No matter what breed, size or age of dog you have, providing regular exercise usually is an excellent idea. While most dogs benefit from some daily exercise, it's a good idea to discuss exercise needs with your dog's veterinarian. This professional can give your dog a thorough onceover and provide you with some helpful exercise advice, which might include one or more of the following activities.
There are many issues to consider when choosing an activity for exercise, and every dog has limitations or activities they enjoy more than others. Older dogs or dogs with breathing issues and other health issues might not have a high amount of stamina, so exercises need to be adjusted to suit their body type, age and health. For a dog of a more sedentary nature or one with arthritis or another ailment, a gentle walk once or twice a day might be just what the doctor ordered. Exercise actually can be of benefit to a dog with arthritis and exercise reduces stiffness and sometimes soreness. Just keep it simple, and if the weather is particularly hot or cold, consider exercise inside rather than outside. You could just lead your dog around the house for a few minutes or invest in a dog treadmill.
If you have a healthy, high-energy pet, then there is a wide range of activities to ponder, including running or perhaps jogging. Your dog might love running alongside you as you bike, as well, as some well-trained dogs certainly enjoy this activity, especially a larger dog. Just remember that you might have to work up to running, jogging or biking longer distances. Dogs need to train, just like humans. For a dog with shorter legs, these activities probably aren't a great idea, but a good brisk walk might be fine. With all pets, look for cues that he or she is getting tired or over-heated and take a rest and water break. Some dogs can overexert themselves, so have a talk with your vet about how much exercise is suitable for your pet.
Some dogs can become bored quite easily, so for many animals it is wise to schedule some interesting play activities in addition to daily walks or runs. Dogs that are bored can become quite destructive and unhappy, so investing in some different types of toys is a good idea. You can play together with the toys and also provide toys that the dog can use by himself, such as a chew toy or a toy that holds a treat and the dog must figure out a way to get the treat out.
One activity that is fun for everyone and provides plenty of exercise is dog agility. Even the small breeds can get in on the fun because you can purchase smaller versions of all types of agility equipment. Many dogs love agility because it mimics instinctive behavior such as running after prey in the wild. As they jump and leap and crawl through tunnels, it's just like the ancient times when they would scamper after their food. While you might think agility training is just for dogs that are going to compete, this is definitely not the case. Most dogs will enjoy and benefit from training, even if they never enter a contest.
Obviously, agility training provides a good amount of exercise, but this type of training simulates many instinctual behaviors such as chasing after prey. Dogs who train using agility equipment often exhibit fewer behavior issues, and certainly agility training reinforces behavior training and improves upon all the basic skills you have taught them. So through agility training, you will have a happier, healthier and better behaved canine companion. To get going, take a look at the agility equipment selection at Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility obstacles, such as a-frames, dog walks, pause tables, jumps, tunnels, see-saws and weave poles. They even sell all of the contact equipment in small sizes, perfect for puppies and smaller dogs.
There are many issues to consider when choosing an activity for exercise, and every dog has limitations or activities they enjoy more than others. Older dogs or dogs with breathing issues and other health issues might not have a high amount of stamina, so exercises need to be adjusted to suit their body type, age and health. For a dog of a more sedentary nature or one with arthritis or another ailment, a gentle walk once or twice a day might be just what the doctor ordered. Exercise actually can be of benefit to a dog with arthritis and exercise reduces stiffness and sometimes soreness. Just keep it simple, and if the weather is particularly hot or cold, consider exercise inside rather than outside. You could just lead your dog around the house for a few minutes or invest in a dog treadmill.
If you have a healthy, high-energy pet, then there is a wide range of activities to ponder, including running or perhaps jogging. Your dog might love running alongside you as you bike, as well, as some well-trained dogs certainly enjoy this activity, especially a larger dog. Just remember that you might have to work up to running, jogging or biking longer distances. Dogs need to train, just like humans. For a dog with shorter legs, these activities probably aren't a great idea, but a good brisk walk might be fine. With all pets, look for cues that he or she is getting tired or over-heated and take a rest and water break. Some dogs can overexert themselves, so have a talk with your vet about how much exercise is suitable for your pet.
Some dogs can become bored quite easily, so for many animals it is wise to schedule some interesting play activities in addition to daily walks or runs. Dogs that are bored can become quite destructive and unhappy, so investing in some different types of toys is a good idea. You can play together with the toys and also provide toys that the dog can use by himself, such as a chew toy or a toy that holds a treat and the dog must figure out a way to get the treat out.
One activity that is fun for everyone and provides plenty of exercise is dog agility. Even the small breeds can get in on the fun because you can purchase smaller versions of all types of agility equipment. Many dogs love agility because it mimics instinctive behavior such as running after prey in the wild. As they jump and leap and crawl through tunnels, it's just like the ancient times when they would scamper after their food. While you might think agility training is just for dogs that are going to compete, this is definitely not the case. Most dogs will enjoy and benefit from training, even if they never enter a contest.
Obviously, agility training provides a good amount of exercise, but this type of training simulates many instinctual behaviors such as chasing after prey. Dogs who train using agility equipment often exhibit fewer behavior issues, and certainly agility training reinforces behavior training and improves upon all the basic skills you have taught them. So through agility training, you will have a happier, healthier and better behaved canine companion. To get going, take a look at the agility equipment selection at Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility obstacles, such as a-frames, dog walks, pause tables, jumps, tunnels, see-saws and weave poles. They even sell all of the contact equipment in small sizes, perfect for puppies and smaller dogs.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find an agility equipment for dogs, or to learn more about other equipment like dog agility tunnels, please check out the Carlson-Agility website now.
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