Show Notes
Every time your dog runs, leaps, and gets through obstacles, it’s not only their muscles that benefit — the best exercises for dogs help build their brain power, too. Here’s a dog trainer perspective: the best exercises for dogs rank high in the top needs that dog owners should give to their pets. I have witnessed dogs become sharper and quicker in picking up instructions, and more agile in navigating obstacles. In this blog, I’d like you to understand that dog exercise ticks off two goals with just one activity — a healthier body for your dog AND a smarter, quicker brain. All the more reason to take your dogs outdoors to enjoy even just a few minutes of walking, running, playing in the park, and even doing some agility training. If you want to know more how exercise directly affects your dog’s brain development, dive in. Or shall we say… leap in! Key Takeaways: Exercise does not only benefit your dog’s body — it’s a powerful tool in training dogs to be quicker, sharper, smarter. Breed, age, build, and health conditions affect the type of exercise your dog can do. When dogs don’t get an adequate amount of exercise, their mental health is affected, too. LEARN HOW TO CREATE BETTER ROUTINES FOR YOUR DOGS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE™️ Table of Contents: Best Exercises for Dogs: How Outdoor Activities Made My Dogs Happier and Smarter How Movement and Dog Exercises Benefit Dogs’ Brains What Are the Best Exercises for Dogs? What Are Recommended Exercises for Dogs That Benefit Their Brain? Agility Training and Obedience Training: Best Brain Training Exercises for Dogs Why Variety is Important in Dog Exercises Signs to Look Out for When Doing Dog Exercises Which Dog Breeds Need the Most Exercise? How Often Should Dogs Exercise? Best Exercises for Dogs You Can Do Indoors Conclusion: Your Pet Deserves a Routine That Includes the Best Exercises for Dogs
Best Exercises for Dogs: How Outdoor Activities Made My Dogs Happier and Smarter Dogs love walking. In fact, walking is a natural need for them. Even my dogs crave the adventures we get when we exercise outside our home. I talk about this topic extensively (plus some actual footage of my dogs basking in the sun and enjoying their time outdoors) in the video below so don’t forget to check it out.
The best dog exercises have not only bonded my dogs in such a strong way. A consistent walking routine with my dogs allowed me to see their development when it comes to understanding my commands, handling stress and anxiety, and bonding with other dogs. How Movement and the Best Dog Exercises Benefit Dogs’ Brains As a dog trainer, I can tell you with absolute certainty that the best exercises for dogs are incredibly important for a dog's mental and physical health. I have worked with dog owners who saw how exercise changed the way their dogs deal with anxiety, socialization, and lack of stamina. Exercise can do wonders for dogs! With that being said, we can also say that not having an adequate amount of exercise can bring negative effects in the long run. Let’s talk more about this truth below. What Does Lack of Exercise Do to Dogs? Dogs are natural athletes and need to burn off their excess energy through physical activity. Without enough exercise, they can become bored, anxious, and even destructive. In fact, research has shown that lack of exercise can lead to a variety of behavioral problems in dogs, such as aggression, hyperactivity, and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on the development and function of the brain in dogs, which can lead to increased intelligence and cognitive abilities. MAKE DOG EXERCISES LESS STRESSFUL WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE™️ What Happens to Your Dog’s Brain When They Exercise From increased blood flow to the brain to the release of "feel-good" hormones, there are numerous ways that exercise can benefit your dog's mental and physical health, and even their relationship with you. #1: Best Exercises for Dogs Imp
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Walking your dog is a crucial part of raising and training them; thus, knowing the two types of dog walks can make a HUGE difference to your training experience. "Doggy Dan, is there more than just one way to do dog walks?" Yes… and my goal is to help dog owners tap into the power of switching walking styles to make the most out of dog walks. In this blog, I will talk about the two types of dog walks, why you need to know both, and how to know which type to use best. Read on to learn more. The Two Types of Dog Walks: Why You Need More Than Just One Type of Walk All walk and no play makes your dog a very irritable and restless pet. A common misconception among dog owners regarding walking dogs is that there's only one walking style to follow from start to finish. As a dog trainer who has helped dogs and their owners make walks effective while having fun, I know that sticking to one walking