How to Determine if a Dog is Under Exercised
Signs and Symptoms of a Canine Craving Activity
Jun 26, 2009
Exercise is an essential element in maintaining the health of any dog, regardless of size or breed. Generally, a small dog like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian only need about a half hour of vigorous exercise each day. A medium sized dog such as a Beagle or Bulldog requires at the very least one hour of strong exercise each day. A larger dog could need up to three or more hours of exercise to maintain a healthy body and mind. The larger the dog’s body is, the more exercise it will require to be satisfied.
Countless dogs-especially in the United States-are chronically under exercised at the dog’s expense. This may be due to a lack of available space, an owner’s busy schedule or an owner’s lack of knowledge pertaining to the breed. There are several signs and symptoms that an under exercised dog exhibits:
- The most obvious sign of an under exercised dog can be visually observed: obesity. When a dog eats food but does not receive adequate daily exercise, the fat that should be naturally burned off is stored beneath its skin. The extra weight can lead to severe health problems and makes it more difficult for a dog to lose weight. An obese dog will become lazy and may reject the act of exercising altogether.
- Excessive barking is another symptom of an exercise-hungry dog. Other undesirable behavior including jumping on guests, chewing and destroying household items and digging are also indicators. These undesirable behaviors are coping mechanisms of a frustrated and inactive canine. Since dogs instinctively desire activity, they become frustrated and distressed when they are unable to rid themselves of their excess energy. The dog’s frustration and anxiety is expressed through desperate behavior which is considered undesirable and unwanted by the average owner.
- An extremely disobedient dog is most likely an under exercised one. Disobedience is commonly observed in dogs that do not receive enough activity in their day. An under exercised dog becomes defiant towards its owner especially if it was properly exercised in the past. Dogs have unique personalities; a faucet of their personality may be to act rebellious when it is in need of something.
Luckily, the problems created by a lack of exercise can be corrected with relative ease. Exercise must be regularly incorporated into a dog’s life to ensure that it is balanced and happy. For people who have dogs that are in desperate need of exercise, learn how to easily exercise your dog indoors.
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