Dog A-Z > E > Exercise

Exercise

Exercise is essential to keep your dog fit and in good condition. Your dog needs at least one good walk a day – preferably two and at least one good run off-lead. This will help your dog to burn off his excess energy, making him a nicer, calmer dog to be around at home. It will also make him happy by giving him a chance to socialise with other dogs and people, an opportunity to have a good sniff around and to just do all the doggy things that come naturally.

• Different sizes, ages and breeds of dogs will require different levels and types of exercise. Please keep this in mind when choosing your pet.

• Exercise is very important to help prevent obesity and the health problems associated with it.

• Please always remember to pick up your dog’s poop and dispose of it in a suitable place.

Puppies

• Very young puppies shouldn’t have too much exercise. Running around and playing in the garden will do for the first few weeks. By the time they have finished their vaccinations they should be ready for very short walks on the park.

• Large breed puppies in particular, must have restricted exercise during their first year or so, or may develop permanent lameness. Until your puppy is fully grown slowly build up the amount of exercise that you give.

• Although young puppies can get enough exercise from running around the home and garden, remember that you will need to carry your puppy out and about in order to socialise him.

• You will need to restrict exercise but at the same time you need to allow your puppy to rest and sleep as much as he wants. You wouldn’t wake up a baby to play with it – so don’t do it to your puppy. Give him an area away from the noisy centre of your home, where any children in the house can’t disturb him when he needs a sleep. 

Adolescent dogs

• With the larger breeds in particular, bones are still growing so exercise should still be controlled – not too much or too fast! Average and smaller breeds should be able to cope with a couple of gentle walks and an off lead run per day.

Adult dogs

• Adults can take as much exercise as is suitable for their individual breed type and level of fitness.

• Remember to keep your dog under control in public places and try to interact with him on his walks.

• Don’t walk your dog when it is too hot as this can lead to heatstroke. On summer days avoid the hottest times and walk early morning and evening instead. Remember to take water with you if necessary.

Geriatric dogs

• Your dog may not want to go on long hikes as he gets older but it is still important to make sure that he has enough exercise so that he stays fit. His daily walks also provide him with stimulation, keep his joints mobile and aid bowel function.

• Just remember to let your dog set the pace and try to go for frequent short walks instead of one long one.