Taking your dog for walk keeps him healthy and happy

It's spring. Have you noticed how may more people are walking their dogs?

On any given day, there will be several dogs we don't recognize walking past our living room window.

Maybe they just want to be outside more, or maybe walking their dog is their response to "sitting is the new smoking."

We dog people are lucky because walking is great exercise for us and our dogs. And our dogs do need exercise.

The ASPCA notes our dogs' wild relatives lead busy and complex lives, caring for offspring, scavenging for food, defending territory, interacting socially and solving problems necessary for their survival.

Our dogs were bred for a specific purpose - hunting, providing protection or herding livestock. Now, our dogs lead more sedentary lives. Along with not having a "job," our dogs may need more exercise.

Not having anything constructive to do with their energy, dogs will find something else to do. The most common behaviors that result from dogs not getting enough exercise and play are:

• Destructive chewing, digging or scratching.

• Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding.

• Hyperactivity, excitability and nighttime activity.

• Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people.

• Excessive predatory and social play.

• Play biting and rough play.

• Attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining.

Besides keeping our dogs healthy and happy, daily exercise benefits are:

• Reducing hyperactivity.

• Helping to keep our dogs agile and limber.

• Helping to reduce digestive problems and constipation.

• Helping timid or fearful dogs build trust and confidence.

• Helping our dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless at bedtime.

• Helping to keep dogs' weight under control.

Our dogs do have considerable natural energy. Their need for exercise depends on their age, size, breed and individual traits, so check with your veterinarian before you start an exercise program for your dog.

The ASPCA suggests our dogs benefit enormously from daily aerobic exercises like fetch, tug, running and swimming, as well as at least a one half-hour walk.

Exercising your dog can also mean focusing on his brain with food puzzle toys, obedience and trick training and chew toys. Or focus on games that make your dog run around while you stand or sit still, like fetch with balls, Frisbees or sticks, Find It, Hide and Seek, catching bubbles (using a special bubble blower toy made for dogs, like the Bubble Buddy), or chasing a toy on a rope.

Whether you walk your dog or keep him active with less athletic pursuits, we need to help them use up their energy. Our dogs will be healthier for it, and so will we.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit thebuddyfoundation.org.