Meeting the Physical Needs of Canines: A Complete Guide to Diet, Rest, and Exercise

As dog owners, we all want the best for our canine companions. But to give them the healthiest, happiest life, it’s important to understand and meet their physical needs. From nourishing meals to restful sleep and regular exercise, every aspect plays a critical role in their well-being. Whether you're a new dog parent or a seasoned trainer, knowing how to cater to your dog's diet, rest, exercise, and breed-specific behaviours will help them thrive.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about meeting your dog’s physical needs. Ready to improve your dog’s quality of life? Let’s dive in!

1. Sleep: The Foundation of Canine Health

We all know how important sleep is for humans, but did you know it’s just as vital for dogs? Just like us, dogs need quality rest to recharge their energy and keep their minds sharp.

Why Sleep Matters

Research (Kinsman et al., 2020) shows that sleep plays a crucial role in a dog's cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall health. When dogs sleep, their brains process what they've learned throughout the day, solidifying their training and experiences. Moreover, dogs also dream, which suggests that sleep is essential for their emotional development.

Creating the Ideal Sleep Environment

To ensure your dog gets the best rest, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable, quiet, and secure space to sleep. Some dogs may enjoy a plush, soft bed, while others—especially senior dogs or those with joint issues—might benefit from an orthopedic mattress to provide extra support (RSPCA, 2022). Remember, your dog’s sleep needs will vary by age. Puppies and senior dogs typically require more sleep than adults, as they need extra recovery time to grow or maintain health.

Tip: Make sure your dog’s bed is placed in a calm, low-traffic area where they can retreat when they need some peace and quiet.

2. Nutrition: Fuelling Your Dog’s Body

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a dog’s health. Just like us, dogs need a balanced diet to stay strong, energetic, and healthy.

What’s in a Balanced Diet?

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it’s a legal requirement for dog owners to provide a suitable diet, which ensures their dogs receive the proper nutrition (DEFRA, 2017). A well-rounded dog diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals—each serving a unique function to keep your dog in top shape. For instance, proteins help with muscle development and energy, while fats support skin and coat health.

Tailoring to Your Dog’s Needs

Each dog is different, and their dietary needs can vary depending on their breed, activity level, age, and health conditions. Puppies typically need higher protein and calorie intake for growth, while senior dogs might benefit from specialized diets to support joint health or manage weight.

Some dogs have allergies or sensitivities, so it’s important to choose foods that cater to those unique needs. Be sure to provide your dog with fresh water throughout the day to keep them hydrated—water is essential for proper kidney function and overall health (RSPCA, 2022).

Tip: Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your dog’s specific health and lifestyle needs.

3. Breed-Specific Behaviours: Understanding Your Dog’s Nature

Every dog breed has its unique traits and behavioural tendencies, which are often tied to their historical roles. While most dogs are now kept as companions, understanding their inherited traits can help us meet their physical and mental needs more effectively.

For example, working dogs—which were originally bred for hunting and exploration—tend to have a higher energy level and more curiosity. They often require longer, more stimulating walks with opportunities for play. These dogs thrive on engaging with their environment, exploring new smells, and interacting with their human companions (Asp et al., 2015).

On the other hand, gundogs have a natural instinct to retrieve, so they typically enjoy activities like fetch and long walks. This breed often needs a lot of physical exercise to stay healthy and avoid becoming bored or destructive (PDSA, no date).

For hounds, with their high prey drive, it’s beneficial to allow them to engage in specific activities that match their instincts. Using a flirt pole to simulate the chase or allowing them to follow scents in a controlled environment can be highly satisfying (PDSA, no date).

Pastoral breeds, such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, are often high-energy dogs that need to stay busy. These dogs thrive on outdoor activities like hikes or agility courses, which provide both mental and physical stimulation.

Terriers, known for their independent and feisty personalities, often have a high prey drive and enjoy activities like chasing and digging. Understanding their need for mental stimulation through interactive play and puzzle toys is crucial.

