Is Your Dog Getting Enough Exercise?

What do you usually do on Saturday afternoons? Do you often find yourself sitting on the couch watching TV while your dog naps next to you? If this sounds familiar, you need to make a few changes to your lifestyle and exercise more. If you do not take action, you and your dog might end up overweight.

If you do not want to exercise, you should still think about the well-being of your pet. A huge number of dogs are overweight or even obese in the U.S. According to StopCanineObesity.com, it is estimated that 17 million dogs are either overweight or obese in the U.S. Most overweight dogs are out of shape due to their owners feeding them too much. Watching your pet’s diet more closely and making sure they get plenty of exercise is the best way to prevent obesity.

Dogs need plenty of exercise for several reasons. A dog who gets enough exercise is usually happier and calmer. Dogs who do not get enough exercise might experience separation anxiety or misbehave. Exercise is good for your dog’s overall health. Regular exercise can improve heart, lung, bone and joint health.

There are plenty of fun activities you can do with your dog. You could for instance go for a walk, jog, ride your bike or even go swimming. If you do not want to exercise, find a safe area where you can let your dog run off leash for a while.

It is best to exercise moderately. Your dog will not know when to stop exercising. You should never force your puppy to be more active. Too much exercise can be harmful to a puppy’s development and actually hurt their bones and joints. Fun and moderate activities will have positive effects on your puppy’s development.

If you plan on taking your dog for a bike ride or another activity, take the time to warm up first. Your dog can pull a ligament or a tendon if you do not warm up first. Make sure your dog does not exercise without preparing first and stop when your dog looks tired.

If your dog is used to being inactive, do not overdo it at first. Change your lifestyle one step at a time. Your dog will enjoy exercising but too much activity could have negative effects.

Your dog should have plenty of fun while exercising. Your dog will be happier and live longer if it gets plenty of activity and has fun. Remember that dogs have very different needs when it comes to exercising. For instance, a Golden Retriever will need to run everyday while a Boston Terrier does not need to be as active as other dogs. Choose activities adapted to the breed and age of your dog.

You can join a group of dog owners who want to help their pets exercise more. Contact the nearest kennel club, pet store or animal shelter and ask about local groups. Rally, flyball and agility are popular activities for dogs and their owners. You will also get the opportunity to make new friends and let your dog socialize with other animals.

Regardless of the activity you choose, your dog will benefit from being more active. Your dog will have a lot of fun, bond with you and live longer thanks to exercise.

Let  Canine Behavior Specialists help you with your dog?    Come visit our website and give us a call.

Until next time,

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About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN.  Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.

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