Exercise Your Dog by Colin Tennant

Exercise is one of the most important aspects of dog care. However, so many old wives’ tails are bandied about concerning exercise that it’s no wonder some people become confused. The benefits of exercise for dogs are similar to those for humans: it generally keeps the mind and body healthy and is essential for longevity. While exercising is also the time when most dogs learn to socialise and make doggy and human friends – a very important aspect of life.

Breeds

Different breeds need varying amounts of exercise. Giant and large breeds need plenty of exercise, however, you need to be careful when they’re young. Because of their size and slow development they need to be exercised in moderation. Most competent breeders will guide owners on this matter or the Kennel Club (1 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London) can supply breed club addresses who in turn will recommend exercise levels.

Of course size isn’t the only important factor. Dogs which were bred for chasing and running quickly – like whippets, salukis and border collies – need more exercise than some of the larger lumbering breeds. You also need to take into account your dog’s personality; some dogs are energetic and keen while others prefer to curl up by the fire: like people, dogs vary. Toy and small terrier types need less exercise and indeed, like most dogs, they can obtain a lot of enjoyment and activity from some of the following games in the home.

Age

Most young and middle-age dogs love romping about and the highlight of their day appears to be time out in the park or other open spaces. Older dogs need less vigorous exercise than their young counterparts; as you observe them slowing down you should accommodate this by allowing more rests during the walk and by not overdoing chase ball games.

How Much

That’s a difficult question. I’ll give you some general guidelines but if you’ve any doubts concerning your dog’s health or age then speak to you vet who will probably be acquainted with your dog’s particulars. In my view exercise should be primarily based on time and not distance walked. A dog which goes on a brisk half-mile walk is receiving good exercise, however, a dog which spends two one-hour periods daily with his owners, interacting with other dogs and most importantly playing games like chase-the-ball, is greatly benefiting from the time allowed. The dog has ample opportunity to amble about and investigate to his heart’s content. He can have a very active chase game then rest and be ready for more.

Puppies

Puppies need gentle playful exercise; they have loose joints and developing muscles that are more susceptible to injury. A puppy should be taken on short walks preferably, never to the point were a puppy is exhausted. When a person has walked a puppy too far then the puppy will often flop down. Unfortunately the owner still has to get back to where he started which means more exercise which puppy could do without. Puppies enjoy playing in gardens and parks; when they’re tired they’ll rest. When you’re playing games don’t overdo it or over-excite the puppy till he’s exhausted: moderation is the name of the game.

Fit Dogs

A fit, healthy dog is less lightly to suffer ailments than a less active counterpart – so you save on veterinary fees. Obesity in dogs is unfortunately becoming more common as is the case with people. This is due to diet and lack of quality exercise. I won’t go into the details of diet here but if your dog is becoming fat do be aware of the health implications.

Types of Exercise

Walking on a lead is good exercise and all healthy dogs will benefit from it. A flexi lead is useful because it gives your dog a little more freedom to exercise yet keeps him within your control – though dogs do need free exercise off the lead too. While most dogs will career around the park others choose to jaunt around with a sniff here and there. Walking or exercising your dog to complete exhaustion is not good though I realise it’s not always detectable until it’s too late. In hot weather it is preferable to exercise your dog at a cooler time of day such as the morning or the evening; otherwise heatstroke could be a possibility and it can prove fatal. This is especially true of the larger breeds.

This is the sort of exercise we normally think of, however, it’s important to remember that there are other forms of activity that are just as beneficial.

Retrieve Games

Teaching your dog to retrieve a toy on command is probably the most useful and rewarding game a dog can learn. Not only does it greatly increase the amount of exercise your dog gains daily but just as importantly, it builds up a powerful bond between owner and dog. It teaches the dog to depend on you for its enjoyment in life and it reduces the chance of having a dog that doesn’t come when called. It’s a method I have used for over twenty-three years on dogs who had problems with recall.

Dogs Playing Together

Dogs love playing together and this should be encouraged were possible. The amount of energy expended is considerable and beneficial. A dog should be trained to come back on command and not pester other dogs were it is not wanted. That’s why I strongly believe that on every walk you should involve yourself in at least one play game with the dog and not solely depend on other dogs interacting with yours.

Types of Toys

There are so many different types of toys on the market, though some stand out more than others as good accessories for play and retrieve. The Boomer and Kong toys by Roger Mugford are excellent and safe. Solid balls are sold in most pet shops but do be careful to buy one which your dog can’t swallow or get stuck in his throat. Tennis type balls which can be squashed in a dog’s jaws only to re-inflate in his throat are dangerous. Sticks are often given the thumbs down by vets as they can stick in a dog’s mouth and cause injuries. I do use sticks for there are many hazards in a dog’s life and I personally think that the risk posed by sticks is small.

Tug of War

This is another activity that can be played in the home or garden and gives delight to all participants. As long as you ensure that your dog always finishes up by giving up the rope or tug of war item then there’s no danger of dominance being encouraged. Children should NOT play tug of war games unless supervised and with very stable tempered non dominant dogs, as it can get out of hand. If the dog begins to become aggressive or over-excited then stop this game for good. However, most dogs play tug of war with few problems and really enjoy it.

So don’t forget that the more you exercise your dog the more chance you have of being a healthy owner in partnership with your healthy best friend.

By Colin Tennant
Principal of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training