Easy methods to keep a dog exercised

Author: Cindy Frendo

My friend had a dog that rarely had any physical activity. The dog was only let out into the backyard to go to the bathroom. The dog was overweight with its stomach hanging to the ground and had a long list of health problems including heart disease. This is not only cruel to animals but it affects their life in various ways. Unfortunately my friend's dog passed away at an early age due to its lifestyle.

Keeping your dog fit will improve his quality of life as well as the aging process. When he reaches his peak, your dog will continue to have a youthful presence and may even pass its life expectancy. Quality of life has an important impact on your dog. Letting your dog have regular physical activity will minimize the amount of age related illnesses. Physical activity will also keep the weight off your dog and increase its psychological well-being.

Before you try and keep your dog fit, you must understand that diet is important in keeping your dog healthy. What your dog eats and how much he eats will impact his physical activity. If you feed your dog things that are high in fat or salt, you'll risk your dog's health. It is truly expensive to buy the best dog food on the market but you must understand that it is expensive for a reason: it is the best possible way to keep your dog healthy. Cheaper dog foods are high in fat and salt content that they do nothing for your dog except make it unhealthy. Your dog needs food that are high quality, and meat-based. You mustn't feed your dog too much either as it will increase the dog's fat cells.

A dog must exercise each and every tissue in its body in order for physical activity to be rewarding. You should get your veterinarian to check your dog out to make sure he is suitable for physical activity. Some dogs require more activity than others. Appropriate activities should be chosen for specific dogs. These include jogging, rollerblading, biking, playing fetch, cross-country skiing or even walking. There are many other activities that are not listed that you can perform with your dog.

Before you take your dog out for one of these activities, try running with it for a mile or so to assess its endurance. If the dog cannot keep up with you and shows certain signs of fatigue (panting, dry mouth, trying to find shade, stops to drink water, abnormal gait and does not want to continue) then obviously the dog needs to cut down on the distance. Try to do this again the next day and if he shows further signs, then a veterinarian should check him out. For most dogs, these signs don't always occur. If this is the case, then increase the distance every few days so your dog gets used to running longer distances. This can be done by increasing the distance by a half mile to a mile. Always check your dog's paws for cuts as this may cause discomfort.

The best possible way to exercise your dog is by cycling. This increases your dog's muscles. Your dog will be less likely to have any injuries. Try having your dog run without a leash and on a soft surface. Like humans, running on a hard surface hurts the joints. Choose gravel paths to ensure that your dog does not have any injuries. Swimming is also good exercise for your dog. Try having your dog swim in calm waters. Throwing a stick and making your dog fetch it is perfect in the water. It really gets the dog's muscles moving.

Below is a chart of interval training for your dog. Each training exercise allows different muscles to be used.

BEGINNER: 1 km trot 1 km slow/easy gallop (canter - for horse people) 1 km trot

ADVANCED: 1 km trot 1 km slow/easy gallop 1 km trot 1 km slow/easy gallop 1 km trot

HARD CORE: 1 km trot 1 km slow/easy gallop 1 km trot 1-2 km hard gallop 1 km trot 1 km slow/easy gallop 1 km trot

You can usually tell when your dog has been fully exercised. If the dog drops to the ground and sleeps, then you have probably overdone the amount of exercise. If your dog comes up to you and wants to play fetch, play fetch with him so that he can use up the energy. If your dog wants to take a nap and relax then you've most likely found a perfect exercise program for your dog. Exercising with your dog will allow you to form a strong bond together. If you have a dog that does not exercise, it will most likely be a troublemaker by chewing furniture, barking and perhaps even develop aggressive behaviour. Sounds like a teenager doesn't it? Vet checks should be scheduled yearly to make sure that your dog is healthy and that it is getting the appropriate exercise and diet that it needs.

About the author: Cindy Frendo runs her own puppy training and dog training school from her hometown of Ottawa, Canada. She also runs her own website at puppytrainingrevealed.com