Exercising Your Canine Friends
The majority of dogs love walks. When it’s that exciting part of the day and you grab your shoes and your dog’s lead, you’re often greeted with a series of joyful barks, whines, and leaps into the air. Your dog can’t get you out the door quick enough to check out all the new exciting smells that weren’t there yesterday, as well as have a big run around the field with its favourite ball. Research has shown that thousands of dogs are not walked at all in the UK, and even more are not walked regularly. A daily walk is necessary for all dogs as it keeps them healthy, provides them with mental stimulation, and helps burn off energy.
The amount of exercise your dog requires each day is based on its breed. Toy breeds generally need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. These dogs include breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, Bichon Frises, and Malteses. Dogs of small to medium builds, such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, English Bulldogs, Whippets, West Highland Terriers, and Border Terriers, typically need at least 1 hour of exercise every day. Finally, large breeds like Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Boxers, Siberian Huskies, Dalmatians, and German Shepherds need at least two hours of exercise per day.
It is important to know the exercise requirements of your dog. Some small breeds may require more exercise than others of a similar size. Additionally, some larger breeds like the Greyhound may not need as much vigorous exercise as other big dogs.
Puppies and elderly dogs don’t require as much exercise as adult dogs. A 20- or 30-minute walk around is usually enough.
Keeping Walks Safe and Fun
Different routes
Instead of following the same path to your local park, try a different route. This will add some variety to your dog’s walks. You could also try going to a different park altogether to change things up.
Play games
When you’re in an enclosed area with your dog, try playing some games. Throw balls, frisbees, or toys for your dog to catch. Alternatively, you could work on some training and commands.
Treats
Bring treats on your walks for when your friend is well-behaved. Coming back when called and waiting patiently before crossing a road should be rewarded.
Exercise more/less
If your pet is still energetic when you get back home, then it may need some more exercise to help burn off steam. In contrast, if he appears lethargic, tired, and seems reluctant to walk, then you should consider decreasing its amount of exercise.
Sniffing
As much as it’s a pain to be dragged to every lamppost, bush, and patch of grass, you should let your dog sniff around. This provides them with mental stimulation.
Be Safe
When walking through streets and areas that are not enclosed, you should keep your dog on a lead at all times. Only let your pooch off its lead when you know the area is safe and away from busy roads. Always be on the lookout for broken glass, bits of food, and other hazards during a walk.