Exercise
See also:
Dog Walking
Exercise is one of the most important elements of a dogs' life, whatever his age. As puppies (especially the larger breeds) exercise should be restricted so as not to put too great a strain on their developing bones. In the early days, exercise can be limited to their play and garden areas, and as they grow this should increase to short walks.
Walks should then be increased slowly, but still kept to much shorter walks than an adult dog would have.
Once a dog reaches adulthood, then as most of us can testify, a dog will walk and run as far as we let them!! So a good walk of at least a mile a day, preferably with as much of it off the lead as possible, would be the minimum required. Most dogs would willingly accept much more than this, and going on a second walk can satisfy some of that demand.
Many people are happy to walk this far and a lot more, which is great for your dog. Dogs also thrive in an environment where the owner has an active lifestyle, so they can get stimulation and exercise in between naps.
Exercise isn't just about walking or running - play is crucial for dogs, and this can take place on a walk, in the house or garden at planned times, or just when you see your dog 'up for it' - or indeed, when you are 'up for it'.
Older dogs need exercise just as much as at any stage in their life - but thought should be given to their mobility and health.
A simple way to put this is that if you have a 13 year old who is still charging about on walks, then just because he is 13 years old, it doesn't mean that the walks should be shortened.
However, once a dog shows that he needs less exercise, then he shouldn't be made to walk further than desired. A balance needs to be found so that, as dogs get older or are in declining health, they aren't pushed too far, but at the same time are given sufficient for their ability.
See also:
Dog Walking
Exercise is one of the most important elements of a dogs' life, whatever his age. As puppies (especially the larger breeds) exercise should be restricted so as not to put too great a strain on their developing bones. In the early days, exercise can be limited to their play and garden areas, and as they grow this should increase to short walks.
Walks should then be increased slowly, but still kept to much shorter walks than an adult dog would have.
Once a dog reaches adulthood, then as most of us can testify, a dog will walk and run as far as we let them!! So a good walk of at least a mile a day, preferably with as much of it off the lead as possible, would be the minimum required. Most dogs would willingly accept much more than this, and going on a second walk can satisfy some of that demand.
Many people are happy to walk this far and a lot more, which is great for your dog. Dogs also thrive in an environment where the owner has an active lifestyle, so they can get stimulation and exercise in between naps.
Exercise isn't just about walking or running - play is crucial for dogs, and this can take place on a walk, in the house or garden at planned times, or just when you see your dog 'up for it' - or indeed, when you are 'up for it'.
Older dogs need exercise just as much as at any stage in their life - but thought should be given to their mobility and health.
A simple way to put this is that if you have a 13 year old who is still charging about on walks, then just because he is 13 years old, it doesn't mean that the walks should be shortened.
However, once a dog shows that he needs less exercise, then he shouldn't be made to walk further than desired. A balance needs to be found so that, as dogs get older or are in declining health, they aren't pushed too far, but at the same time are given sufficient for their ability.
Exercise is great for your dog - and you!! I’ve always said that a dog likes to go out and read the newspaper. Their keen sense of smell allows them to know, pretty much, who’s been visiting the neighbourhood recently.
Don't be too eager when they are young. You've got the rest of their lives for plenty of outdoor recreation.
And don't be too quick to stop when they are older - this can hasten their demise.
But when they are adult and fully active, it’s a great time to get out there in nature and share the world with your best friend.
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