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Powerful Dog Training Aid: Aerobic Exercise Has Added Benefits

2016/5/4 10:35:07

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "dog training aid"? Most likely, you envision something physical like a leash or certain kind of collar or other device. We don't think of aerobic exercises in this context, but it is equally as important if not more so than any training aid.

The most powerful dog training aid is aerobic exercise. Without exercise, a dog will have far too much energy to be able to concentrate on what you are trying to teach them. Dogs are similar to children in this respect. When they are wound up, all they want to do is move around. They do not want to sit in class and focus on the lessons.

Such exercise is especially good for dogs because it stimulates them in so many ways. This stimulation prepares them for the lessons to follow. Besides, a dog that gets good aerobic exercise is more fit than one that does not get that opportunity.

It increases a dog's oxygen consumption and makes the heart beat stronger and faster. It is the kind of exercise that tires out a dog. Allowing your dog to run off leash is one of the best ways to accomplish this, however a treadmill is a good alternative.

If your dog has behavioral issues, exercise will help considerably. One way to find out if your dog's training problem is directly related to a lack of exercise is to keep track of the level of exercise he gets and his behavior afterwards. For instance, if you take your dog out for a good run on Saturday and not on Sunday, note whether his behavior is better or worse each day.

Chances are he will be more subdued on Saturday and showing signs of misbehaving by Monday evening. This will tell you that it is a good idea to make sure your dog gets quality exercise every day.

The amount of exercise is directly related to the type of dog. Sporting breeds require a fair amount of exercise while toy dogs and very large or "giant" breeds do not need as much exercise. Breed type is only one factor. Dogs are individuals. Some standard and large dogs can be lazy while some small dogs can easily put on the miles. You will have to determine your dog's particular personality and needs.

Remember that exercise is very beneficial to your dog's overall health and provides many psychological benefits as well. It can be calming and mood stabilizing because physical exercise increases the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, even in dogs. Serotonin is particularly interesting because while physical activity increases its production, mental activity shuts it down. This can lead to depression. Yes, your dog can get depressed.

If your dog is melancholy and inactive, a good dose of aerobic exercise might be just the cure he needs. He will be calmer and in a better frame of mind for his training exercises. Apart from that, strenuous physical exercise that pumps blood through his system helps to guard against damage to brain cells, thereby maintaining your dog's thinking, memory and attention as he ages.

As long as your dog remains anxiety free and in top physical shape from the quantity and amount of exercise he gets, he will be easier to train and far more content.

To keep your dog in top form and ready for action, be sure to make excellent use of this powerful dog training aid.

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