Dog's were born to move. From the time that we began changing their genetic coding according to jobs that we wanted them to fulfill, they've started to become man's best friend. One of the best ways we can help them fulfill the job we gave them to begin with is to provide them with sufficient exercise. Many breed categories such as the working category or sporting category often need more exercise than a non sporting or toy dog. However, I find that most dog owners are unaware of how much exercise their dog truly needs to be healthy.

A tired dog is a happy dog. Most destructive behaviors come from a lack of being able to channel energy in a healthy way. This is one of the main reasons why I recommend "extra curricular" type activities to do with your dog. Agility is one of the most popular ones, and is great for many dogs! I did agility with my mixed breed dog before there were agility trials for mutts. And though I never showed her, we grew so much closer during our lessons and practice sessions.

Frisbee and flyball are two other great sports, depending on your dog's toy drive. Some dogs love water, so swimming, dock diving, or chasing garden hose water around the back yard can be fun activities. If you have any idea as to your dog's breed, do a little research as to their man given job according to their genetics, and start to brainstorm some activities you can do with your dog. 

Of course, all of these activities are an addition to their physical exercise needs being met from walking. There is absolutely nothing that can take the place of walking your dog. Period. They were born to move, born to travel. It's in their inborn nature to travel on all fours as a pack. I find that for growing dogs, or dogs with a high drive, walking is simply not enough mental stimulation. That's where these extra activities come in. 

I would encourage you to assess your dogs energy level and current exercise regimen and get an outside perspective from a professional. If you are experiencing behavior issues or even just observing an abundance of energy in your dog, consider implementing more exercise, both physical and mental.