Info Feature: The Benefits of Exercise

The general reasons why Kamp K9 exists are summed up in our mission statement (see page 5), but for this article we’d like to focus on one specific reason: to give your pet(s) some exercise!!

Dogs are genetically programmed to travel throughout their territory with their pack. They look for food, check the borders to make sure there have been no incursions, look for food, deal with intruders, look for food...you get the idea. This need for going about hasn’t been bred out of domestic dogs’ DNA, so your retriever has as much need to expend his energy as a wolf in a pack in Yellowstone. The problem today is that too many people don’t give their dogs enough activity, and therefore many dog owners experience problems like excessive barking, home destruction, unruly behavior with people and/or other dogs, and other neurotic displays.

Let’s take the case of "L" (name withheld). "L" lived in an apartment complex with her dad, and while a very sweet, affectionate, and devoted dog, "L" frequently caused consternation with the neighbors because while dad went to work every day, nervous barking would ensue. They were in danger of losing their home due to this barking, which would go on for many hours of the day. Once "L" and her dad discovered day care with Kamp K9, the neighbors and landlord became much happier, and now, on days when "L" doesn’t go to day care, calmness, quiet, and improved obedience are the norm.

Now, day care is not the only solution, particularly if your dog isn’t social, or has certain physical limitations. Also, not every dog needs (or can stand) a very intense level of exercise. Some dogs are just fine being walked once or twice a day, while others need to play fetch with tennis balls for 10 hours without a break (and we do have a couple of those here!). There is also a specific style of walking that Luc can show you if you’d like; it not only exercises the body, but works on the mind as well, and helps strengthen the bond between you both, and reinforces you as leader.

Cats need activity, too! Interactive play is not generally thought of as something that’s needed for a cat, but boy, doesn’t it help them stay happy, and again, playing with your cat not only gives them some exercise, but helps you bond with them. When we have feline boarders here, we make sure that we spend time playing with them, so that they don’t get bored, they have their need for human interaction fulfilled, and they grow to trust us (when they’re new clients) a lot faster.

Remember: an active pet is a happy pet – which makes for happy owners and families! All of us at Kamp K9 are very happy to help with this.

We also help cats stay sharp while they’re here!

Full speed ahead!