Andrew Huberman

Most Dogs Need Far More Exercise Than They Get to Be Happy & Health

​@CesarMillanOfficial aka the Dog Whisperer, was my guest on the recent Huberman Lab podcast. Most people do not walk their dogs enough, and it causes their dogs to be anxious and unhealthy much of the time. Most dogs need at least a 30-minute brisk walk (and up to 60 minutes or more) twice per day, every day. Some breeds need far more. Tiring out your dog is so crucial to their wellbeing. The daily walks are, of course, also good for you. People often ask me if the morning sunlight viewing I always talk about for humans pertains to animals too, and the short answer is yes — absolutely. Same neurons in the eyes and brain govern the improved mood and sleep that morning sun viewing triggers. I raised both my bulldog-mastiff (and pit) mutts using Cesar's methods, and they worked terrifically well both times — and that is a stubborn (and, in the case of Strummer, my second dog, also super energetic) breed. Two 45–60 minute structured walks per day were/are what's needed, and often a good 4-mile hike on the weekend and midweek too. People debate dog training methods, but to my knowledge, everyone agrees that dogs need exercise. Also, the vets I consulted (I have one in my family!) confirmed most people just don't exercise their dogs nearly enough. The episode with Cesar covers: selecting the right dog, setting your energy to lead your dog, knowing how much to exercise your dog, fixing behavioral issues, and much more.