Ever heard the phrase, 'Don’t walk your dog too much; they’ll get too fit'? This nugget of ‘wisdom’ often pops up when owners are struggling with a dog who's overly excitable or hard to manage. While it’s true that increased physical exercise can improve your dog’s fitness levels, I completely disagree with the idea that we should restrict a dog’s activity just to make them calmer.
Fit, healthy dogs with well-developed muscles and good endurance are far more likely to lead long, happy lives than dogs whose exercise is limited unnecessarily. More importantly, it’s simply not fair to restrict a dog’s enjoyment of life for the sake of keeping them subdued.
That said, not all exercise is created equal. To raise a calm, contented dog, it’s important to strike a balance between physical activity, mental stimulation and sufficient rest.
Different dogs, different needs
Every dog is unique, with varying energy levels, fitness capabilities and exercise needs. While one dog may thrive on long hikes or runs, another might need shorter walks paired with gentle enrichment activities. However, two things remain constant for all dogs:
Mental stimulation is as vital as physical exercise. A dog’s brain needs a workout, too, through activities like training, scent games or enrichment activities.
Rest is essential. Dogs need downtime to process their experiences and recharge. Without enough rest, dogs – like overtired toddlers – can become hyperactive and difficult to manage.
Adrenaline junkies vs. fitness fanatics
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the ball launcher.
While I understand the appeal – keeping hands clean and effortlessly throwing further – ball launchers are often overused. Repetitive high-energy sprints can strain your dog’s joints and muscles, especially in breeds prone to injuries. Even more concerning, some dogs become adrenaline junkies, relying on the thrill of chasing a ball to feel satisfied. This can lead to hyperactive behaviour at home and an inability to relax.
Instead of endless ball games, try mixing physical activity with calm, mentally stimulating exercises. For example, pair a game of fetch with activities like sniffing, trick training or exploring new environments at a slower pace.
Why rest and mental stimulation are key
My own dogs are fit and active – we regularly enjoy long walks, hikes, and canicross. Yet, they’re calm and settled at home. After our morning walk and breakfast, they’ll happily snooze by my desk while I work.
The secret? Balance.
Limit overstimulation: I avoid repetitive, high-adrenaline activities like constant ball throwing. My dogs enjoy fetch occasionally, but it’s interspersed with calmer tasks like scent work or training.
Provide mental challenges: training, scent games and other enrichment activities like chewing can tire out your dog just as effectively as physical exercise – sometimes even more so. After a short training session, my dogs are often more content and ready to relax than after a long walk.
Teach the art of relaxation: dogs need to learn how to switch off, especially breeds with high energy or a strong working drive.
Teaching your dog to chill out
For some dogs, learning to relax doesn’t come naturally. Working breeds like Border Collies, Labradors, and Cocker Spaniels are often go-go-go by default, but any dog can struggle with this skill.
Here’s how to help your dog wind down:
Enable quiet time: give your dog a safe, distraction-free space to rest. This could be a crate (only if your dog likes a crate), a pen (especially useful for puppies) or a separate room away from busy household areas.
Cool down after walks: instead of ending your walk with high-energy activities like fetch, include calming moments like sniffing or a gentle food scatter. This helps bring your dog down from their adrenaline high before heading home.
Train relaxation on cue: teaching your dog to ‘settle’ is one of the most valuable skills they can learn. For my dogs, this means lying on their bed in a relaxed position. I use this skill all the time – at the pub, when visitors come over or when I'm working at my desk.
The importance of balance
A fit dog is a happy dog, but fitness alone doesn’t guarantee calmness. By balancing physical exercise, mental stimulation and rest, you can raise a dog who’s both healthy and relaxed.
If your dog struggles to wind down, I can help! My one-to-one dog training involves a holistic approach, teaching your dog to settle in a variety of environments while ensuring all their physical and mental needs are met.
Imagine sitting at a café, sipping your coffee, with your dog happily snoozing under the table. That dream can become your reality!
By embracing your dog’s individual needs and creating a well-rounded routine, you’ll not only help them thrive but also enjoy a calmer, happier home life. So why wait? Let’s work together to bring balance and contentment to your dog’s life!