style can make your time outdoors an absolute struggle! Because let's be honest: our dogs are playful, and the outdoors is the perfect setting for unleashing their love for fun! Expecting them to follow one style of walking (and nothing else!) sets you and your dog up for frustration! So, what do you do to make outdoor walks more effective? Here are the two types of dog walks you should follow. The Structured Walk The first dog-walking style is the “structured walk”. Even though it is not THE ONLY walk you can do, it is undoubtedly the most important walk you should master. Most dog owners feel this type of walk is the gold standard, the only way to do things. (More on this later.) During the structured walk, your dog walks with a leash, and you absolutely are in control of the entire walk. You give commands, you decide what your dog can and can't do, and your dog is expected to follow your charge. This is the walking style that tells your dog, "I am in charge of the walk. I make the decisions. You listen to my commands." When you engage in a structured walk, you drive the entire walk, and your dog has to follow YOUR charge. The Social Walk Now, this walking style is what your dog loves! The walk becomes social when your dog can roam free and do what they want for a time. The walk doesn't have a structure, and dogs are more accessible to sniff posts, or check out areas they want to see. Compared to The Structured Walk, this more relaxed option allows your dog to really have fun and socialize! Two Types of Dog Walks: What the Structured Walk Teaches Your Dog Walking your dog the structured way sends them this important message: you're in charge of the walk, not them. The Structured Walk is crucial because it can solve typical dog walking problems such as leash pulling, aggression, overexcitement, and outdoor anxiety. Sure, you will be giving your dog the freedom to roam around and freely explore, but before you do that, your dog must understand you make the calls. And it is during the structured walks that your dog firmly gets the message that makes them say, "Ahh, I should listen to my owner's commands before I do anything during the walk." I actually talk more about The Structured Walk in my blog on the best way to walk dogs, the fifth in my Five Golden Rules series. In a nutshell, The Structured walk is critical because it teaches your dog they're not in charge. And when your dog knows they don't make the calls, they relax, they become less aggressive, and they come to your call (which is an absolute need if you're going to switch to The Social Walk). What the Social Walk Teaches Your Dog The Social Walk is about having fun! Here's the truth: we can't expect our dogs to spend the entire 30 minutes of their time outdoors just following a structured walk. They're already outdoors; they need to explore, run, sniff, and play. The social walk allows your dog to enjoy a little fun and downtime during your walk. Which Should You Do With Your Dog: How to Know Which Walk to Choose So, how do you know which walk to choose between the type
When dog owners come to me for help on how to stop leash pulling, I feel for them, especially when I hear the frustration in their voices. It's understandable why having a dog pulling the leash can be such a pain! If all you want is to enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk with your dog, the constant struggle for control can be exhausting. And most of the time, the leash pulling happens at the start of the walk, making you wonder, "Is going out for a walk even worth it?" Why do dogs do this? Why is there even a power struggle? And should you persist? In this blog, I will talk about my biggest theory of why dogs pull the leash at the start of every walk… and what you can do to change it. Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways: Understand the Instincts: Dogs pull on the leash due to instincts derived from their wolf ancestors, seeing walks as a time for hunting and leading. They will naturally take the Alpha role if they don't sense a leader, hence the pulling. Be the Alpha Leader: To stop leash pulling, you must establish yourself as the leader in all aspects of your dog's life, not just during walks. This means setting boundaries, giving consistent consequences for pulling, and showing calm, assertive energy. Prepare and React Appropriately: How you start the walk sets the tone. Go out first, decide when to walk, and be ready with calm responses to pulling, like pauses or changing direction. Letting your dog lead or not giving consequences encourages pulling. Stop Leash Pulling: Understanding Why Dogs Pull the Leash Right Before You Start Your Walk You walk to the door; your is already pulling on the leash. You step outside down the stairs, and your dog pulls and pulls as if telling you to "Hurry up!" Your time outdoors is all about having to regain control of the leash. If you've experienced the things I mentioned above, you