| One of the factors one has to consider when choosing a dog is the
amount of time you are prepared to spend exercising your dog. Just like humans
dogs need regular exercise in order to have a healthy life. The amount of exercise
depends on the sex, age, health, and breed of dog. Males of most species of animals
are generally more energetic and have more stamina than females. A puppy will
have endless energy, where as a mature or overweight dog may not have the same
level of energy. Dogs which have been developed as hunters, retrievers, herders,
or work dogs require more exercise than a dog which has been bred as a companion
dog. Dogs which have high energy and stamina also require a lot of exercise to
stay healthy and happy. Non-sporting, non-working, and toy breeds require less
exercise. The short leg and toy breeds of dogs will burn lots of energy on short
walks or playing around home. After you have decided on the type of dog
based on the amount of exercise it requires and the amount of time you and your
family can devote to your dog, the next factor to consider is who will exercise
the dog and when. Dogs are creatures of habit and require regular routines. A
regular walking routine will also help you in training your dog to relieve itself
outdoors. Don't forget to "Poop and Scoop". Before embarking
on an exercise program for you and your dog, it cannot be stressed too lightly
to have medical checkups with your physician and the dogs vet. Seek advice from
professional trainers. The Canadian Kennel Club, breed clubs, special interest
clubs, and veterinarians can all recommend a good professional trainer. Just like
humans, dogs need to start with a moderate exercise program to condition and strengthen
their muscles, joints, and respiratory systems. A dogs owner needs to choose proper
exercise shoes and a dog needs to toughen up it's foot pads. Be careful
not to over-exercise either you or your dog. A devoted dog which has a strong
desire to please won't give up until it collapses. Watch for signs of fatigue
such as excessive panting, bleeding pads, vacant stares, or loss of color in lips
or face. Make sure both you and your dog have ample water and are dressed appropriately.
For the human this will be shoes, clothes and hat. For the dog, it will be collar,
harness and leash, based on the type of exercise. There are many ways to
exercise a dog. Walking, running, free running, playing games and sports. Walking
is a moderate exercise that is good for puppies, older dogs, overweight and ill
dogs. Running is an exercise a dog can do in conjunction with it's owner as he/she
jogs. It is not a wise idea to run your dog beside a bicycle or behind a vehicle.
There is no assurance that the dog will not be hit by a passing vehicle. Because
of the owners lack of proximity, they may not be aware of the dogs fatigue or
condition of their foot pads. Free-running allows the dog to run completely
free. Caution should be exercised here. Check with your Municipal Government for
a list of parks where the dog is allowed off leash. There are also factors to
consider such as the other free-running dogs not having had their shots or not
being socialized. Sporting dogs may take off after wildlife and open male dogs
make take off looking for females in heat. Don't take that leash off your dog
unless you are one hundred percent sure your dog will stop and return on command.
Playing is also a good source of exercise especially when space is limited
or if you have a short legged or toy dog. It's also and excellent way to bond
with your dog. Playing fetch with a ball, stick or Frisbee is a game that all
dogs love. Tug of war is a good exercise for developing shoulder and leg muscles.
Caution should be taken with puppies and older dogs who have few or loose teeth.
In addition to regular daily exercise there are clubs to join where both the owner
and dog get to exercise and socialize. There are obedience, tracking, agility,
flyball, lure coursing, field, and hunting clubs. Check with your local
vet or the Canadian Kennel Club for more information to contact the professional
trainers in these clubs. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ Reprinted with permission
by Terrie Simpson | 
