Why Is Social Exercise So Important?

What is social exercise and does your dog get enough? Being social is a big part of a dogs life, they are pack animals and have a drive to cooperate and communicate with other dogs and animals. Alot of your dogs play will likely come with human interaction, this is great - but often has limitations. Dogs reach a level of play, when off leash and surrounded by other dogs, that allows them to act naturally and communicate in a base form. Play bows, tone barks, body language - these all get activated to higher degree when your dog is in this setting.

Many behavioral issues can be addressed by simply adding in these high activity times, especially in a young dogs life. Try to have a philosophy to let your dog have the opportunity to run full speed every day. Not just a leash walk, or free time in a small yard - but enough time and space that your dog can truly run as fast as they can for a bit. Dogs also tend to learn faster from pack behavior than 1 on 1 instruction, so enter groups that match your breed and activity levels. Maybe dont even enter groups but have free time in dog parks in the early AM, before others arrive - where they can mark territories and be stimulated without incident ( example of off leash social activity if you have a dog that is aggressive or you cant trust in a group yet ).

Dont be intimidated by social settings with other dogs. Instead, try to have a good handle on your dogs body language and cues - you can really only learn these cues by watching them and interacting in their social settings. As you improve on reading cues you can redirect nervousness, or agitation with claps or verbal cues to reset the activity. As your redirection imroves, your off leash handling will improve also. These things make it easier to navigate your dog, and will open up the door to being able to navigate more hectic social settings together.