We all need time to play and your pet is no exception. Your dog will sleep better and experience fewer behavioral problems with frequent exercise. Here are a few tips to help you and your dog on your way to better health.If exercise is new to your dog or if you are exposing him to a new sport, begin slowly and gradually increase the duration and level of activity.
Make certain to keep your dog hydrated. Take along a supply of water and give some to your dog during rest periods. Always be aware of the temperature and the climate so your pet does not suffer from heat exhaustion.
Pay attention to signs of fatigue. If your dog sits down while you are playing she may be fatigued and need a break.
Walking and running with your dog are always good forms of exercise. The intensity level can be increases for dogs in good health or lessened for older, sickly or physically impaired pets. Try to keep walks between 20 to 40 minutes; enough time for your pet to derive the benefit of the exercise, but not too much to create fatigue.
Vary the games you play with your dog such as fetch, ball retrieval, Frisbee, agility training exercises and flyball.
When training your dog to play Frisbee, begin with a small fabric covered disk. If your dog takes to the sport and shows an aptitude, switch to a regular Frisbee for your play time.
Some dogs love agility training and even progress to competitions. Agility training exercises include jumping through tires, climbing steep inclines, running through dog tunnels, walking beams, and weaving through poles. The rapid pace of these events make dogs think and use their skills to navigate the course successfully. For more information on agility exercises and competitions contact the United State Dog Agility Association at http://www.usdaa.com/ or call them at 972.487.2200.
Before you take your dog for a jog, check with your vet to make certain your pet is in good health and capable of such strenuous activity. Avoid running during midday when the temperature is hottest. Running on grass, sand or softer surfaces help protect your dog’s pads and provide some cushion. If you run in the evening or at night, make certain you and your dog wear garments with reflective tape to make you more visible.
On inclement days, it is still important for your dog to get exercise. A good game of hide and seek may do the trick.
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