How to Care For Your Dog - Your Dogs' Need For Exercise
How to Care For Your Dog - Your Dogs' Need For Exercise
People go to the gym to do aerobics and lift weights, or they go for a bike ride, play tennis, soccer, hockey or any other number of sports. Your dog does not have the same kind of 'activities' us humans do however they do need to get some exercise just as much as we do. This is not exclusive to the high energy type breeds but needs to be a part of every single dog's daily routine.
A daily walk is mandatory for every single breed of dog. A larger breed will require a longer walk than a miniature breed. Their little tiny legs can't go for miles like a lab or retriever would enjoy. With the larger breeds it is critical they have good manners when they walk. Large dogs can be intimidating to many and sometimes they can frighten people, even with their happy attempts to say hello. Some breeds enjoy and need to blow off a little more steam. In a fenced yard or leash free park you can enjoy some time with your canine and a tennis ball, toy, Frisbee or a good old fashioned stick.
This will give the humans a little break while the dog does the work running to 'fetch'. The leash free park may foster a little too much competition for the stick or ball. You need to feel out the crowd there first to see if it will work well. At these venues you can sit and relax enjoying nice weather while your dog practices his or hers 'social skills'. Interacting with other dogs is good. Learning to fall into place with the pack and not feel frightened or be aggressive toward other dogs is an important part of their training.
For dog that enjoy the water throwing a stick into some clean shallow water and having them retrieve it is excellent exercise. The swimming is just as good for a dog as a human, it gets them working hard. Join them in the water and get your exercise too. Remember it's not just important for your dog to get a good workout. A healthy heart and muscles is part of our health too. If you have a fat dog, chances are your both need more exercise!