Are You and Your Dog Compatible?

Dogs, by nature, are born to be active. So if you're a couch potato addicted to the TV, owning a dog might not be the way to go. A dog is more likely to feel depressed if he is matched with an owner who has a different lifestyle, creating discord in the relationship.


If you bring a dog into your home, there are activity levels that you should think about first in order to keep your dog fit physically and emotionally. Having a dog that needs walking twice a day might spur lazy adults to get the kind of physical exercise that they need. However, lazy individuals are not likely to change their habits enough to make a good fit between them and active dogs. It's the dog that will suffer as the lazy owner slacks off on walking and the dog fails to get what he needs in consistent outdoor time.

The amount and kind of exercise that you give to your dog is not the same as giving him the amount of physical activity that he needs every day. Every dog needs time to walk, run, play and relax each day. Go to a dog park or walk your dog on a leash in the neighborhood. Having a fenced backyard allows your dog to romp and play without a lead. Mobility limitations can often be a concern for older adults. If this is the case, choosing a dog that requires less daily physical activity is the best thing to do. Individuals that enjoy being outside and actively include their dogs are more likely to have healthier, happy dogs.


Larger dogs tend to be more physically active. Many larger dogs have heritages that include being working or hunting dogs. Their desire to be active and work off some energy are some of their inherent traits. Dogs which are born for movement and agility may include the Doberman, Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, German Shepherd and Greyhound. It is natural for them to require movement and exercise everyday. Not all large dogs require a high level of physical activity. Size can fool you. Breeds such as the St. Bernard and Bull Mastiff fit this category even though they may well outweigh their keeper.


Small dogs can comfortably live in small places. These dogs may include the Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Poodles and Pekinese who don't need as much outdoor activity since their nervous temperaments cause them to be high in activity around the house. Granted, their physical activity may be running aimlessly around the room, jumping on your guests or on you, but they do settle down when their energy wanes. Then it's time to recharge by crawling back on your lap or on one of their plush pet beds.


There's much to understand before getting a dog. So take the time to evaluate your living space, personality, and individual activity level so you can come up with the best dog fit compatible to you.