Exercising your dog - when mind and body are in balance

What does exercise mean for dogs?

Exercise means harmonising a dog's mental and physical needs. It is not about "tiring out" the dog, but about offering it tasks that do justice to its nature, talents and energy level. A busy dog is not automatically a tired dog - but a happy, balanced and co-operative companion.

We - Lui & Paulina - often hear: "My dog is still not tired after two hours of walking." Our answer: Then maybe he's not getting the right amount of exercise. Because dull running or hectic ball throwing doesn't make many dogs happy - but rather jittery, frustrated or even addicted to stimuli.

Why is capacity utilisation so important?

Dogs are problem solvers by nature. They want to think, search, learn, move - and also regulate themselves. If they are not given these opportunities, they often develop behavioural problems: Destruction, restlessness, excessive barking, leash aggression or constant demanding are typical signs of under- or even overstraining.

The trick is not to do too much or too little - but just the right amount. A good workload promotes concentration, bonding, frustration tolerance and self-confidence.

What types of utilisation are there?

We divide capacity utilisation at Vitomalia into three areas:

1. physical utilisation

Walks, hikes, controlled running, targeted exercise (e.g. cycling, jogging, balance training). Important: quality before quantity. Sniffing often makes more sense than kilometres.

2. mental utilisation

Nose work, intelligence games, trick training, target search, retrieving tasks, impulse control. These exercises promote calm and concentration.

3. social utilisation

Encounter training, guided social contact, bonding games, working together - the focus is on the relationship. It's about experiencing something together.

How do I recognise whether my dog is well exercised?

A well utilised dog:

• sleeps a lot (16-20 hours a day)

• is able to regulate himself even in tense situations

• does not show constant restlessness or excessive activity

• can focus and work together

A lack of exercise often manifests itself in nervousness, frustration, a constant search for activity or even aggression. However, too much exercise can also be harmful: The dog becomes overexcited, sensitive to stimuli and dependent on constant action.

Our approach at Vitomalia

We develop individual exercise plans for each dog - adapted to their age, breed, temperament, state of health and life situation. Our motto: balance instead of ball mania. It doesn't always have to be more - but more sensible.

Together instead of against each other. Structure instead of overstimulation. And above all: a sense of what is really good for the dog.

Our conclusion

Exercise is more than just exercise - it's relationship building. A well-exercised dog not only has fewer problems, but also a better quality of life. And that is exactly what we at Vitomalia are all about: not simply "tiring out" the dog, but accompanying it through everyday life in a mentally fulfilling and emotionally stable way.

Because utilisation means: I see you. I understand you. And I give you what you really need.