Exercise and Socialization is Important for Both You and Your Pup

The conversation around third places has had a hold on bloggers and writers since the pandemic began in 2020. We have a clear understanding of why this is so important, as humans are social creatures and a sense of belonging is hugely important to our well-being.

A similar argument can be made for our furry friends.

Socialization for dogs refers to the process of exposure to a variety of people, animals, environments, and situations in a positive and controlled manner. This will allow your fur baby to develop appropriate manners, allowing for a much higher likelihood of good behavior around other people and animals and lower instances of aggression or destruction. Experiencing a variety of environments will allow your dog to learn how to adapt to new environments and situations. A well-socialized dog is less likely to be fearful or anxious when faced with new experiences.

Some benefits of socialization for dogs include increased confidence, better health with a reduction in stress, and because of this, an increased quality of life. A well socialized dog can enjoy a much wider variety of experiences and activities, resulting in a much more fulfilling life.

Consistency is extremely important for dogs and this extends into socialization. The goal is to gradually expose them to a variety of people, animals, experiences, and environments, using positive training methods, and professional help if needed.

Exercise is equally as important, as it provides your dog with much needed stimulation, the ability to burn off excess energy, and the ability to stay in shape, resulting in better long term health for your pet.

Because there are similarities in the structure of the brains in different species of mammals and how those brains function, researchers are exploring both human and animal models that show the results of exercise on emotional and mental health. Physical exercise triggers the release of a protein called the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is one of the molecules that results in the growth of new brain cells.

Animal research has also shown that exercise increases the blood supply to the brain and promotes the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the part of the brain related to learning and memory.

One animal study gave two groups of rats access to either a running wheel or a treadmill. Both groups showed a better blood supply to their brains after 30 days, while rats who were not active showed no increase. Exercise is shown to also decrease stress-related hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine.

Exercise releases a flood of endorphins. These are the hormones in the brain that activate the body’s opiate receptors. They are considered natural pain relievers and mood elevators. The thinking is that exercise increases the concentrations of norepinephrine in the part of the brain related to stress responses. Physical activity can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, so these chemicals can improve an animal’s mood.

In whatever form, scientists agree that exercise improves mood in both humans and their pets.

Check out our article, Best Dog Friendly Spots and Nature Trails in the Morristown Area, to get you and your pup socializing and exercising!