Exercise is a topic that comes up all the time in training classes. Students are asking what type and how much exercise their dog needs. The answer is fairly simple. If your dog is constantly bringing his ball or favorite toy to you while you are trying to relax, he’s not getting enough. High-energy dogs such as retrievers need more than lower energy dogs like Dachshunds or Shiba Inu’s. Exercise not only tires your dog out so both of you can relax; it also provides a healthy lifestyle for him. So, what is enough exercise?
When I ask students whose dogs are having a hard time focusing or bouncing all over the place, I ask how much exercise they get. “We went for a mile walk just before class” is the answer I get. Taking a high-energy Lab or Golden Retriever for a one-mile walk is the equivalent as a marathon runner jogging around the block. In most cases, it’s going energize them and leave them wanting more. Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise every day some need much more.
There are a number of ways to exercise your dog. You can take your dog out for a jog, play fetch, take them swimming, go to a dog park or take them to doggie daycare. If you have a dog that likes to fetch things, playing ball or Frisbee works great. If you don’t have a fenced yard where you can play safely, tennis courts work well. If your dog likes water, swimming is one of the best ways to exercise your dog.
Dog parks are another option for exercising your dog. There is normally plenty of room for playing ball or Frisbee; some even have ponds for the dogs to swim in. Dog parks also have the added benefit of socializing your dog with other dogs. Make sure you do your homework before going to a dog park. Most are great places but you’ll want to visit them on the days and hours you plan on going to make sure it’s going to be what you want.
One of the best options for exercise and socialization is doggie daycare. Doggie daycares are normally staffed with people that not only like dogs, but are also trained on how to handle large groups. They also understand the difference between good play and play that could go bad. Again, I would do your homework by stopping by any facility you plan on taking your dog to. Get a tour of the facility, talk to the staff and ask plenty of questions. Find out if you can see the dogs interacting during your tour. You will want to make sure you feel comfortable with how your dog will be handled.
Exercising your dog will not only tire him out so both of you can relax; it will also help him live a longer, happier life.Visit Normal 0 http://www.petcollarshop.com/ for dog toys and other ideas to help you exercise your dog.I Got A Puppy For Christmas - Now What
Normal 0 A lot of thought goes into buying a new puppy. Are we ready for the responsibility, what breed should we get, can we afford a new puppy? Now that you have made a decision, what do you need to be ready when you bring your new puppy home?When Should Your Dog Be On A Dog Leash?
When to have your pet on a leash may sound like a very simple question, however, there are people who think a leash limits their pets’ freedom. I see many people letting their dogs out of the car at parks, daycare’s and their neighbor’s house without putting on a leash. I also see people who believe a leash is used to control their dogs. They take them for walks, but are constantly yanking their pet back or away from different things. So, when should we have our dogs on a leash?Holiday Safety For Dogs
Each year during the Holiday Season veterinarians see more gastrointestinal cases than they do during the other 10 months. This stems from all the “stuff” our pets eat which their digestive systems can’t handle. We want them to be able to partake in our festive activities but we don’t want to make them ill in the process. There are several ways our pets get these “little meals” during the Holidays!