If there is one thing every pet owner knows, it’s that dogs can have a lot of energy. Even older dogs who may prefer to spend their day dozing lazily on their dog beds can get bursts of energy and a need to partake in the zoomies from time to time.
But here’s the thing—a good dog is a tired dog. This means that if your pet is not getting enough exercise and isn’t given enough of the right stimulation during the day, their behavior can suffer. Has your dog ever peed in your slippers? Pooped on your pillow? While these might be extreme behaviors, they do happen. Typically, this is a sign of a dog who needs a bit more activity and a bit of disciplined guidance from their owner.
What are the best ways to keep your dog active and entertained? The team here at Easy Scoops has some recommendations. Read on to learn more.
Why Activity and Play Matter For Your Pup
Though some dogs need more exercise than others, generally speaking, your dog should get between 30 minutes to two hours of active play or walking time each day. Regular activity is not only important for their physical health but also for their mental and emotional well-being.
Physically, active play helps maintain a healthy weight, preventing problems like obesity that can lead to joint problems or other health concerns. It also keeps their muscles strong and their joints flexible, which is especially beneficial as they age.
Mentally, engaging in play helps reduce anxiety and boredom, both of which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or digging up the yard. Physical activity also sharpens their focus and makes it easier for them to follow commands.
Plus, playtime is an amazing way to bond with your dog, and we all know how important the human-pet bond is. Tossing a ball, tugging on a rope, or working on a puzzle toy creates moments of connection and trust between you and your furry friend.
So with that, let’s talk about three ways you can help your pet get out some of that pent-up energy.
- A Game of Catch
Truth be told, some dogs are better at catching than others. But if your pup is one with some mad ball skills, then a game of catch is a great activity that you can enjoy together. To keep the game fun and engaging, try these tips:
- Choose the right toy: Use a ball or frisbee that’s soft enough to avoid hurting your dog’s teeth but sturdy enough to handle some chewing.
- Switch up the environment: Play catch in different locations, such as the backyard, a park, or even a dog-friendly beach, to keep your dog interested.
- Add a challenge: Incorporate obstacles like jumping over small hurdles or running through cones before fetching the ball.
- Practice commands: Use this time to reinforce basic commands like “sit” or “drop it” to combine fun with training.
- Keep sessions short and rewarding: Stop the game before your dog gets tired to leave them eager for the next round.
- Tug-of-War
Did you enjoy playing tug-of-war back when you were a kid? Of course, you did. Remember those days of pulling, pulling, pulling, sometimes to come out victorious and other times to end up covered in dirt and mud? Tug-of-war is practically a rite of passage for kids. And your pet loves it, too.
Tug-of-war is a great way to help your dog burn off excess energy. It challenges them physically while teaching important skills like impulse control. For example, practicing a “release” command during the game reinforces discipline and trust.
To play safely, avoid overly aggressive pulling to protect your dog’s teeth and neck. Let your pup “win” occasionally to keep their confidence high. Rope toys, braided materials, or specially designed tug toys are excellent for strong chewers or enthusiastic players.
- Puzzle Games
We are not suggesting trying to piece together a puzzle on your kitchen table. Trust us on this one. With Fido in the mix, you’ll be far more likely to be racing after him to get that puzzle piece out of his mouth than enjoying a fun activity together. But there are some pretty awesome puzzle toys on the market for dogs. And just like a table puzzle is good for your brain, these puzzle toys are great for your dog’s noggin.
Puzzle toys, such as treat-dispensing balls and snuffle mats, encourage your dog to use their problem-solving skills to access hidden rewards. These toys stimulate your dog’s mind while giving them a sense of accomplishment.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect.
- Keeping your dog entertained when you’re busy.
- Providing mental exercise to reduce boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Slowing down fast eaters if used during mealtime.
If you want a DIY option, try hiding treats inside cardboard rolls, placing them in a muffin tin, and covering the holes with tennis balls. Who says you need to spend a bunch of money on engaging games for your pup?
How Much Playtime is Too Much?
Though we suggested earlier that 30 minutes to two hours of active play-time or a productive walk should be enough for your pup, it’s important to understand their limits. Dogs who get too much active play or are taken on a walk that is too long for their little bodies can over-exert themselves fast.
Here are some signs to pay attention to so that you know when enough playtime is enough.
- Heavy panting that doesn’t subside after rest.
- Excessive drooling or foaming around the mouth.
- Limping or hesitation to move.
- Lying down or refusing to continue playing or walking.
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability or sudden disinterest in activities.
- Signs of exhaustion, like struggling to stay upright or appearing unsteady.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to give your dog some rest, water, and a calm space to recover.
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At Easy Scoops, we love pets. And, we love helping pet owners to create the best possible homes for their dogs. Whether that means hiring us for some residential pet waste removal or reading our blog for insights, we’re here for you.
