Your canine needs exercise for several reasons. As long as he has a regular outlet through which to expend his energy, he’s much less likely to dig in your garden, chew your belongings, or destroy your furniture. He is also less likely to stay up at night, roaming the house. Without exercise, he may jump on you and your family, bark relentlessly, or play more roughly than appropriate. He also needs to engage in physical activity in order to stay healthy, and avoid gaining excessive weight.

For these and other reasons, it’s worth taking the time to design an exercise program for your canine. We’ll offer several suggestions below. First, we’ll explore a few important details to consider before you launch his program. Then, we’ll take a look at activities you can do with your dog – both off-leash and on.

A Few Important Items Before Getting Started

First, have your veterinarian conduct a physical exam on your canine to check whether he suffers any conditions that might preclude vigorous exercise. If the vet discovers a problem, ask him to recommend mild activities.

Second, realize that large breeds are more susceptible than small breeds to joint problems. While your large pet may not currently suffer joint-related issues, taking him on routine runs may accelerate his joints’ deterioration.

Third, if your canine is young (i.e. under twelve months), his bones are still forming. Avoid taking him on frequent runs or jogs since the impact upon his bones could affect their development.

Ideas For Off-Leash Exercise

Your canine is more energetic and athletic than you and your family. This is true with all dogs. They have a lot of energy – more energy than people. The reason this is important is because it’s a good idea to select activities that provide your dog with plenty of opportunity to run while allowing you to rest.

For example, you could play fetch with him. As long as you’re able to throw the ball or frisbee, he’ll run after it, and return it to you. This is an ideal exercise for him because it lets you remain relatively still. You can also train him to play hide-and-seek with you, giving his body and brain a workout.

Another outlet is to take your pet to a dog park. He’ll have a chance to socialize and play with other canines while you socialize with their owners.

On The Leash

Walking is one of the easiest and most pleasurable exercises you and your dog can enjoy together. However, because we’re unable to walk as fast as our canine companions, it’s necessary to keep them on a leash. Even though your dog may pull once in awhile, he’s unlikely to mind.

While walking, your pet will have a chance to explore new scents and sights – or mark familiar territory. He’s also likely to meet other pets and their owners along the way, giving him a chance to socialize with others.

If your dog is an adult and in good health, consider taking him on an occasional jog. But limit the time you spend jogging. Canines typically run for very short periods of time, expending a lot of energy quickly. Long jogs may cause your pooch to become sore or exhausted.

A Love For Water

Many dogs love swimming, and are naturally drawn to water. Others grow to enjoy swimming if they are introduced to water at an early stage of their life. In either case, this is a good outlet for exercise.

If your dog does not show a natural affinity for water, introduce him to it slowly. Do everything possible to make the experience enjoyable for him. Avoid forcing him into the water against his will since doing so will only strengthen his aversion. Instead, coax him through treats and praise. He’ll eventually become accustomed to swimming, and may grow to enjoy it.

Exercise is obviously important for your canine. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while staying active and healthy.

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Category: Pets
Keywords: dogs, exercise for dogs, dog treats, dog park, dog leash, exercise program for dogs