Living in an urban environment doesn’t mean your dog’s exercise and enrichment opportunities have to be limited.
By understanding your dog’s natural instincts, particularly their preferences in the predatory sequence, you can create activities that fulfill their physical needs, even in a city setting.
This post explores the predatory sequence, the benefits of physical exercise, and a variety of high and low-intensity exercise options tailored for urban living.
Understanding the Predatory Sequence
The predatory sequence describes the instinctual steps a dog might follow when hunting. While most pet dogs aren’t hunting for survival, aspects of this sequence still shape their play and exercise preferences. The sequence includes:
- Orient (Locate/Point Towards)
- Stalk
- Chase
- Grab-Bite
- Kill-Bite
- Dissect
- Consume
- Parade/Carry
Different breeds and individuals tend to favor specific steps. For example, herding breeds often thrive on orienting, stalking, and chasing, while terriers enjoy grabbing, biting, and dissecting. Recognizing your dog’s natural tendencies can help you choose the right exercise for them.
Benefits of Physical Exercise
- Improves cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and lung capacity.
- Strengthens muscles and joints, helping prevent obesity and injury.
- Burns pent-up energy, reducing anxiety and hyperactivity.
- Encourages the release of endorphins and serotonin, leading to a calmer, more content dog.
High-intensity physical exercise can be especially helpful for dogs living in apartments or with limited outdoor space, ensuring they get the physical release they need.
High-Intensity Exercise for Urban Dogs
Here are some city-friendly high-energy exercise options that tap into natural predatory instincts:
- Tug-of-War (Chase, Grab-Bite) – A great interactive game for small spaces, indoors or outdoors. Use a durable toy and establish play boundaries for safety.
- Flirt Pole Play (Orient, Stalk, Chase, Grab-Bite) – Ideal for dogs that enjoy stalking and chasing. Works well in backyards, rooftops, or parks with space.
- Retrieve in Small Spaces (Chase, Grab-Bite) – Use a lightweight ball or frisbee in fenced-in areas. Indoor hallway fetch can also be a great option.
- Bike or Skateboard Joring (Chase) – If your dog loves running, teach them to jog alongside a bike or skateboard. Use appropriate equipment and check local leash laws.
- Urban Sprints & Stair Climbs (Chase) – Short, controlled bursts of running in safe areas (quiet streets, fenced parks, stairwells) provide an intense workout. Weighted pulls are another great option for those with space.
- Agility & Urban Canine Sports – Set up a mini agility course at home using cones, chairs, or other household items to create obstacles.
- Off-Leash Play (Chase, Grab-Bite, Wrestle) – If your dog enjoys social play, find a safe, enclosed space like a dog park or a private playgroup. Play styles vary, so look for well-matched playmates to keep interactions fun and positive.
Low-Intensity Exercise for Urban Dogs
For a calmer but still fulfilling physical experience, try:
- “Decompression” Walks – Allow your dog to sniff freely during walks, taking in urban scents at their own pace. A long leash can help if space allows.
- Urban Hikes – Seek out trails, greenways, or larger city parks for longer, relaxed strolls.
- Renting a Sniff Spot – Allowing your dog to investigate and explore a new space is also a great idea. You can rent a private backyard using Sniff Spot.
Even in a city, you can customize your dog’s physical exercise to meet their natural instincts and energy needs—keeping them both happy and healthy.
References
Gillette, R. L., & Angle, T. C. (2008). The biomechanics of running: Canine and equine athletes compared. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 38(4), 871-882.
Tiira, K., Sulkama, S., & Lohi, H. (2016). Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, 36-44.
