Because the range of different sports and training courses for humans and dogs is growing year after year, many dog owners get the impression that their pets are only happy if they are offered “action” every day. However, if you want a well-balanced dog, you should make an effort to find the right amount of activity and relaxation for your pet. What many people don’t know is that dogs need at least 16 hours of rest and sleep per day.
So how do you make sure your dog is completely happy? How much entertainment should you offer him? How do you know when it’s too much for him? These are questions that every responsible dog owner should consider. Because constant entertainment can have serious consequences, such as learned hyperactivity. This means that the animal can no longer calm down and is constantly nervous and tense.
Activities and rest periods
In order to determine how much activity a dog needs, the owner must know what personality the four-legged companion has. Not only the breed is important, but also the nature of the individual animal. There are dogs that are excited when there is something new to discover, while others are completely overwhelmed when there is too much variety.
Behavioral studies conducted around the world with feral dogs have produced interesting findings. They show the balance between relaxation and activity that these animals choose when they can determine their own daily routine. The scientists’ observations have shown that dogs only spend 70 to 90 minutes a day in the broadest sense of the word foraging for food. Around 150 minutes are reserved for socializing, group cuddling and the like. Feral dogs also go for walks, which do not use up much energy. According to the study, they stroll through their residential area, sniffing, listening, marking and scratching wherever they get the chance. If they happen to come across something edible – all the better.
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Image: Colourbox
Source: Nachrichten
