Dog Fitness
Overview
Exercise Suggestions
All dogs need exercise every day, but some dogs need even more. A daily walk may well suffice for a middle-aged dog that is calm and settled, but young dogs and high-energy breeds need more—sometimes much, more. Some breeds will require several hours of exercise each and every day—a huge commitment—so be sure to research the energy level of the dog you are interested in bringing into your home…before you do it!
For most dogs, simply turning them out in a yard (no matter how large) isn’t really what would be considered “exercise.” So what are some easy things you might consider?
All dogs need exercise every day, but some dogs need even more. A daily walk may well suffice for a middle-aged dog that is calm and settled, but young dogs and high-energy breeds need more—sometimes much, more. Some breeds will require several hours of exercise each and every day—a huge commitment—so be sure to research the energy level of the dog you are interested in bringing into your home…before you do it!
All dogs need exercise every day, but some dogs need even more. A daily walk may well suffice for a middle-aged dog that is calm and settled, but young dogs and high-energy breeds need more—sometimes much, more. Some breeds will require several hours of exercise each and every day—a huge commitment—so be sure to research the energy level of the dog you are interested in bringing into your home…before you do it!
• Play ball or Frisbee every day with your dog. Getting them running and chasing something across the yard is ideal for burning that extra energy they have to expend.
• Take up bicycling or running, and bring your dog with you. Just make sure you are biking safely with your dog. The increased speed of these activities exercises your dog—and you get the benefit of a workout, too!
• Find an area where your dog can safely swim off leash—and bring along some floating toys that can be thrown out into the water for them to retrieve for even more exercise and fun!
• Take daily trips to the dog park, where the dogs can tire each other out.
• Consider a doggie daycare program, where the staff will exercise your dog and send them home tired in the evening when you get done from work.• Walking several times a day is always a benefit. • On days that the weather is not so good, make a fun walk around the house.