joints stay lubricated and strong. But joint nutrition is important, too. Dog treats that contain key nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3, and collagen can support joint structures to enhance mobility.

Try Mixing Things Up

Variety keeps things exciting for you and your pup. Alternate between walks, fetch, and interactive games. Teach your dog several games like "find it" or navigate obstacle courses so you have more options.

When it's clear outside, take them to the lake to swim or to the trail to run off-leash—after proper off-leash training.

Tailor Activities to Their Age

Puppies and senior dogs have different exercise needs. Puppies need shorter bursts of intense activity to avoid overexertion. Older dogs benefit from low-impact activities like gentle strolls or swimming that may last for more extended periods of time.

Indoor Activities for Dogs (Rainy Days Edition)

Consistency is important. My terrier Pixie doesn't care if it's storming. She wants to move. And if she can't because of one of those 12-hour showers, we have to have a plan B. So, here are some indoor ideas.

Tug-of-war is a game we play inside. Dogs will naturally pull on the end of a towel if you try to take it away. This classic game burns energy and builds your bond.

Hide-and-Seek is a treasure-hunting game you can teach your dog. Hide treats and toys around the house while your dog is sleeping or crated. Then, invite them to find the treasures. Treasure hunts activate a dog's natural instinct to sniff and search.

Puzzle toys like the marrow-filled dog bones activate a dog's natural instinct to chew. At the same time, they lick and twist the bone around, trying to figure out how to get the bone marrow out. This is a very mentally and physically stimulating activity for a dog.

Yes, it's a workout. A dog working its jaw muscles is like a bodybuilder doing gripping exercises. Dogs use their jaws to grasp objects—not just eat.

Stair workouts are another great indoor activity if you have stairs. As anyone who has ever run stairs for exercise knows, the activity delivers some serious benefits in a short window. I can quickly tire Pixie out by throwing her tennis ball up the stairs in a game of upstairs fetch.

How Treats and Chews Support an Active Lifestyle

Dog treats and an active lifestyle are not opposed. In fact, they go together if those dog treats are healthy and fun to eat. Treats have their place both during the workout slash dog training session. And even dogs need a little post-workout motivation!

Here's how I use healthy dog treats to support our exercise routines.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Healthy treats work to reinforce desired behaviors. When I'm teaching my dogs tricks or how to play a game, I give them healthy treats to communicate, "you're doing it right".

Generally, nutritious bite-size treats are best for this. I like beef lung bites. They're single-ingredient whole foods—just dried organ meat. They don't smell, and dogs can't resist them.

Fun to Find

In games like "find it" and "hide and seek," the treats become objects they hunt for. So, it encourages them to keep exploring until they find all the treats.

Teaching Dogs to Stay Somewhere

Dog bones are great for crate training. First, I use beef lung bites to introduce my dog to their crate (or, as we like to call it, the wolf's den). Then, to get them to stay in there for increasingly longer periods, I give them a beef marrow-filled dog bone in the crate so they can gnaw on it in their den.

Chews for Mental Stimulation

Marrow bones for dogs are also great for dental health. They help dogs clean their teeth while strengthening their jaws. They're also amazing for mental health, improving focus, beating boredom, and reducing anxiety, which can tank a great exercise routine.

After a high-energy session, I often give them a marrow bone as a reward. They can relax and chew, knowing they've done a good day's work.

Positive reinforcement training is one of the best things you can do for your dog's health and happiness. You can teach your dog skills, games, and useful commands to keep both of you active, engaged, and healthy. Check out this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge to get started.

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