More Physical Activity, Less Fear

Dogs who get less than an hour a day of physical activity and who seldom engage in training activities are more fearful of people and other dogs than pets who engage in at least 3 hours of physical activity each day and whose owners involve them in training sessions at least sometimes. So says a Finnish study of almost 6,000 dogs. The increase in fearfulness was about 40 to 50 percent higher, on average, for the inactive dogs.

The researchers say that owners may not take out fearful dogs as frequently or may not subject them as regularly to training because they may be difficult to work with. But the scientists also point out that physical activity has the potential to decrease stress and that dogs in kennels who get regular exercise have improved well-being.