11. Exercise

The importance of exercise for your new pet.

The need for exercise.

Many dogs find themselves banished outside or without a home due to unwanted behaviors within the household. Many times it is due to lack of stimulus and exercise.

Spend the time watching what your pet is most interested in - it will be much easier to engage them and burn off some of their pent up energy. They may enjoy running, swimming, playing fetch, tug, or just going for a long walk sniffing everything along the way.

Keep in mind that research has shown that a pet who is allowed to sniff everything desired on a walk vs. a pet that goes for a short jog will burn more energy.

On bad weather days, exercising their minds with food toys, treat puzzles, Kongs stuffed with something edible, playing go find the hidden treats, etc., will help them burn some of their energy and hopefully keep them out of trouble.

Many times we wonder why our pets “steal” the remote control, our socks, shoes, a child’s toy, etc. when they should know better. Most often it’s because they are trying to get your attention, which works when you chase them to get the item away from them. They are not trying to annoy you, just engage you. That’s why most of the time, they will bring the item right to you.

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