Pet Health Series: Part 1 – The Power of Daily Dog Exercise

Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer my three survey questions. The results are in, and… it was fascinating! I wanted to share the results and my interpretations, and – of course – hear how you interpret the data.

First up in our pet health discussion: Exercise!

The question was: How long do you walk your dog(s) each day?

47 people answered this question, and here’s how the results broke down:

• Thirty minutes to an hour usually. (49%, 23 Votes)
• We’re power walkers! Over an hour every day! No matter what! (23%, 11 Votes)
• It totally depends on the weather. (15%, 7 Votes)
• It’s more of a weekly or monthly thing for us. (11%, 5 Votes)
• Less than thirty minutes. (2%, 1 Votes)

I was impressed by these results! It seems like most everyone is getting out there at least a little bit each day. The majority – nearly half – of responders walk for 30 minutes to an hour each day. A couple of the comments called attention to the fact that the amount of exercise time depends on your dog’s age and health.

One thing my question didn’t take into consideration: mental exercise. A couple commentors mentioned additional indoor training and activities like agility. Added on top of regular walks, mental exercise is vitally important, as we all know. And, now that winter is rearing its snowy head, these additional activities become more important as walks become less frequent.

I was amazed that 23% of responders walk for over an hour every day! Very, very impressive! You power walkers who walk over an hour each day: What are some helpful tips and tricks to keep you – and your dogs – motivated? Do you continue this through the winter months, too?

What do you think? Were these the results you would’ve expected? What additional exercise do your dogs get regularly?

Tomorrow: the preventative health and nutrition results!

Image: ktylerconk