Emmett’s been getting in some really good workouts! Trainer Dave has a treadmill now and has been working on getting Emmett used to it. And he is! This is just one tool Emmett’s trainer is using to get this high energy dog all the exercise he needs.

Just how important is exercise for dogs? According to the ASPCA’s Exercise for Dogs page, a lack of exercise and play can result in unwanted behaviors like:

• Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
• Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
• Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time 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

Do any of those ring a bell? Maybe your dog needs to get moving more? Now don’t walk away thinking you can just pop your dog on a treadmill and call it a day. As is the case for Emmett, the treadmill is just one of his daily activities. Dogs need a variety of play and exercise. Letting him out in the yard isn’t going to cut it either. On-leash walks help you and your dog both exercise and also develop a stronger bond and better interactions. (If done well, of course.) The ASPCA Exercise page has a bunch of suggestions for different activities and tools for walking correctly with your dog…that is, not letting your dog walk you!

Maybe seeing Emmett in action on the treadmill will help motivate you to find a fun, new exercise option for you and your dog.