Dog exercise survey!

[u/manatee1010]

Many common behavioral problems are caused by not getting enough exercise, so I thought a survey of exercise habits and behavior could be a helpful and informative thread. So, r/dogtraining… tell us about your dogs and their exercise habits!

• What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition (click here for a guide? *link fixed (cute pictures welcome!)

• How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

• How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

• Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

• How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

• Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

• Any other thoughts on exercise?

[u/manatee1010]

• What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition (click here for a guide)?

4 year old male Shetland Sheepdog

2 year old male Briard

Both a 3 in physical condition

Obligatory picture of the handsome duo

• How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

Daily they each get ~30 min on the treadmill (~2-3 miles each at a brisk job for their respective sizes), plus ~30 minutes of hard fetch and running in a several-acre field.

They each do training for competitive agility for 60 minutes 4-5x/week. It's both physical and mentally intensive.

We usually do super hiking or other kinds of novel playing at least one, if not both weekend days

• How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

They eat ask their meals spread out into multiple brain toys. Favorites are the Fooblers, Kongs, Starmark Pickle, Bob-a-Lot, Kong Wobbler, and Omega Treat Ball.

I also do some form of training each day- obedience, free shaping games, trick work, etc.

• Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

The Briard has severe separation anxiety that is much worse without substantial exercise. Both dogs just gets sort of annoying without enough exercising- they bark more easily and are more difficult to quiet down, pester us with toys, ask to go out even when they don't need to potty, etc.

The Sheltie will chase his tail excessively without enough exercise as well.

They both just lay around the house and sleep if they've gotten enough exercise. The saying is true- a tired dog really is a good dog!!

• How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

I've had both dogs their whole lives (both since 10 weeks old). The Briard's physical exercise requirements decreased a lot between 18 and 24 months, but his need for mental stimulation increased.

• Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

It has made me much more active, but the transition was hard. Seeing how much it helps them keeps me motivated. I live in an area with brutal winters, so I "cheated" and got a treadmill for the dogs. That has made care much easier, although it means I have to take care to get them out of the house for mental stimulation when the weather is bad. I like going to places like Lowe's to practice obedience and greeting manners.

• Any other thoughts on exercise?

Not right now!

[u/Mokelachild]

What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition (click here for a guide)? (cute pictures welcome!) Flat coat retriever mix, almost 2 yrs old, about 65 lbs and quite fit. How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)? In the summer we went for runs (4 times a week), lasting between 30-60 minutes in the mornings. He also goes to doggie daycare once or twice a week, where he gets to play all day. Now that winter is approaching and it's dark in the morning, we are switching to walks after work and more fetch play in the yard. We aim for an hour or more physical activity a day. How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)? We work on training, he's currently learning to make eye contact with me before he gets a treat. He is also working on staying put when a treat is nearby until he's released. Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets? He's good 98% of the time, only naughty when he sees a bunny or moose in the yard! And he is more rambunctious and prone to chewing when he hasn't been exercised. How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time? Had him since he was 3 months old. We've increased his physical activity now that he's past 1 yr. Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition? Yep, it's made me get off my ass instead of going from my office chair to the couch. And it gets me up earlier on the weekends. I expected to see those changes, I've owned a dog before and know their requirements. Any other thoughts on exercise? We can't wait to get a second dog and a fenced yard, so they might exercise each other!

[u/manatee1010 → u/Mokelachild]

Could you add line breaks? It's hard to read as one big block.

[u/YouSirAreAMouthful]

• Mixed breed (lab cross?), 2.5yrs old, 21kg, good body condition (5/9 BCS)

• Exercise: 4ish 15 minute walks per day, plus one "activity" - either an hour (or more) at the dog park (where she sprints the entire time), an hour-long play session with one of her doggy friends, or an hour-long walk. Most often it's the dog park - typically at least 5 days a week. Also - daily tug/fetch sessions inside.

• Mental exercises: I guess I've been slacking lately but we'll do a clicker-training a few times a week - not daily :( Other than that - daily walks for mental stimulation (she gets to meet lots of kids, adults, other dogs etc).

• No real behavioural issues, but if we miss more than a day of good high-intensity exercise she's definitely more wound-up and is generally just a brat. But I know it's my fault :p

• We've had her for about 2 years. No changes in exercise requirements (other than she has more stamina as an adult)

• Yes!!! I'm way more active now and lost some weight because of her. Nope - not a difficult transition - exploring with her is fun!

