Physical activity has a profound effect on emotions, a fact well-known among dog owners. Regular, intensive physical activity helps dogs release energy, tire out, and ultimately feel happier. This emotional change is driven by chemical processes in the brain during and after exercise.
During physical exertion, dogs experience stress, which isn't necessarily negative. Exercise triggers the release of adrenaline, glucagon, and other hormones into the bloodstream, enhancing the sympathetic nervous system's activity. This system manages the "fight or flight" response, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration while optimizing blood flow to muscles and organs. Glucagon raises blood glucose levels, providing more energy. These changes prepare the body for action.
Endorphins, hormones similar to morphine, are also released, reducing pain and contributing to feelings of euphoria and calm. Additionally, physical activity raises serotonin levels, although the exact mechanism is unclear. Higher serotonin levels have significant psychological benefits, essential for a dog's well-being.
Dogs, like humans, are cursorial animals, evolved for running long distances. Studies suggest that strenuous physical activity releases brain chemicals that generate good feelings, compensating for the effort involved. This evolutionary trait makes running not just physically beneficial but emotionally rewarding for dogs.
Regular, intensive physical activity, such as dryland mushing, is necessary for these hormonal changes. The average domestic dog rarely gets the chance for such sustained exercise, as typical walks and agility exercises aren't sufficient. Running at moderate speeds for long distances, as in dryland mushing, is ideal for triggering these beneficial hormonal and emotional changes.
The impact of these physiological changes, although temporary, accumulates over time, influencing a dog's overall behavior. Regular mushing can make a dog happier, more relaxed, and more responsive to commands. This creates a positive feedback loop: as the dog's mood improves, so does the behavior of those around him, enhancing his overall environment.
This effect is particularly crucial for dogs with behavioral issues like anxiety, high stress, or aggression. The hormonal changes caused by mushing can lead to more significant behavioral improvements in these dogs.
Different types of running activities have varying impacts on a dog's behavior. Running loose, pulling a bike, or being harnessed to a Dofunit dog cart all offer different levels of effectiveness. Pulling a bike requires more focus than running loose, but pulling a cart is even more effective. The Dofunit's rigid structure requires the dog to follow stricter rules, enhancing concentration and habit formation. This leads to faster and more noticeable behavioral changes.
Choosing between a bike and a Dofunit dog cart depends on factors like cost, convenience, and personal preferences regarding the dog's experience. However, professional dog trainers might prefer the Dofunit for its efficiency in achieving behavioral changes quickly. Understanding the profound impact of regular intensive physical activity on a dog's behavior can guide trainers in selecting the best tools for behavioral improvement.