Whether your dog is young or old, he or she will benefit greatly from some level of exercise. While it's always wise to consult with a veterinarian and make sure your dog is healthy prior to beginning any program of exercise, here are a few fun exercise options that you might want to consider.
Every dog is different and there also are many differences among breeds. Some dogs have more energy and stamina than others. In addition, some dogs might have age-related health issues or perhaps other issues that might prevent them from highly strenuous activities. For these more sedentary dogs, an easy walk every day is a good idea. If you get tired of the same walk every day, consider going to a different park or neighborhood occasionally to mix it up a bit. If it's too hot outside or too cold for your furry pal, you might consider investing in a dog treadmill. Even a dog with arthritis will benefit from a short, easy walk every day. It can be difficult, but movement actually can reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
If you have a healthy, high-energy pet, then there is a wide range of activities to ponder, including running or perhaps jogging. Your dog might love running alongside you as you bike, as well, as some well-trained dogs certainly enjoy this activity, especially a larger dog. Just remember that you might have to work up to running, jogging or biking longer distances. Dogs need to train, just like humans. For a dog with shorter legs, these activities probably aren't a great idea, but a good brisk walk might be fine. With all pets, look for cues that he or she is getting tired or over-heated and take a rest and water break. Some dogs can overexert themselves, so have a talk with your vet about how much exercise is suitable for your pet.
Walking or jogging are good for you and your pet, but adding a few other types of activities also is wise. Dog play is something they will enjoy and it will increase the bond between you and your pet, as well as the bond between your pet and other members of the family. Grab a tug toy or play fetch and your dog will expend some energy. Hide a toy and have them search for it or purchase a hide-a-treat toy and watch as your dog concentrates and works to retrieve the toy.
Dogs love running on agility courses and dog agility provides plenty of interesting exercise for your pet. Not only will your dog have a great time, owners enjoy it as well. You might think it's just for larger dogs such as shepherds, but most breeds will enjoy some level of agility training. For a small-sized animal, simply use mini agility equipment so that they are safe and obstacles are manageable. Competitions are fun, as well, but you don't have to compete in order to get a lot out of dog agility training.
Obviously, agility training provides a good amount of exercise, but this type of training simulates many instinctual behaviors such as chasing after prey. Dogs who train using agility equipment often exhibit fewer behavior issues, and certainly agility training reinforces behavior training and improves upon all the basic skills you have taught them. So through agility training, you will have a happier, healthier and better behaved canine companion. To get going, take a look at the agility equipment selection at Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility obstacles, such as a-frames, dog walks, pause tables, jumps, tunnels, see-saws and weave poles. They even sell all of the contact equipment in small sizes, perfect for puppies and smaller dogs.
Every dog is different and there also are many differences among breeds. Some dogs have more energy and stamina than others. In addition, some dogs might have age-related health issues or perhaps other issues that might prevent them from highly strenuous activities. For these more sedentary dogs, an easy walk every day is a good idea. If you get tired of the same walk every day, consider going to a different park or neighborhood occasionally to mix it up a bit. If it's too hot outside or too cold for your furry pal, you might consider investing in a dog treadmill. Even a dog with arthritis will benefit from a short, easy walk every day. It can be difficult, but movement actually can reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
If you have a healthy, high-energy pet, then there is a wide range of activities to ponder, including running or perhaps jogging. Your dog might love running alongside you as you bike, as well, as some well-trained dogs certainly enjoy this activity, especially a larger dog. Just remember that you might have to work up to running, jogging or biking longer distances. Dogs need to train, just like humans. For a dog with shorter legs, these activities probably aren't a great idea, but a good brisk walk might be fine. With all pets, look for cues that he or she is getting tired or over-heated and take a rest and water break. Some dogs can overexert themselves, so have a talk with your vet about how much exercise is suitable for your pet.
Walking or jogging are good for you and your pet, but adding a few other types of activities also is wise. Dog play is something they will enjoy and it will increase the bond between you and your pet, as well as the bond between your pet and other members of the family. Grab a tug toy or play fetch and your dog will expend some energy. Hide a toy and have them search for it or purchase a hide-a-treat toy and watch as your dog concentrates and works to retrieve the toy.
Dogs love running on agility courses and dog agility provides plenty of interesting exercise for your pet. Not only will your dog have a great time, owners enjoy it as well. You might think it's just for larger dogs such as shepherds, but most breeds will enjoy some level of agility training. For a small-sized animal, simply use mini agility equipment so that they are safe and obstacles are manageable. Competitions are fun, as well, but you don't have to compete in order to get a lot out of dog agility training.
Obviously, agility training provides a good amount of exercise, but this type of training simulates many instinctual behaviors such as chasing after prey. Dogs who train using agility equipment often exhibit fewer behavior issues, and certainly agility training reinforces behavior training and improves upon all the basic skills you have taught them. So through agility training, you will have a happier, healthier and better behaved canine companion. To get going, take a look at the agility equipment selection at Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility obstacles, such as a-frames, dog walks, pause tables, jumps, tunnels, see-saws and weave poles. They even sell all of the contact equipment in small sizes, perfect for puppies and smaller dogs.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To discover an agility equipment for dogs, or to learn more about other equipment such as dog agility tunnels, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com site today.
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