Dog can't rest: How much rest and activity does my dog need? [Part 1]
Introduction
Restlessness and stress can be caused by a lack of rest or incorrect exercise. Dogs need more rest periods than humans do. A healthy, fully-grown dog spends an average of 18 hours a day snoozing. You can find out more about the need for rest and the urge to be busy in the other blogs in this series.
Table of contents
A dog's need for rest
Das Ruhebedürfnis unserer Hunde ist grösser, als die meisten Hundemenschen es einschätzen würden. Ein Hund ist körperlich locker in der Lage, den Alltag mit uns Menschen zu führen. Biologisch betrachtet benötigt ein Hund deutlich mehr Ruhe, als der Mensch. Ein ausgewachsener und gesunder Hund benötigt etwa 16–20 Stunden Zeit zum Dösen und Schlafen. Welpen oder alte Hunde benötigen mehr als 16–20 Stunden Ruhe. Kommt ein Hund selbstständig nicht zur Ruhe, benötigt er die Hilfe des Menschen, der Ruhe anleitet. Einige Hunde hingegen suchen sich ihre Ruhe von allein. Das kann zum einen damit zusammenhängen, dass der Hund es von Beginn an gelernt hat, oder aber weil seine Persönlichkeit und der Charakter es so begünstigt. Die Gründe, weshalb dein Hund nicht zur Ruhe kommt, können unterschiedlich sein. Auch der Körperbau nimmt Einfluss auf die Stressresilienz. Mehr zum Körperbau und der Fähigkeit zur Selbstregulation erfährst du in der Begriffserklärung der Impulskontrolle. Je mehr der Mens
The phenomenon of overworking is now gradually spreading to the world of dogs after the overworked children. Agility courses, mantrailing and various workshops are designed to keep the dog busy. In addition, the dog accompanies us on visits, to the restaurant and to the weekly market. Where is the necessary time to switch off and really relax?
ℹ️ Well-intentioned capacity utilisation, poorly implemented
As dog people, we can unknowingly encourage restless behaviour in our dogs. Excessive exercise or thoughtless games that focus on movement without brainpower encourage restlessness and prevent the dog from calming down. Stupid ball games without a concept encourage, among other things, ball junkies who chase after a ball like crazy.
Too much and too little exercise can have the same restlessness effects on your dog. If your dog doesn't calm down, it may be due to too much exercise or too little exercise. In addition to a lack of exercise, the wrong activity can cause your dog to become over-excited. Finding a healthy amount of exercise and activity for your dog is not always easy. To teach your dog to calm down and keep him busy at the same time, you can use impulse control exercises or concentration exercises. Impulse control Training for Beginners, Advanced und Profis compiled.
Dog people like to think that a busy dog hears better. It is understandable that exercise and activity with your dog is necessary and that boredom awakens many a problem behaviour in dogs. However, the reason for activity should not be exhaustion, but a healthy amount of stimuli, impressions, movement and opportunities for rest. An increased cortisol level awakens the urge for movement in the dog in order to metabolise the excess cortisol with the help of activity. A vicious circle is created: a stressed dog becomes a hyperactive dog that is stressed. Lack of rest and sleep leads to nervousness, lack of concentration and tension. As a dog person, the dog's behaviour leads to the assumption that the dog needs more exercise. Wrong! What such a dog needs is rest!
Lack of sleep is not only a consequence of stress, but also the source of other health complaints and problem behaviour. As a dog person, it is your job to teach your dog to rest if your dog is not resting. This not only helps with general behaviour and health, but also promotes the processing of training, exercises and experiences.
How to recognise that your dog is over-excited in certain situations
- Your dog is barely responsive or no longer responsive at all
- you are hardly noticed and there is little orientation
- the muscles are tense and the ears are alert
- the dog does not lie down and is constantly on the move
- Despite exercise, your dog does not calm down
- your dog shows a lot of howling, whining, whining, barking, trembling
- often over-jumping behaviour such as biting the Leash, excessive digging, jumping nervously at people, etc.
- your dog shows no signs of tiredness and demands more exercise
- Food is refused
Rest and stress - what happens in the dog's body
It is important to understand that chronic stress in dogs can not only lead to unpleasant behaviour, but also to health problems. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of infections and even lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems.
It is therefore crucial that we give our dogs enough time to rest and sleep. Dogs need about 18 hours of rest per day, depending on their age, health and activity level.
