Like us, dogs need regular physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy—which means more than just their daily walks and quick games of fetch!
But, life can get busy. Between long commutes, Zoom calls, and family commitments, that plan of daily walks and weekend hikes can easily turn into just giving your pup a quick walk around the block and some evening couch cuddles. Plus, summer is almost here—and with it comes heat, harmful pests, and lots of plans, making getting enough exercise even trickier.
So, in this blog, we'll go over how to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise—and what to do if they aren't.
How Much Exercise Do Dogs Need?
Like most aspects of dog care, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Every pup is different, and how much exercise they need depends on factors such as their age and breed.
Signs Your Dog Might Need More Movement
Exercise, alongside mental stimulation from exploring, learning, and socializing, plays a huge role in your dog's overall well-being, happiness, and mood.
Again—every dog is different. But here are a few signs your pup might need some more activity:
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety
- Excessive barking
- Destructive behaviors
- Rough playing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
Ways to Keep Your Dog Active (Even When You're Busy)
Dogs thrive when their physical activity is varied and engaging. So, in addition to daily walks, consider incorporating activities such as:
- Games (like fetch and tug-of-war)
- Structured play
- Hikes and runs
- Swimming
- Enrichment toys (like lick mats or treat puzzles)
However, the best way to ensure your pup consistently gets enough exercise, enrichment, and attention is to enroll them in a reputable daycare program. By doing so, you can ensure your pup gets everything they need—and more—regardless of weather, your energy levels, and time constraints.
At Room for Paws, we prioritize safety and fun to ensure each of our guests has the best time. Each new guest has a Daycare Discovery Day before their first stay to assess their temperament, playstyle, and socialization style to match them with their perfect playgroup.
With the smallest playgroups in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, your pup gets a customized, well-rounded mix of playtime, socialization with other dogs, and human interaction, all under the supervision of our caring staff.
Tip: For even more exercise and enrichment, we offer add-on services such as enrichment training activities, and our Hike for Paws program, which provides leashed nature hikes on Connecticut's beautiful trails.
Keep Your Dog Happy, Healthy, and Thriving with Room for Paws
With summer almost here, it’s the perfect time to have your pup join the Room for Paws family!
Our climate-controlled facility is built with your dog’s optimum care in mind, allowing pups to stay physically active, mentally engaged, and socially fulfilled—all in a safe, clean, and well-supervised environment. With indoor and fenced-outdoor play yards, low-impact flooring, custom agility equipment, and more, dogs of all ages will make new friends and play to their hearts' content.
Plus, all of our outdoor areas are fitted with K9TM grass, agility equipment, and custom doggie pools, so you can rest assured that your dog can get all the benefits and fun of outdoor play, without the risk of scat, ticks, or dirty water.
To start the enrollment process, please fill out a reservation form, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
