The Exercises that are the Best for Your Dog

The Exercise Regimes Best Suited for Particular Breeds

All dogs need exercise to remain fit and healthy, just as we humans do. Dog owner can easily combine workout for themselves and their dog in a fun, pleasant way, at the same time forming a strong bond with their pet. Most dogs have a high level of energy and enthusiasm when it comes to exercising.
It is important to keep in mind certain points to make the most out of your dog’s exercise regime:

1. An adult dog might not have the same inexhaustible energy of a puppy. When you draw an exercise regime for your dog, keep in mind its age so that you don’t end up over-exercising or under-exercising it.

2. It is a very common misconception that larger dogs need more exercise than smaller ones to keep fit. Large dogs like Afghan Hound gets enough exercise by just walking around the house and garden while the Affenpinscher, with its insatiable energy, needs vigorous exercise. So, while it is correct that the amount of exercise a dog would need depends on its breed, remember size of the dog doesn’t have much to do with it.

3. Though exercise requirement would vary across breeds, half an hour of vigorous exercise usually suffices for most breeds.

4. All dogs enjoy walking. Even if your dog requires vigorous exercise, a walk is great to warm him up. Start with a warm-up session, a walk for about 15-20 minutes.

5. Do not push your dog too hard to exercise right from Day One. Allow it some time to build its stamina and get comfortable with its exercise routine.

6. It is wise to consult to your vet who would be able to draw out the most appropriate exercise routine for your dog. This is especially useful if your dog falls into any special category, for example, being too old or too young, overweight, diseased, or injured in any part of its body.

7. While exercising, carry water with you. Always keep water handy. Dogs sweat a lot while jogging, walking or playing fetch. Not drinking enough water might lead to dehydration, especially during hot months.

All About Your Canine Friend, our e-book, is a wonderful collection of exercises that are good for your particular breed of dog, and also lists the great games and sports your dog would enjoy and over which you can bond with your pet. Also find expert tips on agility training of your dog.

Exercise Needs of Particular Breeds of Dogs

Before buying yourself a dog, spend some time reflecting on whether the breed you have in mind is suitable for your lifestyle. For example, if you happen to stay in a small apartment, big dogs like Irish Setters, Airedale Terriers, Dalmatians, Border Collies, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Dobermans, Siberian Huskys, Salukis, Great Danes and Portuguese Water Dogs are not the right breeds for you. They need a lot of space to roam around and vigorous exercise at least twice a day and would feel suffocated in a cramped space. A spacious house with a big yard is the most suitable setting to house these breeds. Breeds like Bloodhounds, English Setters, Labradors, Affenpinschers, American Eskimos, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Basset Hounds, German Shepherds etc. need 60-90 minutes of exercise everyday. If you don’t have the time or resources to take your dog out for at least two long walks everyday, refrain from bringing any of these breeds home.

If you stay in an apartment and have limited time to devote to your dog, consider getting breeds like Afghan Hounds, AmStaffs, Akitas, Malamutes, Beagles, Bichons, Frenchies, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Yorkies, Chihuahuas etc. These breeds needs minimal exercise and can take care of their exercise needs by themselves by simply scampering around the house and playing by themselves.

There are some breeds which not only don’t need much exercise, but are actually cut out for apartments. English Toy Spaniels, Chinese Cresteds, Havaneses and Shih Tzus are such breeds. They are simply meant to sit pretty and provide companionship. Going from room to room once in a while is enough exercise for them.

To know the basics of the exercises your dog needs, read on.

Walking

All dogs enjoy walking. And since walking is a wonderful exercise, make sure you include at least half an hour of brisk walking for your dog daily (the time would vary across breeds) when you chalk out an exercise regime for it. If the walk is done uphill, even better. However, for senior or weak dogs, slow walks are advisable. Do not allow your dog to sniff around or chase stray cats or other animals during its walk. Sufficient training should take care of this. Allowing your dog to do its own thing – pee, poop or play with its toys – before starting on the walk should make sure that the walk is not interrupted, as interruptions make walks less effective.

Jogging/Running

Puppies or healthy adult dogs would love running or jogging. However, make sure that your dog doesn’t overexert itself. Old dogs should be kept a watchful eye on during running. Also, do not allow your dog to run or jog for too long in summer months, particularly the thick-coated ones. Very cold days are not suitable for running either. Always carry a bottle of water when you go running with your dog. Make it drink water at regular intervals to prevent dehydration.

Choose a path that is clean and away from heavy traffic. Never let your dog loose. Always use a good strong leash. Some dogs are much too enthusiastic and tend to run very fast once they hit the roads. To prevent your dog from making a run from it, keep the leash wrapped around your wrist or waist. Control its speed, or else you wouldn’t be able to keep up with enthusiastic fast joggers like Great Dane or the Bernese Mountain Dog. Also, train it to respond to your whistles and basic commands like ‘Heel’, ‘Stop’ etc. to allow yourself more control over your dog.

There are a number of other exercises – like cycling, gymming swimming, skiing, playing fetch, yoga etc. that most dogs enjoy and derive health benefits from. The best part is, when you engage in these workouts with your fun, apart from having lots of fun, you also cement your bond with your dog.

All About Your Canine Friend provides you with a comprehensive list of exercises, games and sports that your dog would love and which would be great for your dog’s health. So what are you waiting for? Simply download this wonderful storehouse of information. Also get helpful tips on agility training and other kinds of training.