If we overtax our dogs in stressful situations, e.g. through too much training, too many social interactions or too much overstimulation, this can lead to overload. By giving our dogs enough rest and relaxation phases, we can help them to feel more comfortable and balanced overall.
If we assume that your dog's needs have been met, other factors may be the reason why your dog is unable to calm down. It should be obvious that a lack of sleep and hunger lead to restlessness. A feeling of hunger can cause nervousness and reduce impulse control. We have already explained how nerve food can have a positive influence in our article on the Impulse control You can practise calmness with your dog, but there are other conditions that play a role for your dog. You can find more information on this in the blog "Causes & reasons for a restless or stressed dog"These include, among others:
- Hereditary factors & unfavourable development / rearing
- Race
- Lack of frustration tolerance & impulse control
- Unlearned calm
- Background stressors
- Mood transfer
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperactivity
Aids for lack of rest - dog does not come to rest
Calmness can be supported by various aids in addition to exercises. It is important to mention that aids promote calmness, but without training they are not effective. In our blog you will find effective calmness training with free training plans. The aids work on different levels. The effectiveness is different for each dog and must be tested individually for you and your dog.
Music
Music therapy is widely used in some areas in humans. Music can promote relaxation in dogs. Findings by Lindig et al (2020) suggest that animals (not just dogs) appear less stressed or anxious when exposed to classical music. To date, there is little research examining music and relaxation in relation to animals. Music can provide relief from anxiety in the home environment. In most studies, quiet time and duration of barking were assessed and measured as indicators of stress. Measured by cortisol levels and heart rate, classical music could induce calm. In addition to the genre, conditioning and association with experiences and the music can also have a good effect. If your dog always lies relaxed next to you while you listen to your favourite music, the positive experience can lead your dog to calm.
CBD
CBD can be used in many ways in dogs and humans as a natural supplement. Dogs have their own endocannabinoid system, which works in a similar way to humans. This system is responsible for maintaining balance in the body and plays an important role in regulating mood, pain, inflammation and many other processes. CBD is a natural substance extracted from the hemp plant and has many positive properties.Unfortunately, there is not much evidence that CBD has the same positive properties in dogs as in humans. However, it is believed that CBD can help dogs with pain, cramps, anxiety and stress, to support the immune system or against inflammation. But it is important to know that it is used as a support and not as a sole problem solver.
Herbs and fragrances
Herbs and scents can have a calming effect on dogs, especially when they are stressed and anxious. Chamomile, lavender and valerian are three herbs that are often recommended to help dogs relax. The herbs can be given to the dog through the food to work internally or as an essential oil through a diffuser. The herbs should be started during a calm phase. Use only high-quality and carefully prepared herbs and essential oils. Essential oils can have an irritant effect, especially when used in high concentrations or on sensitive skin. Seek advice for correct dosage and application.
RelaxoPet
The RelaxoPet is a device that emits specially tuned sounds for dogs, cats or horses, depending on the device. We could not find any evidence or studies that confirm the effectiveness of the RelaxoPet. Some dog people have already had good experiences, others noticed no difference. However, if we think of conditioned relaxation, you can use the RelaxoPet to condition relaxation without disturbing humans because the sounds are hardly perceptible to humans. If you set up the RelaxoPet at home in a quiet environment as a relaxation sound while the dog relaxes, after a while the RelaxoPet can also be used in stressful situations (e.g. when driving a car) without disturbing you.
Cyclène and Adaptil
Zylkène and Adaptil can be used as natural remedies to promote relaxation. Both remedies promote calmness in temporary, transient stressful situations.
Zylkène is made from skimmed milk. The calming effect is due to α-casozepine, which is produced in the intestines of puppies while they are digesting their mother's milk. α-casozepine in turn enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid). GABA is responsible for all functions related to emotions, including stress. Adult dogs no longer produce α-casozepine, but the effect remains. Zylkène therefore creates the familiar comforting feeling in adult dogs and helps them to react more calmly to stressful situations.
Adaptil is now available in different product forms: as a Collar, as tablets, as an atomiser for the socket or as a spray. Adaptil works in the form of pheromones. Pheromones are messenger substances that help dogs to obtain information about each other. A mother dog releases pheromones through her udder to give her puppies a feeling of safety and security. Adaptil sends these pheromones into your dog's environment and gives him a sense of security. The feeling of security in turn creates relaxation.
Thundershirt and Tellington TTouch body tape
In stressful situations, a Thundershirt can be a possible aid. Thundershirts are special tight-fitting T-shirts for dogs that exert a uniform compression on the body. This is intended to have a calming effect on the dog, similar to swaddling a baby. The compression of the shirt imitates a close touch, which is intended to give the dog a feeling of security and promotes the release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone.
