Do You Have A Lazy Dog? Tips To Motivate Him

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 22 December, 2022

Dogs are generally associated with the energy and joy they bring into the home. However, some dogs have more peaceful personalities, and when they’re not stimulated enough, they can fall into a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a lazy dog, then take a look at these tips to motivate and get him to exercise more.

Lazy dogs and Associated Risks

It’s no secret that lazy dogs tend to have a sedentary lifestyle which hardly consists of any physical exercise. Unfortunately, a lack of exercise doesn’t just affect a dog’s weight, but also his physical and mental health.

Inactive dogs become more prone to obesity and a bunch of other diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and hypertension.

Other than these health risks, being overweight can increase the chances of bone and joint problems or worsen pre-existing conditions. So, if you have a lazy dog, then providing him with some stimulation is necessary in order to be healthy.

How do I know if my dog is sedentary?

The main two symptoms of a lack of physical activity go hand in hand and tend to feed off each when it comes to your dog’s health. First of all, you may notice that your dog has rapidly gained weight due to a lack of physical activity.

Second, you will notice changes in your dog’s behavior. Due to not exercising on a regular basis, tension builds up and your dog may release it negatively with destructive, aggressive, or depressive behavior.

Just like people, every dog is different and each dog will have a different way of dealing with stress and anxiety. Some dogs destroy furniture or household objects when their owners aren’t home. Other dogs simply sleep for several hours and show a complete lack of interest in their toys.

In more serious cases, sedentary dogs can become aggressive towards other animals or strangers. You should address this behavior as soon as possible, either on your own or with the help of a trainer.

If your dog is lazy and shows any of the symptoms above, then you should take your dog to the vet. Your vet will first make sure that there are no medical conditions affecting your dog’s behavior. Also, it might be a good idea to talk with a canine ethologist to understand your dog’s behavior better and get some advice.

Is your dog lazy? Some tips to stimulate him

It’s really important to establish healthy habits that awaken your dog’s curiosity and motivate them to exercise. Below is a summary of a few crucial tricks to give a good dose of energy into your dog’s routine.

Give Them Toys that Stimulate Their Body and Mind

These days, dogs can spend hours home alone. If your dog doesn’t have toys or interactive games that stimulate them, then they’ll end up sleeping or negatively releasing their tension. Other than just a sedentary lifestyle, you’ll be increasing the likelihood of unwanted behaviors from your dog.

If you have a lazy dog that spends a lot of time at home alone, it would be a good idea to use a Kong to boost their intelligence and prevent them from developing separation anxiety.

A Kong is a completely safe toy that has a hole where you can place dry food, wet food, or treats inside. This is meant to get your dog to figure out a way to get the food out of the toy.

Go for Walks on a Regular Basis

Even though it’s possible to buy many toys for your dog, walks are really important for providing them with exercise and stimulation for their cognitive functions, senses, and getting them to socialize.

In general, you should take your dog put for three walks a day so they can get rid of some energy and enjoy life. The amount of exercise your dog will need depends on the breed, age, health, and personality.

It’s also fun to go on some small journeys to motivate your faithful friend. One day you could go to the beach or the pool, visit the countryside, or go to a dog park. The idea is to do a change in routine and environment. It’s a great way to prevent boredom and awaken their curiosity.

Spend Time with Your Dog

You could give your dog all the toys in the world, but nothing will come close to your company. Dogs are very sensitive creatures and need affection in order to be happy, active, and healthy. A dog that feels abandoned or unwanted in his own home may become sad and more sedentary.

A Well-balanced Diet

All dogs need a complete and balanced diet to stay active, happy, and healthy. Before choosing your dog’s food or making any change in their diet, remember to get advice from your vet first.