It’s a dog?s life. Run around and play, eat, stop for some cuddles and sleep. Repeat daily. But seriously, life for dogs comes with all kinds of restrictions, whether they live in the city or the country. In the city and suburbs, the concerns of dog owners can center on finding enough outdoors space,
while in the country it can be about keeping them safe from traffic and wildlife, while giving them a good quality of life. In both locations, pet stations with waste disposal bags and bins make it easier for pooches and their people to be out and about.
Outdoor spaces for dogs
More than 46 million households in the U.S. own dogs. That’s around 37 to 47% of all households in the country. As dog owners know, or soon learn, they’re responsible for every aspect of their pets? well being, from providing food and water and medical care to ensuring that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Like cats and other pets, dogs need mental stimulation and affection as much as more mundane physical needs. Finding an outdoor space where dogs can safely run around and play and socialize with other dogs and people is always a concern.
Dog parks and playgrounds
It is an indication of the importance of pets in our lives that many cities, municipalities and parks now recognize the need for pet parks and pet stations for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors with their pets. Almost every major city now has at least one dog park. While some can be very basic affairs with a dog run and pet station for waste disposal, many have all kinds of additional play facilities.
Doggie playgrounds now come with canine obstacle courses, dog hoops and other kinds of dog playground equipment. Different kinds of dog training obstacles, jumps and hoops let the canines use their doggy brains as well, making the game much more enjoyable. Many dogs will strike up friendships with the other canines and humans who visit the park, making it a social occasion as well.
How much exercise does your dog need?
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on the age and breed. Breeders follow the five-minute rule, according to which a puppy needs a maximum of five minutes of exercise for every month. So a puppy that is three months old needs just fifteen minutes of exercise a day. Of course, puppies don’t read articles like this one and tend to just run around until they’re exhausted, when they flop down and sleep whenever they happen to be.
Dogs need more exercise as the grow older, and will need the most when they are between one and a half and four years old. Female dogs tend to be more active, getting about 15% more exercise than males. Large dogs need more exercise than can be provided by twice daily walks and should have a place where they can run freely and safely off the leash.
Dog parks with playground and training equipment and pet stations help in keeping your pets fit, healthy and happy. And as every pet owner knows, when your pets are happy, you’re happy.