Exercising your dog
Probably one of the most, if not the most important part of looking after your canine friend is to ensure that he/she receives daily walks.
There is so much more occurring on a walk than we realize. All those lovely outdoor smells to investigate, the countless trees to sniff and lots of other dogs to meet and greet. Basically dogs just revel in the whole concept of being outdoors.
How much exercise dogs need is always a bit tricky as dogs vary so much, they even vary within their particular specific breed. There might be one Border collie whom is a ‘typical’ collie, manic, always on the go and just cannot sit still for long. You could have another Border collie that is not that bothered, loves its walks but is perhaps not quite as manic and would rather trundle than zoom!
It is really down to you, as the owner to decide what you think your dog requires in the way of exercise. There is not a general rule as such but it is common sense. If your dog is an elderly dog or maybe been poorly, recovering from an operation then obviously you would not wish to push him/her too far but gentle walking will encourage movement and that is a good thing.
If you own a ‘manic’ breed such as a Husky, Border collie or a Springer spaniel they will walk for miles and probably look for more when you return home completely exhausted. They crave exercise and more to the point they require exercise.
For these breeds it is just as important to exercise their minds as it is their bodies, you need to make them think. So training whilst out and about is a brilliant way to do this, ask them to sit and wait or drop and fetch their ball or lie down, the more you can train them the better. They are working breeds therefore they need to feel as though they are working.
With puppies the exercise level is different again, you have to be careful as excessive exercise at an early age can be damaging to your pup’s joints as they are still growing and developing. Damage during puppy hood can unfortunately lead to arthritis when the pup is older. I would advise keeping all forms of exercise to a minimum level until your pup reaches maturity at approximately one year old.
Of course walking your dog is not the only form of exercise that you can offer, playing with him/her indoors is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your dog at the same time as giving them exercise.
Most dogs love to play and would happily play all day given half a chance. This also a wonderful activity for puppies but just remember never to play too rough with pups. ‘Tuggy’ type games are okay but do not let them become out of hand and do not let the pup or dog win. You must always remain in control and be observed by your dog to be doing so.
Your dog might be a cute and extremely appealing puppy at the moment and you might feel like giving into him/her but always remember that they will grow up and if not trained at an early age will soon end up unruly.
