Learn How Your Dog’s Breed Affects Its Exercise Regime

Just like human beings, dogs too need physical exercise to be healthy. A man’s best workout companion, a dog’s unending energy, enthusiasm and willingness to please is incomparable. So indulging in activities with your dog is easy and also a great way to establish bond with your dog.

A few pointers before you begin your exercise regime:

1. Keep your dog’s age in mind. A puppy is unmatched in energy but over exertion is not advisable.

2. Your dog’s breed is important. Do not assume that larger breeds require more exercise than small breeds. While an Afghan Hound is satisfied with what little exercise it gets about the house or garden, an Affenpinscher is high on exercise needs.

3. Vigorous exercise for about half an hour is generally beneficial and just right for your pet.

4. Start with a warm-up session, a walk for about 15-20 minutes.

5. Let your dog get used to his exercise regime. Start gradually and let your dog build up his stamina.

6. If you have an overweight dog, a senior dog or very young puppies, consult your vet for his/her recommendations on types of exercise.

7. Always keep water handy. Whether you go jogging, cycling or play fetch, water prevents de-hydration. This is especially true when exercising in hot weather conditions or the summers.

Dog Breed and their Exercise Needs

Do not adopt dog breeds like Airedale Terriers, Border Collies, Irish Setters, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Dalmatians, Great Danes, Dobermans, Siberian Huskys, Salukis and Portuguese Water Dogs if your living in an apartment. These breeds require a vigorous exercise routine and do well with a large sized yard where they can run and play freely. Long walks, twice a day, is preferred.

An exercise regime stretching from 1 hour to 90 minutes is ideal for breeds like Labradors, Affenpinschers, Bloodhounds, American Eskimos, Basset Hounds, Boston Terriers, Boxers, English Setters, German Shepherds, etc.

There are some breeds that require moderate exercise and are generally suited to apartment living. Dogs like Afghan Hounds, Akitas, Malamutes, AmStaffs, Beagles, Bichons, Dachshunds, Frenchies, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, etc burn enough energy running around the house and playing with their toys. Owners can do without chalking out a strict exercise regime.

Certain breeds, especially the Toys and Companion breeds like the Chinese Cresteds, English Toy Spaniels, Havaneses, Shih Tzus etc are bred as ‘lap dogs’. They are meant to sit around and hence are perfect for closed homes. A walk around the house is sufficient exercise for them.

Here’s a beginner’s list of exercises that you can do with your dog.

Walking

Walking is one of the best form exercises. Brisk walking, for about half an hour each day is a great way to lose those extra calories. Walk uphill if you can and take your dog on leash with you. Train your dog to respond at a tug or whistle, so that your dog does not waste time sniffing around and holding you up.

Start slow and build up on it. This applies for your dog as well. Give him time to warm up, sniff around and pee so that there are no breaks in between. Breaking walks at regular intervals is not beneficial. Walking is advisable for senior dogs.

Jogging/Running

If you have a young adult dog as pet, this is a very good option. Avoid running your dog in very hot weather, especially if you have a dog with thick coat as they get heated easily. Keep water handy, for your dog and yourself.

Certain dogs like the Husky are best exercised in cool weather. But avoid chilling conditions.

Ensure safety for your dog by steering clear of heavy traffic or other animals that attract or annoy your dog. Get hold of a good belt and leash, preferable around 6 feet and secure it around your waist for better control.

This strategy, however, may not be successful every time. There’s not much you can do if breeds like the Great Dane or the Bernese Mountain Dog begin to run full throttle. You may find yourself face down before you know it. The only solution to this is to train your dog well, so that he learns to respond to your commands and stops at your will.

Other exercises like Cycling, swimming, gym workouts, skiing, games of fetch and even Yoga prove beneficial for your dog. Sports like Agility training, rollerblading, canine free-style need a degree of training and can provide you and your dog with hours of fun and quality time together.