SolveYourProblem.com
Article Series: Dog Exercises & Dog Sports
I've Got An Active Dog!
How
Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?
In humans, the importance of exercise has
been proven time and again. But what about our canine friends?
Is it enough to just feed them properly and give them occasional
walks? What are the benefits of exercise to dogs?
All dogs need exercise
Studies as well as experience have shown that dogs who are
getting adequate exercise are healthier and happier. They are
also more social when they are in public places. When dogs
are given regular exercise, they are more calm at home and
are less restless when left alone. However, just like feeding,
choosing the right amount of exercise for your dog should depend
on several factors. These factors are age, size, and type of
breed.
Age: Puppies require daily exercise for proper muscle development.
Their high energy levels need to be released in some form of
constructive activity, and giving them their daily exercise
is the best way to do it. Not being able to release their pent-up
energy can lead to destructive behavior such as chewing or
digging. On the other hand, a mature, aging dog needs less
exercise because of their lower energy levels.
Size: Large dogs do not necessarily need more exercise than
small dogs. In fact, many large breeds like the Mastiff or
Great Dane would rather relax and sit on the porch all day
then go out for a 2 mile run. Nevertheless, they also need
their daily exercise, perhaps one or two 30 minute walks everyday.
On the other hand, many types of small breeds such as the Jack
Russell Terrier or Chihuahua still keep on going even after
a three-mile walk.
Type
Of Breed: Your dog's breed is also a big factor on the
amount of exercise required. For instance, dogs that were originally
bred to herd such as the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie,
and German Shepherd need to be exercise daily. Another example
of a breed that requires daily exercise are those that were
originally bred to hunt (hunting dogs). Examples of these dogs
are the Beagle, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and German Hunt Terrier.
And finally,sled dogs such as the Siberian Husky, Samoyed,
and Alaskan malamute share the same high level of energy as
the herding dogs and hunting dogs and therefore, need to be
exercised on a regular basis.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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