Finally, toy breeds, bred primarily for companionship, may not need the same level of exercise as working breeds. Still, they each have unique personalities that require attention to their specific needs for bonding and play (PDSA, no date).

4. The Importance of Walks: Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Walks are more than just a means of getting your dog outside—they provide essential mental and physical stimulation.

The Power of Daily Walks

Research shows that regular walks provide dogs with mental stimulation, helping them practice obedience and explore their environment. As they sniff around, encounter new sights and sounds, and meet other dogs, walks satisfy their curiosity and prevent boredom. Plus, daily exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, and promotes emotional well-being (Positively, 2024).

Customised Walks Based on Breed

Different breeds have different exercise needs.

• Working dogs may require long, sniffy walks combined with interactive play.

• Gundogs will enjoy long walks with fetch sessions to satisfy their retrieving instincts.

• Hounds will benefit from short bursts of energy expenditure, such as using a flirt pole to simulate prey.

• Pastoral breeds enjoy hikes, and adventure walks that challenge both their physical endurance and intelligence.

• Terrier’s love chasing and digging, so incorporating these activities into their walks will keep them entertained and mentally engaged.

  
  

Tip: Make walks fun by adding variety. Switch up your routes, incorporate training or obedience practice, and let your dog explore different environments. Remember, walks are an excellent opportunity for bonding too!

While breed plays a significant role in shaping a dog’s behaviour, it's important to note that individual personalities within a breed can vary widely. Some studies suggest that genetic factors can account for more than 50% of the behavioural variation across breeds (MacLean et al., 2019). Therefore, it’s essential to tailor your dog’s routine based on their unique characteristics and preferences.

Conclusion: Nurturing Your Dog’s Physical Well-being

Meeting the physical needs of your dog isn’t just about providing food and shelter—it’s about understanding their unique requirements and creating a lifestyle that promotes their health and happiness. Whether it’s providing a cozy sleep space, feeding a balanced diet, offering breed-specific exercise, or taking them on regular walks, each of these elements plays a key role in your dog’s overall well-being.

By nurturing these physical needs, you’re not only enhancing your dog’s health but also strengthening the bond between you and your furry companion. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a fulfilling, joyful relationship.

Take Action Today

Is your dog getting the proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise they need? If you’re unsure, take a moment to assess their routine. Remember, the more effort you put into meeting their physical needs, the more rewards you’ll reap in the form of a healthy, well-behaved, and content dog. Let’s get started on giving your dog the best life they deserve!

References

Animal Hospital of North Asheville, 2020. Exploration: 5 Types of Walks. Available at: https://www.ahna.net/site/blog-asheville-vet/2020/06/04/exploration-5-types-of-walks Accessed: 31/01/2024

Asp, H.E., Fikse, W.F., Nilsson, K. and Strandberg, E., 2015. Breed differences in everyday behaviour of dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 169, pp.69-77.

DEFRA (2017) Code of practice for the welfare of Dogs. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ac78152ed915d76a04b2da6/pb13333-cop-dogs-091204.pdf Accessed: 31/01/2024

Kinsman, R., Owczarczak-Garstecka, S., Casey, R., Knowles, T., Tasker, S., Woodward, J., Da Costa, R. and Murray, J., 2020. Sleep duration and behaviours: a descriptive analysis of a cohort of dogs up to 12 months of age. Animals, 10(7), p.1172.

MacLean, E.L., Snyder-Mackler, N., VonHoldt, B.M. and Serpell, J.A., 2019. Highly heritable and functionally relevant breed differences in dog behaviour. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 286(1912), p.20190716.

PDSA, no date. Dog Breed Groups. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/dog-breed-groups Accessed: 31/01/2024

Positively, 2024. Canine Cognition Available at: https://positively.com/dog-training/article/dog-science-canine-cognition Accessed: 31/01/2024

RSPCA, 2022. How to support your pet’s emotional wellbeing. Available at: https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/health-and-wellbeing/emotional-wellbeing-of-pets Accessed: 31/01/2024