Dog Exercise
Monday, April 27, 2020
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A continually cooped-up dog is hardly a healthy, happy animal, Give your dog a romp frequently. Importantly related to the well-being of the dog is exercise. Obviously, a big dog like a German Shepherd isn't going to get as much of it from a couple of brisk turns around the block as a Dachshund is from the same mileage, so it's a factor when you pick your dog.
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| Dog Exercise |
A dog that runs the open fields isn't going to give any exercise problem at all and a dog with a back yard to run in will work off his own excess energy, too, but in restricted city living it's a good idea to take regular walks with your dog. They won't hurt you any, either, and you'll both enjoy it.
You can read about "basic training for dog" here
If you can, provide a run for the dog in the back yard so he can get his exercise yet won't be able to wander off into the dangers of the streets. The run should contain a table on which the dog can sun himself or crawl under for shade on hot days. Jumping up and off the table will give him a certain amount of exercise, too.
The run should be about four feet wide and 15 to 30 feet deep, depending on how much space you have available and how big the dog is. It should be surrounded by a wire fence. If you cover the top, set the wire netting high enough so you won't have to stoop over every time you enter.
If the run idea doesn't appeal or is impractical, a clothesline or wire and pulley arrangement, with a long leash or rope attached to the collar to give the dog as much freedom as possible, will serve the purpose. Whether you use the run or the line, the area the dog covers should be kept spotlessly clean for the sake of the dog's health
if for no other reason.
If you'd rather not do a lot of walking (you'd have to walk yourself bow-legged to give a big dog sufficient exercise), play the old game of "fetch" with him. Most dogs love to retrieve thrown objects. You throw a ball or stick as far as you can, he dashes off to retrieve it and dashes back to place it at your feet. Back and forth, he's done quite a bit of running. Kept up for a while, he's received a lot of concentrated exercise and fun, besides, and you've had some, too, in the bending and throwing.
Swimming is a wonderful exercise, too. It's something all dogs can do and most like. You can play the same retrieving game in the water, of course.
You can also try the exercise below, like:
- Swimming is a splendid exercise and all dogs are able to do it. Toss him an object to retrieve.
- The game of "fetch" is an old standby and one of the best for giving your dog's muscles a workout.
- Country canines present no problem. Two young pointers race freely with each other in a field.