Is Backyard Exercise Enough for My Dog?

During this time of social distancing and telecommuting, using a fenced-in backyard provides a convenient and safe environment for your pet to get exercise and fresh air, but it’s important to remember that exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important for dogs. Learning to balance the backyard exercise and walk time is a key component to your dog’s confidence and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, as this pandemic unfolds, many pet parents will fall victim to the old adage that backyard time is enough for pets. Sadly, this is a common misconception. While the backyard is a great supplemental addition to your pet’s routine, the backyard should never be your pet’s only source of exercise and fresh air. Dogs are, by nature, curious explorers. Relying solely on the backyard for your dog’s exercise can lead to a host of unexpected and unwanted problems.

Problems of Backyard Exercise Only

When restricted to enclosed spaces, it’s not uncommon for dogs to become bored and frustrated, which can lead to:

• destructive behaviors,
• vocalization,
• repetitive behaviors such as perimeter circling
• even escape attempts, 

It is also common for dogs restricted to the backyard to begin showing territorial behaviors like:

• barking,
• rushing the fence
• running the fence when people or other dogs pass by.

Benefits of Walking Your Dog

By contrast, walking your dog is associated with a myriad of physical and mental benefits, which contributes to your dog’s overall well-being. Just a 15-20-minute walk per day not only provides socialization and much needed mental stimulation, it also:

• increases your pets cardiovascular and joint health,
• builds muscle,
• strengthens bones,
• aids in weight control
• and much more.

Find a Balance

The right balance of yard and walk time is unique to every pet. Some dogs prefer the familiarity of a backyard, but still need the exposure that leash walking provides, while others quickly become bored and thrive when walked.  

Learning to balance the backyard with a regular walking schedule is the key to getting the most enjoyment from your pet and ensuring your pet gets the exercise and stimulation they need to lead a happy, healthy life.