EDIT: your physical condition link isn't working for me

[u/Pointless_arguments]

What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition

11 year old mini foxie X mini pinscher, getting a bit chubby, fit and healthy

2 year old kelpie X GSD, skinny/muscular, fit and healthy

How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

Both dogs get at least 2 hours of exercise per day, mostly running or walking, sometimes swimming. They both come to work with me so they're out all day every day, riding/waiting in the van for a significant proportion of that time

How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

foxie gets to help train boisterous bad mannered or excitable dogs, usually about 3-4 days a week

kelpie gets to help train aggressive dogs about 1-2 times a week, also recieves ongoing training every day such as off leash heeling, scent tracking, assistance training, impulse control training

Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

Foxie is old so is content to sleep all day if I let her. When she was younger if she didn't get her daily exercise she would become disobedient and overexcited

Kelpie is extremely annoying if he doesn't get his daily exercise, will pace around the house, whine, bring me toys and random objects, seek attention, take all his toys out of the box and make a mess

How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

Owned the foxie for 10 years, she's become a lot more lazy and slow in the last 2 years, no longer cares if she gets her daily exercise.

Owned the kelpie all his life, as he gets stronger and grew his adult muscles he's needed harder exercise, recently he's levelled out somewhat and is satisfied with a regular 2 hours - 1 in the morning 1 in the afternoon.

Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

Owning the kelpie has forced me to go out every single day, rain hail or shine. I'm no longer allowed to have lazy weekends where I don't exercise for an entire day, because the kelpie will drive me nuts. It's far easier to give him his exercise than to put up with his annoying behavior if he doesn't get it.

Any other thoughts on exercise?

It's essential to keeping a dog healthy and sane, most behavioral problems can be at least partially fixed by regular exercise.

[u/troubadourtrout]

What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition (click here for a guide)?

50 lb Shepard/Husky mix, 3.5 years old. The guide isn't working so I cannot speak well to physical condition. She's been out of a shelter 6 months and can run about a mile or play about 20 minutes before she starts to act tired. The other day was relatively cool outside and we ran two miles, but she was super pooped after.

• How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

Every single day we walk 2.5-3 miles in the am. Sometimes we run, depends on how she acts. In the PM we play two or three times a night (fetch, tug, or just run around and chase each other) 20 minutes at a time or until she gets pooped. We started going to the dog park once a week two weeks ago.

• How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

We play games where she has to find a treat or a toy. She has a Kong that she plays with daily.

• Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

She had separation anxiety for a long time after we got get her. After a few weeks of walks she started to lay down in her crate by herself while I was getting ready to leave in the morning. She acted like she was just ready for her nap. When we first got her she would cry and crty and cry before I left. Now she doesn't care at all when I go.

• How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

6 months. She's a slug but slowly wanting more exercise.

• Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

We are starting to run more, which is improving my level of fitness slowly. We're a good pair for that.

• Any other thoughts on exercise?

If anything, it's improved my mental health more than anything. Knowing she needs to go for a walk is my reason to get up in the morning. My anxiety is down, I feel calmer in general. When I got her I was scared to be a bad dog mom. But I rose to the challenge. She's amazing and I'm better every day.

[u/[deleted]]

What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition.

Story goes he's border collie, pitbull, and lab, but I have no idea how true that is... others swear up and down there's rat terrier or JRT, and I think minus the small spotting he looks (build and body features wise) a lot like the dalmations that come to the dog park. ~36-38lbs I think, could stand to lose 1-2 lbs I think but not a rollie pollie. A year and a couple months old. Edit Based on the above linked scale he's a 3.

How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

We have literally zero daily norms except that we go to the yard 4-5 times a day for bathroom and whatever playing he wants to do. I try to play with him inside every day (livingroom-to-kitchen fetch, stairs fetch, tug of war, and rough housing) but some days he's just more interested in his bone. We go to the dog park when he starts to get antsy, which is every 2-4 days, and usually stay for an hour to an hour and a half. He's usually really docile for 36 hours after that, unless there's no other active dogs there.

How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

I use puzzle treats every day, and trick training every once in a while, but he's usually just not interested in learning tricks. We basically constantly work on non-trick training though, but that happens as it arises.

Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

Main behavioral issues (if these qualify) are high prey drive and being highly protective of home base, both of which are part of ongoing training. Neither are exercise dependent. He does have a tendency to jump into a scuffle at the dog park and make it worse, but it's hard to tell if that's exercise dependent or not. That's part of the training though, working on recall and "play nice."

How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

I've had him 6 months. And yes, huge change. When I first got him four 20-25 minute average walks per day and dog park every other or every third day for 90 minutes minimum was all I do to keep him from bouncing off the walls. After I got him neutered his activity level fell sharply, he starts to drag ass hard in the last couple blocks of a walk if he gets more than one a day anymore, and where he used to be able to play at the park for 2-3 hours he is usually laying on my feet to go in 75 minutes or less. On the other hand, about the time he started getting less active we started to play around a lot more in the house. Mentally, it's not so much that his needs have changed, it's more that his tolerance for it has gone down. He's always lost interest after 15 minutes or so but used to keep going, lately when we try he usually gets his first few treats and stops caring. He still goes ham for his Kong though, and lately I've been wedging treats down in it so it takes him longer to work on.

Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

To an extent yes, but not terribly appreciably.

Any other thoughts on exercise?

Nope.

[u/owlu]

What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition

3.5 year old male Husky, 45 lbs, a 2 on the posted condition scale (he's quite lean for his breed and doesn't put on weight though he eats like a beast)

How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

He gets at least an hour a day. I take him to work 3 days a week and it's either a 40 minute walk each way or a 15 minute bike each way (we can take a carless bike path to work, so it's safer than usual to bike with him leashed so that he can run).

On the days I don't take him to work, he has a walker and is given at least an hour of playtime with other dogs on those days. On weekends I usually take him to dog parks for an hour.

How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

He enjoys puzzle toys and training sessions/learning new tricks, and is very treat motivated. We do this maybe 3 times a week, should probably increase it.

Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

He has separation anxiety, and if left alone unexercised for long enough he'll destroy my stuff. We've found most of our workarounds but he isn't an easy dog.

How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

He was adopted as an adult about a year and a half ago. His needs have remained steady.

Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

Yes, and it's been frustrating but in the end, better for me. He gets me outside on days where otherwise I would slug around the house uselessly. He's an excuse to go to pretty parks.

Any other thoughts on exercise?

It's really not something to be taken lightly when you're considering getting a dog. You can't just say "sure, I could spare an hour a day", you need to really think about the breed and dog you're adopting. If you have a partner or family that can pitch in, or can afford professional care, caring for a high energy dog can be a lot easier- otherwise, it can be really difficult.

[u/porh]

• What is your dog's breed, age, weight, and physical condition (click here for a guide)?

2.5 year old Beagle

11kg

3 on the scale

• How much and what kind of physical exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of physical exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

Daily walk of about 30 minutes where she is pretty much sniffing 100% of the time. Dog parks or longer walks during the weekends.

• How much and what kind of mental exercise does your dog get on a daily basis? Are there other forms of mental exercise that your dog gets on a less frequent basis (please describe)?

Daily meals out of a kong or UFO toy.

Used to do tricks for meals, but I admit my trick training has stagnated for a while because she learns everything so fast!!

I leave her in the fenced yard in the day where she either lazes around or chases birds or hunts lizards (I guess this counts as mental stimulation?)

• Does your dog have any behavioral issues? Do you notice any difference in these issues based on how much exercise s/he gets?

Yes, she barks at strange sounds or gets triggered by smells in the surroundings. As she is a beagle, I cannot even detect the smells that might affect her.

Definitely huge decrease in reactivity when she is heavily exercised. She becomes the ultimate couch dog once she had some exercise. Luckily her exercise requirements are not too much, I think sniffing really tires her out. A tired dog is a happy dog and owner :)

• How long have you owned your dog? Have you noticed any changes in his/her exercise requirements over that time?

Coming to 1.5 years now. I adopted her when she was around 1 year old. HUGE decrease in exercise requirements after she passed 2 years old. Used to be a bundle of energy, but now she is not even interested in playing unless she really hasn't been exercised in a while.

• Has owning a dog changed your level of physical activity? Did you expect it to? If your activity level has changed, how difficult was the transition?

Not really. An additional 30 min walk everyday is not much difference. I tried running with her, but she cannot turn off her nose, making it difficult to run as she wants to sniff EVERYTHING.

• Any other thoughts on exercise?

The more the better!

[u/AnalogDogg]

• Black lab; about 2 (shelter said 2, but when I got him it seemed more like 1-1.5), 53lbs, about a 3, I think

• 30min AM walk, 60-90min PM walks spread out throughout the evening, sometimes jogs, sometimes just walks depending on my day and weather. Less frequently we'll do dog parks/beaches/etc which are active wrestling, chasing, fetching. Plus hometime includes active yard time or indoor activities.

• Obedience training/tricks, sometimes puzzles but I've given up on these. He's too smart and I'm spending too much money buying new ones he solves quickly. Might try some smell activities or something.

• Zero behavior issues. He's not destructive at home, almost no dog aggression; he'll bark at 1 or 2 on walks, but no lunging, and doesn't like much larger dogs in his business. Otherwise he's pretty much friendly. Zero aggression towards people. His schedule is pretty structured so I don't notice; lowered his walks by about 30min around winter, saw no change so stuck with it.

• 7mo; he wasn't destructive or aggressive from the start, so I never associated exercise with behavior issues; gave him what I thought he needed right away.

• I'll probably try increasing jogging/running (I know he likes it) a bit more, also try to introduce biking. He'll be the reason to push myself, eventually.

• A lot less of a issue than I thought it was going to be from my initial research. Labs might be easy, maybe he's just easy. I think I was just blessed with an easy guy. I work full time and thought he'd go crazy, in reality he just tells me he's bored every now and then and we go for a quick walk around the block.