A tired dog is a good dog.

I can tell you first hand that the adage “a tired dog is a good dog” is true! All dogs, big or small, short or tall, need physical and mental exercise daily. Some need more than others. Our suggestion is to choose a dog, based on their breed(s), age, and energy level, that will best suit your lifestyle and family dynamic.

Dogs are intelligent and social creatures. It is recommended that you conduct alone time training, set up a dog-safe area in your home and establish a daily routine that includes at least three outings a day for a minimum of 30-60 minutes each. More may be needed to avoid unwanted behaviors, such as separation anxiety, house soiling and destructive chewing. Puppies and adolescent dogs often need more time committed to their well-being and development than adult dogs over 3 years of age.

Provide the dog with plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Enrich their lives to fulfill their needs. Feed meals using toys, games and during training sessions, instead of out of a bowl. Hike in the woods. Walk or play fetch in open fields using on a long training leash (retractable leashes are not recommended). Interchange feeder toys, training games and walks while staying closer to home. If the dog will be alone for the majority of the day, hire a dog walker or get help from family, friends or neighbors or enroll the dog in a doggy daycare. There are stimulating chew toys and stuffable feeders you can leave for them while you are away to help reduce their stress and give them something appropriate and calm to do.

For inclement weather days, there are plenty of fun games and stimulating activities you can try for your dog, such as hide-n-seek, tracking, leaving stuffed chew toys in various places around the house for them to find or trick training. The internet and books from the library are loaded with ideas.