Active Lifestyle For Active Dogs - Family - Pets

Dogs, by nature, are born to be active. So if you're the type of person who prefers to sit and watch TV alot, having a dog might not be the right decision. A dog is more likely to feel depressed if he is matched with an owner who has a different lifestyle, creating discord in the relationship.

If you bring a dog into your home, there are activity levels that you should think about first in order to keep your dog fit physically and emotionally. Having a dog that needs walking twice a day might spur lazy adults to get the kind of physical exercise that they need. However, lazy individuals are not prone to change their habits enough to make a good match between them and active dogs. It's the dog that will suffer as the lazy owner slacks off on walking and the dog fails to get what he needs in consistent outdoor time.

The amount of activity a dog needs is not the same as exercise. Every dog needs time to walk, run, play and relax each day. Go to a dog park or walk your dog on a leash in the neighborhood. Having a fenced backyard allows your dog to romp and play without a lead. For many older adults, it's not as easy to get around as it used to be so choosing a dog that requires less daily activity is best. Individuals that enjoy being outside and actively include their dogs are more likely to have healthier, happy dogs.

Larger dogs tend to be more physically active. Many larger dogs have heritages that include being working or hunting dogs. Their innate desire is to be active. Dogs which are born for movement and agility may include the Doberman, Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, German Shepherd and Greyhound. It is natural for them to require movement and exercise everyday. Not all large dogs require a high level of physical activity. Size can fool you. Breeds such as the St. Bernard and Bull Mastiff fit this category even though they may well weigh more than their keeper.

Small dogs can comfortably live in small spaces. These dogs may include the Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Poodles and Pekinese who don't need as much outdoor activity since their nervous temperaments cause them to be high in activity around the house. Granted, their physical activity may be running in all directions around the room, jumping on your guests or on you, but they do settle down when their energy wanes. Then it's time to recharge by crawling back on your lap or on one of their plush pet beds.

There's much to know before getting a dog. So take the time to evaluate your living space, personality, and personal activity level so you can come up with the best dog match compatible to you.