The Tellington TTouch body band is more versatile than the Thundershirt, but requires a little more practice to put on. We recommend trying out both aids several times before using them in important situations. The calming effect depends heavily on the individual perception of the dog. Dogs that find items of clothing or Harnesses uncomfortable will also find wearing a Thundershirt or body band annoying.
Whether and to what extent the compression of the shirt or the body band calms your dog and reduces stress therefore depends on various factors and can vary depending on individual needs and sensations - from disturbing and stressful to calming and soothing.
Vitomalias Fazit
Rest and relaxation are necessary for our dogs' health. Restlessness can be attributed to several reasons. If your dog is not resting, this can be due to health, genetics, as well as upbringing and training. You can teach your dog to rest and promote relaxation through tools. We will show you how to actively practice rest exercises in the rest exercises for at home and the rest exercises for outdoors. A balance of rest and activity is crucial for your dog's well-being and health. Every dog has individual needs, and it is important to take these into account to ensure a happy and balanced life for your four-legged friend. Watch out for signs of under- or over-exertion and adjust activities accordingly to ensure that your dog is both physically and mentally occupied.
Don't forget to provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to rest and relax by creating a calm and pleasant environment. A fixed daily routine and paying attention to your dog's individual needs in terms of sleep, physical activity and mental activity will go a long way towards helping your dog to calm down and lead a happy, healthy life.
Sources:
Löckenhoff, U. (2017). dogwalk: how dogs follow joyfully. kosmos.
Mrozinski, N., Heberer, U. & Brede, N. (2017). aggression behaviour in dogs. kosmos.
Lindig, A. M., McGreevy, P. D. & Crean, A. J. (2020). Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior. Animals, 10(1), 127. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022433/
How many hours of sleep does my dog need per day?
Most dogs need between 16-20 hours of sleep per day, with puppies, older dogs and large breeds tending to need more sleep, but the exact number of hours will vary depending on the dog's age, breed, activity level and individual needs.
How much physical activity should my dog get every day?
The recommended amount of daily physical activity varies depending on the breed, age and health of the dog. In general, small breeds should be active for at least 30 minutes to an hour a day, while larger breeds need about 1 to 2 hours. Puppies and young dogs may need more activity to burn off their energy.
What are some examples of activities I can offer my dog?
Some examples of activities you can offer your dog include walking or jogging to encourage his physical fitness. You can also play fetch or hide and seek games to satisfy his natural behaviour. Intelligence toys and brain teasers can help exercise his mental fitness and prevent boredom. Dog sports such as agility, flyball or obedience training not only provide physical activity, but also mental stimulation and the opportunity to strengthen the bond between you. Finally, socialisation with other dogs is important, but make sure this takes place in controlled environments rather than dog parks to avoid unwanted interactions.
How can I tell if my dog is getting enough rest?
Watch for signs of tiredness or fatigue in your dog, such as yawning, increased panting or restlessness. If your dog often seems sleepy during the day or has difficulty concentrating on activities, he may need more rest. A good way to monitor your dog's sleep is to use a high-quality and cosy retreat where he can relax and sleep undisturbed.
How can I help my dog to calm down?
To help your dog calm down, it's important to create a relaxed and calm environment. Here are some tips you can follow: Make sure your dog has a dedicated, cosy place to sleep where he can retreat. Reduce noise and distractions in his environment to help him relax. Avoid strenuous activity just before bedtime, as this can upset your dog and make it harder for him to fall asleep. Establish a set daily routine to provide your dog with security and predictability, which can help him relax better. Use relaxation techniques such as gentle massage, calming music or essential oils to further help your dog relax and calm down.
How can I recognise whether my dog is underchallenged or overchallenged?
Signs that your dog may be underchallenged include boredom, destructive behaviour, hyperactivity or restlessness. On the other hand, an overchallenged dog may show signs of stress, anxiety, exhaustion or irritability. To determine whether your dog is under or overchallenged, pay attention to his behaviour and body language. If your dog often seems restless, constantly destroys things or has difficulty calming down, this may be a sign that he is underchallenged. In this case, you should offer him more mental and physical activities to relieve his energy. In contrast, an overworked dog may often appear stressed or anxious, pant more, show persistent or recurring whining and even become aggressive or irritable. If you notice such signs, you should reduce the activities and demands on your dog and give him more time to rest and relax.
