Dog Exercise

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     Just as important as training and feeding, exercise for your dog is a must. It does not matter if he is a small dog or a large dog, they all need exercise. Keeping your dog as healthy and fit as possible will depend upon exercise as well as eating right and the check-ups he has to ensure he is in good shape.

The Benefits of Exercise

The next thing you will learn about your dog is when he exercises regularly he is calmer, happier and not bored, so he does not have to find an outlet for his boredom. For many dogs, this is why they do some of the undesirable things that frustrate us so. Many dogs that are bored will take this out on your furniture or your shoes or basically anything they find to occupy them.

Have you ever come home to find your couch cushions literally torn to shreds? Now, puppies will do this sometimes while playing, but an adult dog that has been trained should not do this and if they do, they are probably not getting enough exercise. This is a strong sign that they are bored.

As a general rule, dogs need to have at least 15 to 20 minutes of exercise daily but some require more. The breed is going to have a lot to do with this aspect of your dog's routine. Usually breeds that are from the working class of dogs such as those that herd or hunt are high-energy dogs and need their exercise.

If your dog is a large breed that does not necessarily mean he will have more energy than a small breed. Some small breeds are pretty energetic and can benefit from a little more exercise to help keep them from bouncing off the walls.

Types of Exercise

If you have a very hyperactive breed or a large dog, they will need to have daily exercise, which consists of long walk, running, and even swimming. If you are physically unable to walk your dog, there are other ways to make sure he or she gets the proper exercise. One way is via a treadmill and most dogs will take to it very quickly. This gives them the needed daily exercise to help them not only with weight, but to help calm their minds.

Many breeds have so much energy that the only way they can calm down is via exercise. For some breeds not getting adequate exercise, everyday can lead to destructive behavior because they have so much pent up energy.

Another great exercise for dogs if you cannot walk them or run with them is stairs. If you have stairs in your home, this works as a great exercise tool especially for smaller dogs because they have to work all their muscles numerous times in order to climb the stairs and come down the stairs. Therefore, have your dog follow you up the stairs and back down several times each day, the exercise is good for them and you.

A puppy will need plenty of exercise so he can develop the muscles and strong legs he needs for running and playing. An older dog may not want as much exercise because he may be feeling some of the aches and pains that we all get as we age. The exercise that you provide for your dog is really going to be dependent upon the dog.