You’ve heard this a thousand times, so you know the drill: a healthy body results in a healthy mind. However, this isn’t just true for you. It’s also true for pets, especially dogs. Exercise is beneficial for all dogs, young and old. Not only does it have many physical benefits, it also helps prevent a number of behavioral issues that lack of exercise can cause. Our specialists in dog training in Chicago want to share the key benefits of keeping your dog in shape.
Obesity is becoming a major problem for today’s dogs, with between 20 and 40 percent of all dogs seen by American vets considered overweight. Obesity prevents dogs from enjoying their everyday activities, and decreases their speed, stamina, and ability to properly deal with heat. Unfortunately, obesity also commonly results in arthritic changes due to overburdened joints, higher risk of torn ligaments, back issues, and heart problems. With regular exercise, you can prevent these ailments and give your dog a happier and healthier life.
In many cases, not getting enough physical activity is also a primary cause of behavioral issues. Lack of exercise often results in boredom and frustration, which can lead to the development of destructive habits like chewing, scratching, digging, hyperactivity, or aggression. By giving your dog an outlet for their energy, you can prevent these unwanted behaviors and keep you and your pup happy.
Just as you benefit from regular exercise, so will your pup. With the right amount of exercise to fit your dog’s age and fitness level, you’ll start seeing the many physical and mental benefits it offers. If you find that some of these problems don’t improve and start considering dog training in Chicago, we can help. Chicago Canine Academy offers many training classes for your pup, including agility and behavioral courses. If you want to learn more about our services, contact Chicago Canine Academy today!