Why Exercise Is So Important for Dogs – And Why It’s at the Heart of What We Do at Volpets
Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh air, movement, and meaningful interaction with the world around them. Regular exercise isn’t just a nice-to-have for your dog-it’s essential. It supports everything from physical and mental health to emotional balance and social development. At Volpets, we’ve built our entire approach around this principle, offering some of the most enriching dog walking experiences in London’s stunning Royal Parks.
Physical Health: More Than Just Stretching Their Legs
At its core, exercise helps dogs stay in shape. It supports cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, keeps joints mobile, and helps regulate digestion. Dogs that don’t get enough physical activity can quickly put on weight, which in turn puts pressure on their joints and increases the risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Regular movement helps avoid those issues while also building muscle tone, improving endurance, and keeping their systems working smoothly.
Even lower-energy breeds or older dogs need some form of daily exercise to keep their bodies in balance. A leisurely but consistent walk can work wonders for stiffness and general wellbeing. That’s why we’ve built our walks around a generous 1 hour and 30 minute format-because proper exercise takes time, and a quick 20-minute trot simply doesn’t cut it for most dogs.
Mental Stimulation: Letting Their Minds Roam
A walk is never just a physical outing for a dog-it’s a deeply stimulating experience that activates the brain. Every scent, sound, texture, and movement in the environment sends new signals to process and respond to. This kind of natural enrichment helps dogs stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced.
Dogs are hardwired to explore. That’s why we use the term “sniffari” when we talk about walks in places like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Richmond Park. These green spaces are filled with natural trails, water features, wildlife scents, and open skies. Letting dogs slow down and follow their noses is one of the best ways to keep them mentally engaged, relaxed, and content.
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Behavioural Balance: Channelling Energy the Right Way
When dogs are under-exercised, it often shows up in their behaviour. Chewing furniture, barking excessively, digging, or even being generally restless and unsettled indoors are all signs of a dog with too much energy and not enough healthy outlets. Regular exercise helps to burn off that physical and emotional energy in a constructive way.
It’s not just about running them ragged-it’s about finding a rhythm that suits each dog’s natural temperament. That’s something we take very seriously at Volpets. Because our walkers are salaried and not racing from job to job, they have the headspace and calm energy to really read the dogs they’re walking. The result is a much more relaxed dynamic that helps dogs find their own balance, not just during the walk, but long after they get home.
Socialisation: Confidence Through Connection
Social time with other dogs plays a huge role in a dog’s development. It helps them build confidence, communicate better, and understand how to behave in different settings. But just throwing a bunch of dogs together and hoping for the best isn’t the answer. Socialisation needs to be safe, positive, and structured.
Our group walks are carefully curated so that dogs are matched with others of a similar energy level and temperament. That way, they can build genuine friendships and learn healthy social behaviours without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, even nervous or reactive dogs can start to relax, grow in confidence, and find joy in being part of a pack.
Routine and Structure: Creating a Sense of Security
Dogs love routine. They find comfort in knowing when and where things are happening. A predictable daily walk provides not just physical benefits, but also emotional stability. It gives dogs something to look forward to and helps them understand what’s expected of them. This kind of structure can be especially helpful for rescue dogs or those prone to anxiety, who often find stability incredibly grounding.
We operate on a consistent schedule, and our walkers aim to become a familiar and trusted part of each dog’s day. That consistent presence helps build a deeper relationship-not just between dog and walker, but between dog and world.
Bonding Time: Deepening the Human-Dog Connection
Time spent walking together also strengthens the bond between dogs and the people who care for them. It’s a space for connection, trust-building, and communication. The walk becomes more than just a service-it becomes a shared experience.
Our walkers get to know their dogs deeply. They pay attention to body language, reinforce positive behaviours, and provide a calm, steady presence that dogs learn to rely on. That trust transfers into all aspects of the dog’s life, helping them feel more secure at home, in public spaces, and even at the vet or groomer.
The Power of London’s Green Spaces
One of the greatest advantages we offer at Volpets is our license to walk in the Royal Parks-something very few companies in London have. These iconic green spaces offer a wealth of sensory experiences and plenty of room for dogs to roam in peace. Whether it’s the leafy trails of Richmond Park, the gentle lakeside paths of Hyde Park, or the wide open spaces of Bushy Park, we’re constantly reminded of how much happier and more balanced dogs are when they’re immersed in nature.
Each outing is an adventure. Every path brings new smells, new sights, and new moments to learn and grow. These aren’t just city walks-they’re countryside-style experiences, right in the heart of London.
A Personalised Approach
No two dogs are the same, and their exercise needs vary dramatically based on age, breed, health and personality. A young Vizsla will need very different stimulation compared to a senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. That’s why we take the time to get to know each dog properly and tailor their walks accordingly.
Some might need a bit more running, others might want a calm pace with space to sniff. Some thrive in a pack, while others need one-to-one time until their confidence grows. Whatever the case, we build around the dog, not the schedule.
FAQs
How much exercise does my dog actually need?
It depends on your dog’s breed, age and overall health. Most adult dogs benefit from at least one hour of physical activity per day, but high-energy breeds often need more. That’s why our 1 hour and 30 minute walks are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of dogs-whether they’re eager explorers or gentle meanderers.
Is it safe for my dog to join group walks?
Absolutely. We assess every dog before placing them in a group and carefully match based on temperament and energy level. All group walks are led by experienced handlers, and we keep group sizes small to ensure everyone gets the attention they need.
Can older dogs still benefit from long walks?
Yes-though their needs may be different. Older dogs often benefit from slower-paced walks that help keep joints moving and minds stimulated. We tailor the walk to suit their abilities and energy, ensuring they’re comfortable throughout.
What if my dog is nervous or reactive?
We work with a lot of dogs who are building confidence. In many cases, gentle exposure to calm group walks or one-to-one sessions in quieter areas of the Royal Parks can really help. Our team is experienced with nervous and reactive dogs, and we take the time to ensure they feel safe and supported.
Where do you walk the dogs?
We’re licensed to walk in London’s Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park and more. These green spaces offer the perfect mix of open terrain, natural stimulation, and peaceful surroundings for dogs to explore.
A Personalised Approach
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to help dogs live long, happy, and balanced lives. It supports their physical health, sharpens their minds, builds confidence, and strengthens the bond they have with the world around them.
At Volpets, every walk is a chance to offer that kind of support. And with access to some of the most beautiful parks in London, it’s a joy for us too. If you’re curious about whether our walks might be a good fit for your dog, we’d love to have a chat.
Get in touch to find out more.
