Tips for Exercising Your Dog

Dogs need exercise. They don't just want it; they need it. Some breeds in particular are bred in a way that guarantees they will have enough energy to pull a sled, herd sheep, or track down animals for hours at a time.

If you have them sitting in a plush bed in your living room day after day, you can bet they'll get anxious, over-excited and even overweight to the point of unhealthiness.

You have to exercise your dog, and you have to do it regularly.

To help with the seemingly impossible task of wearing out a dog, here are tips that the experts say can reduce that excess energy and make your life a little less stressful.

How Much Exercise

The amount of exercise you give your dog depends largely on the breed and his likes. Some dogs, despite breed, don't need much in the way of exercise.

Others never seem to be worn out. Also, take into consideration how hot it is outside and how tired you are. If it's 90 degrees outside, your dog isn't going to want to go for a run...neither are you.

Scaling Up

If you decide your dog needs 2+ miles a day of walking to get him in shape and happy, don't just do it all at once. You and you dog both need time to adjust to the walking routine.

Add 10 minutes at a time to your walk until you reach your target distance, and you'll both be much better prepared.

Choosing the Right Exercise

Each breed needs different exercise. Small dogs, such as chihuahuas, only need a single walk a day. Other small dogs, such as terriers, need a lot of exercise, plus playtime to stimulate their minds.

Hounds and retrievers need long walks for the entirety of their lives. Working dogs, such as herders and sledders, need to actually work. Run them or even add backpacks with weight to help them keep moving.

Play Games

A dog can get exercise in the house too with simple games. Wrestling with your dog is a great way to wear you both out. It will also teach him boundaries and limits in play with humans.

Make sure to train him with appropriate stop words to keep him from hurting anyone. Other games he make like include
hide and seek, fetch, catch and pulling.

Running and Hiking

If you like to run or go on hikes, make sure your dog is well-suited for this type of exercise. Some smaller breeds can get overheated very easily, to the point of sickness or even death (such as pugs or smaller bulldogs).

Additionally, make sure your dog is protected against ticks, heart worm and fleas before taking him into the woods.

It wouldn't do you any good to get him exercised only to bring home a disease instead. A dog that has been well exercised is going to always behave better than an over-active, bouncy dog with too much energy to spare. It will also make it much easier to know if your dog has other behavior problems that can be confused for over excitement.

And best of all, these exercises will all allow you to enjoy your dog in many more ways, having fun and playing games that will bring you both closer together.

You can't beat solid bonding and nothing helps a dog and his owner bond better than a few hours outdoors wearing
each other out.

the Dutch Guy