The Top 4 Muscle Building Exercises

Dogs are born to work for a living. They’ve worked alongside us for thousands of years, and most are bred for a particular purpose, like hunting, herding livestock or providing protection. Dog’s wild relatives spend most of their waking hours scavenging and hunting for food, caring for offspring, defending territory and playing with each other. They lead busy, complex lives, interacting socially and solving simple problems necessary for their survival.

The most common job for our companion dogs today however, is Couch Potato! They no longer have to earn their keep and instead have to adjust to our more sedentary lifestyles. They get their food for free in a bowl and are often confined, alone and inactive for most of the day. This lack of purpose leaves dogs no outlet for their naturally active tendencies-physical and mental-and it contributes to the development of behavior problems.

Another problem that modern dogs face because they rarely work anymore is a lack of opportunities to exercise. Some pet parents make the mistake of assuming that if a dog has access to a yard, she’s getting exercise. But your dog doesn’t run laps by herself in your yard-or do much of anything besides waiting for you to come outside or let her back inside. It’s the interaction that counts!

"Exercising your dog is an important part of your relationship with him. All dogs, young and old, benefit from exercise. Not only physically, but mentally as well. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise will not only run the risk of developing health issues like obesity and arthritis, but may also develop some behavioral issues.

Dogs who aren’t given something constructive to do with their time will make their own fun, which normally includes digging, chewing, and even pushier behaviors like excessive play biting, jumping, and attention-seeking barking. If the aforementioned issues weren’t enough to get you and your pooch off the couch and out the door, exercise can also help shy and fearful dogs gain confidence." - Taurus Academy