How Many Steps Does Your Dog Take Every Day?
Humans are advised to achieve a movement goal of at least 10,000 steps every single day, but what about our furry family members? Dogs who spend their day at home versus those who attend Dogtopia daycare see a substantial difference in their daily step count. A dog who spends their day at home will walk less than 8,000 steps a day. When a dog attends Dogtopia daycare, they will walk upwards of 30,000 steps per day – that’s three times more than that of a dog who spends their day lounging at home!
Dogs are family and we want them to remain in our homes for as long as possible. As pet parents, we must focus on their health to ensure they live a long, happy and fulfilled life. In addition to the food you feed them, make sure you’re incorporating regular exercise and activities to keep their overall wellness in check. Dog daycare is a great way to ensure your dog is getting the physical and mental fitness they crave in a fun and safe environment. When your dog spends the day at Dogtopia, we’re putting their wellness first through exercise disguised as play, loads of socialization with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever) and plenty of interaction with our caring team!
Regular exercise is beneficial for your dog as it promotes heart health by lowering blood pressure which gives dogs more energy and alleviates the risks of depression and obesity. While keeping our dog’s heart healthy is crucial, regular exercise also leads to improved behaviors which may otherwise be exposed during bouts of anxiety. Excessive licking, barking, digging, and chewing are likely to not be as prominent if a dog receives daily exercise such as a walk outside, fetch in the yard or regular daycare at Dogtopia. While at Dogtopia, your dog will spend the day playing with other like-minded pups which allows for the word “exercise” to become obsolete. At Dogtopia, traditional “exercise” becomes never ending fun and tons of games!
Dogtopia dogs partake in a variety of activities that don’t even feel like traditional exercise! Here are just a few of the ways dogs enjoy movement daycare:
- Bubbles: Whether they’re flavored like bacon or peanut butter, Dogtopia dogs love chasing bubbles around the playroom! These little floating spheres mystify pups and keep their attention. While they pounce and jump through the air after them, dogs don’t even realize they are moving their bodies and building endurance for longer durations of play!
- Follow the Leader: A Canine Coach will walk around the playroom and dogs will be rewarded for following the leader! This game focuses on listening skills and builds a bond between pup and Canine Coach.
- Agility Games: Dogs enjoy running upon or jumping around play structures in playrooms. Canine Coaches praise dogs who follow verbal instruction and make their way to the top of the structure! While this builds strength and muscle, it also boosts a dog’s confidence!
- Brain Games: In addition to physical exercise, dogs love to test their mental skills too! Brain games encourage dogs to solve problems using their senses and problem-solving skills. Canine Coaches can put bits of dog food under one of three cups and mix them around without displaying the food to the dog. Dogs will sniff to figure out which cup holds the tasty treasure! Sniffing is actually a great way to allow a dog to use built up energy while sharpening their senses. This is a fun one you can also try at home!
Dogtopia isn’t just for pups. Pet parents love the benefits that come with seeing their dog living their best life! Not only will they be collecting their daily steps and getting plenty of exercise, but they’ll also be socializing with other like-minded pups and learning new skills they’ll be excited to show off at home. Get your dog enrolled so they can play the day away while also giving you peace of mind they are in a place that puts their wellness first. Find a Dogtopia near you!