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When
it comes to dogs, it's always the right time for
playtime. All companion canines need daily exercise
to keep physically fit and mentally healthy, and
supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your
pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve
and chase. Regular activity also burns up calories
and increases muscle mass and cardiovascular strength.
Individual
exercise needs vary based on breed, sex, age and
level of health, but a couple of walks around the
block every day and ten minutes to explore the backyard
is probably not enough. If your dog is a 6- to 18-month
adolescent, or if she is an active breed or random-bred
from the sporting, herding, hound or terrier groups,
her requirements will be relatively high.
Base Your Dog Exercise Routine on Your Dog's Natural Instincts
Select
an activity based on your dog's natural inclinations-border
collies, sheep dogs and corgis, for example, may
delight in herding a giant boomer ball, while golden
retrievers, Labrador retrievers and retriever mixes
love to fetch-especially in the water. Beagle types
would be happy to hunt for hidden toys or treats.
On-leash
jogging, race walking, playing frisbee and intense
games of fetch can be satisfying, and tiring, for
the both of you, so be sure to start slow-this way
you'll gradually build up your pet's stamina, toughen
her paw pads and strengthen her muscles. And remember,
even animals with bad hips and arthritis can benefit
from regular, gentle exercise - just ask your veterinarian!
If your pet is obese, gets easily winded or is relatively
sedentary, ANIMED recommends that you check with
your veterinarian before starting on an exercise
program.
If your pet obeys your training commands, one of
the best things you can do is pay regular visits
to the local dog run. All dogs, especially urban
canines, love to run and play off-leash in a safe,
fenced-in area. Just be sure your pet will come
to you at all times should you say the word. A disobedient
or aggressive dog is not ready to play with others.
Adequate
exercise has an important side benefit, too. Boredom
coupled with insufficient activity can lead to destructive
behavior-this means chewing and digging and excessive
barking and howling. Increasing your pet's time
on the move can help clear up a lot of these behavioral
problems-especially during adolescence.
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