New research shows not all dog owners are giving their pooches proper exercise
Dog owners shirking their playtime duties believe going for a walk or watching TV together is enough to keep their pets happy. Yet actively engaging their canine companions in stimulating games can help keep blood pressure under control, increase serotonin and reduce depression – and that’s just in humans.
A new survey of 2,000 British dog owners by BARK found that 62% expect to spend less time outdoors as the weather changes. More than 8 in 10 pet parents considered walking to be a form of play, along with 28% who believe ‘watching TV’ on the sofa counts. Canine Behaviourist Shelby Semel explained: “Playing games with your dog is valuable for both mental and physical stimulation and also for strengthening the Dog to Human bond. You can bond further by learning dog body language; signs of being happy and playful Including a play bow, circular wagging tail, and mouth open and relaxed.”