Exercise is vital to keep your dog in tiptop form. Regular exercise means that a dog will be more content and alert, will sleep better, have more energy and is more socialised. Dogs can also be keen on routine and it’s difficult to avoid the unsatisfactory look when a walk is not forthcoming.
If your dog is not fit, begin the new program slowly and work your dog’s fitness level gradually. The loyal dog will never say no which means it is up to you to monitor the level of exercise your dog is suited to. For overweight dogs, older dogs and puppies, the fitness program should be structured to suit their requirements. Always consult your veterinarian for advice. A puppy is still developing, so too much vigorous exercise can damage bones and joints. Older dogs will need exercise, so gentle walks throughout the cooler parts of the day are ideal.
Be prepared!
Invest in a little carry bag that can be slung over your shoulder or one that clips onto your belt.
A favorite exercise routine for many pet owners would be to walk their dog on a leash for their regional leash-free dog park or beach, or you may have to drive to the place. Some councils are currently outfitting parks with dog agility courses that’s great way to work out together and practice training. Contact your regional council for a list of leash-free parks in your area.
Jogging
Most dogs are not suited to jogging, but in case you’ve got a Kelpie or Border Collie, a fantastic run is one way to give them the amount of exercise they need. Fitness should be fun, however, and dogs like to stop and start, sniff the land and mark their odor. By nature they are not inclined to run consistently so run in bursts and then walk.
Dog’s paws are vulnerable and remember that you are the person wearing shoes. Examine the bitumen with your hand and if it’s too hot do not exercise your dog along paths.
Fun Fitness
Dogs like routine, but walking around the block can get tedious. If you are really keen to get fit with your dog you might want to consider two enjoyable dog sports: agility and flyball. Agility is a succession of obstacles such as hurdles, tunnels and weave poles which the dog learns to negotiate without errors against the clock. The dog that completes the barriers correctly within the time set will attain a’Clear Round’. The winner is the quickest of those dogs.
Flyball is a sport in which any dog can participate regardless of breed, size or shape. Each team has four dogs. One from each team (racing side by side) must go more than four hurdles, trigger a flyball box pedal, grab (retrieve) a ball and then return over all four hurdles to the star/finish line where another dog eagerly awaits.
Heat exhaustion
Avoid exercising your dog on very hot or humid days. Dogs cool themselves by panting and if panting doesn’t lower the body temperature that the dog will develop heatstroke. If you believe that your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion it must be cooled promptly. Damp it down with tepid water (never ice) and fan the animal. Contact your closest vet but don’t transfer the animal in a hot car. Only place it in a vehicle that has air conditioning or is cool and airy. Keep the animal moist with cool air playing over its body during the car trip. If the animal is conscious, offer cool, not cold, drinking water. Don’t enable the creature to gulp large amounts of water. Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart! With your Powers Combined I AM CAPTAIN ELLIS!