get how challenging it is to have a dog who wants to take charge of the walk from start to finish. But why do dogs pull the leash at the start of every walk? Let me answer that using dog psychology. You see, our dogs have the DNA of a wolf — 99.98%, to be exact. Why is this significant? Because how your dog acts can be connected to how wolves act in the wild. For the wolves, everything is about survival. When they head outdoors, a walk is not just a walk; it's all about hunting for food. The most interesting thing about wolves is they don't push through with their walk until the Alpha — the pack leader — steps in to lead the way, signals "Let's go!" and goes on to make all the big decisions. Even though our dogs have become more domesticated than their ancestors, they still think like wolves. Someone has to lead, someone has to decide, someone has to be followed, someone has to call the BIG shots. FACT: If your dog doesn't feel like an Alpha is in charge, they will take over. Why? Because dogs, by nature, will always look for the leader. If that isn't filled, they immediately have to assume the role. It’s hardwired into the DNA. And leaders lead…thus, your dog is out front and there is endless leash pulling, especially at the start of every walk. Have you ever observed your dog becoming more in tune whenever the walk happens? They're gearing up to make the big decisions! So… what can you do? To Stop Leash Pulling, You Have to Know That Control Matters to Dogs Control is a powerful concept in dog psychology! Why? Because your dog knows control is essential for survival. The Alpha is their protector! The Alpha tells them how to survive the wild and find food. Your dog pulling the leash shows they have taken the role of the Alpha. Their pulling sends the message, "I'm making the big decisions now. I will tell you what to do!" So when your dog pulls the lead, they aren't deliberately disobeying you or getting on your nerves. They pull the lead because they feel they're the pack leader, and they need to make every crucial decision to make the walk successful because that's what pack leaders do. 5 Things You C
Seeing dog owners letting their dogs run wild when the car door opens is quite a familiar scene. It’s adorable at face value… but it’s a tricky if you want to have calm walks with dogs. “Doggy Dan, do you mean I also have to keep an eye on how my dogs exit the car so I can have peace while I walk outdoors with them?” Yes, you’re right. All your problems with leash pulling, aggression, overexcitement, and yes, even protectiveness will be reduced by simply ensuring you take control WAY BEFORE your dog steps out of the car. Key Takeaways: Control Starts with the Car Exit: The way dogs exit the car sets the tone for the walk. Controlling this aspect ensures a more manageable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Calmness is Key: Encouraging calm behavior from the start, such as opening the car door calmly and giving clear commands, can significantly influence your dog's energy and responsiveness during the walk. Establishing Leadership: Teaching dogs to exit cars calmly reinforces the idea that you are in control. This understanding helps in reducing undesirable behaviors like leash pulling and overexcitement, leading to more peaceful and enjoyable walks. LEARN HOW TO WALK YOUR DOG THE RIGHT WAY WITH DOGGY DAN GOLDEN RULE #5! Table of Contents A Quick Recap of Doggy Dan Rule #5: How You Can Control the Walk The Way Dogs Exit Cars Influences How Your Walks Will Go How to Help Dogs Exit Calmly What Happens When You Help Your Dogs Calmly Exit Cars Learn More About How You Can Take Charge of Your Dog's Walks with the Dog Calming Code
If I asked you to write down at least three dog-walking problems, I am sure I’d find leash pulling and misbehaving somewhere on that list. Why? Because almost 80% of those who come to me for help on walking their dog have those issues. And here’s the truth: the solution is fairly simple. The problem starts when dog owners dismiss their dog's little quirks and defiance during walks as nothing serious… until they are. Fortunately, you can flip the switch by doing one simple thing: really making your dog see you’re in charge. How? Read on to learn more. Key Takeaways Leash pulling, barking, and overexcitement during dog walks often stem from a common root: your dog believes it's in charge. If you take charge, your dog will start to relax. Thus, your walks will be more calmer, controlled, smooth. Gentle gestures the walk like calmly pausing to tell your dog they’re not the one in charge can help you retain control from start to finish. LEARN HOW TO WALK YOUR DOG THE RIGHT WAY WITH DOGGY DAN GOLDEN RULE #5! Table of Contents Stop Dog-walking Problems By Taking Control of the Walk Stop Dog-Walking Problems: What Happens When You Take Control of the Walk with Dogs Stop Dog-Walking Problems By Taking Charge… Not Only On Walks. The Dog Calming Code Will Help You!