A Guide to Dog Exercise

Get Off The Couch!

Hey, you there my canine friend. It's time to get off the couch. And not just because you're shedding hairs. No, my friend, it's time to workout.

Fitness is important for dogs too. Looking good--yeah, that's important. Feeling good--even more important. Exercise increases your heartrate, increases blood flow, improves lung capacity, and makes muscles and bones stronger. And when you are fit, this means less health problems, a good attitude, and happy owner.

So, the components of good health are...anyone...that's right of course: a good diet and moderate exercise.
Let's just look at the exercise. 

How Much Is Enough? 

   

 

A couple of 10-minute walks, half hour games of fetch or a good long run every day--how much exercise should your dog get?

Well, it depends on several things: your dog likes, what you like to do, your pup's physical condition, and his

natural inclinations/

For instance, as you'll see below, some breed types are more inclined to walk and others play games.

At a baseline, if you have a healthy dog, then 30-minute work outs at least four days a week are sufficient for good health. It doesn't matter if it is one 30-minute session or 2 fifteen minute sessions, the benefits are the same.

If you have a highly active dog, she should get more sessions during the week to work off the energy. Dogs who are overweight also need more activity in order to shape up. However, you have to start small and add activity gradually. For instance, if your pudgy pooch has had no regular activity for quite some time, start with 10- to 15-minute leisurely walks on at least 5 days.

And don't think, taking two 1-hour walks on Saturday and Sunday will make up for a week of inactivity. This could actually harm your dog if they are not in shape or suffer from certain conditions like arthritis.

It's not always easy to fit in fitness, for dogs or humans, in the day. But if you schedule for it--just like the housework and sleeping--you will be inclined to exercise consistently

Ramping It Up
If you are looking to start a more vigorous routine, either because your dog needs it or you want to start running again, you should already have an established walking routine consists of at least 2 miles or its equivalent.

Add ten minute increments to your routine every 1-2 weeks until you are at the point where you want to be.

Naturally if you have any concerns at all about the state of your dog's health, talk to your vet.

The Right Exercise for the Dog 

The type and amount of exercise your dog should get depends on the dog. Just as with people, there is not necessarily one that that will fit all of us. First, look at the dog breed to get a general idea.

• Companion breeds like the Shih Tzu and Chihuahua tend to have minimal exercise needs, at least a walk a day.
  
• Gun dogs, like Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are bred for lots of activity and require long walks (at a minimum) all their lives.
  
• Terriers, although smaller, are clever, high energy dogs. Play is as good for them as much as walks.
  
• Hounds can switch easily between work and play mode so long, low key walks are good and extremely interesting to them.
  
• With Guard dogs like German Shepards and Great Pyrenees, walks and runs are great exercises. Establish limits when playing games, as they can take them seriously quickly.
  
• Herding dogs like the Collies and Sheepdogs have moderate to high energy levels and are highly intelligent. Exercise is a must for their mental stimulation as much as their body. Games and sports are definitely their thing.
  
• Northern dogs like Huskies and Malamutes have energy to burn, so keeping them active, walking or sport, is a good idea.

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