We all know dogs need exercise. But just what type do they need? Here we talk about how to exercise your dog.
80% of the training issues I have seen in my career can be improved with extra or more suitable forms of exercise. It is a lovely ideal, that after your roast on a Sunday you and your family Rover included, can pop out for a gentle countryside stroll and then come home for him to curl up quietly in front of the fire.
And for some dogs it is true. However, if you have done the same pootle and come home, only for your dog to do the zoomies around your house, steal your slipper and then spend an hour barking in the garden, do not despair. It’s natural behaviour. As his owner you just need to figure out how to manage and encourage his exercise in a more appropriate way.
1. Chuckit and ball play. It is true that for some dogs a quick game of fetch is a fabulous stress reliever. However, there are dogs out there who become so obsessed with the game that they can literally play for hours. They, just like us, get an adrenaline hit that is pretty hard to shake off.
2. Mental stimulation. Using his nose is a fantastic way to tire out almost any dog. Search games, food hiding, tracking. Take your dog to the park and encourage him to sniff out all the local trails. Do take note that sighthounds may not find this behaviour natural and often struggle with the concept.
3. Jumping and balance work. Logs, stumps, bollards, all make fabulous balancing beams for your Tazmanian devil. It is another form of mental stimulation because your dog has to concentrate, he must coordinate his feet and his brain. Don’t ever force your dog if he is unsure or unfit, but work up to larger obstacles over time.
4. Play. Of course, play is always a great experience for dogs and humans. There is nothing better than a good old game of tug or watching Rover and Fido romp together. Remember to keep it safe, though.
5. Running with your dog. We love running. Not only does your dog get fit but so do you as the owner. It’s win-win. And both of you get a great big dose of endorphins, the bodies natural pain killer. Did you know that doctors actually prescribe running to beat some mental health problems due to the endorphins released? Of course, not everyone has the time or fitness level to run with their dog. Heck at just under 7 stone I struggle to run with my small horse sized crazy headed lurcher! But the “dog running service” industry popularity has trickled over from the States and is becoming more and more available.
At Poppy and Pals we can’t offer it as a regular service due to a dodgy old hip which copes with fast walking but can only just about run the PaP’s pack but as you know from other blogs we network and so we know a man who can! Covering the other side of town from us Bearsted, Weavering, Hollingbourne and the surrounding areas. If you fancy getting your dog fit and perhaps a little bit high call www.dextersdogservices.co.uk .
