Best Physical Exercises for Your Dog to Keep Him Fit and Healthy

Physical exercise can help your dog maintain a healthy weight, helps them to avoid serious health problems later, improves stamina, flexibility and improves their overall quality of life. Without exercise, a dog may become bored leading to problem behaviors such as disobedience or destructive behaviors around the home. This is particularly true for larger breeds such as greyhounds, which benefit greatly from outdoor exercise which allows them to run and full speed.

When choosing outdoor exercise, pet owners should take into consideration weather and the impact of this on their pet, such as avoiding exercise on hot days due to the possibility of heat exhaustion. Taking plenty of water and ensuring there are shaded areas nearby is also important. Older dogs may prefer daily walking compared to the high energy chase and fetch games which puppies may enjoy. Incorporating your pet's favorite toys into these games helps to maintain your dog's interest. Fetch games, Frisbee or tug- o- war games are ideal for pet owners unable to carry out physical exercise themselves, but who do not wish to compromise their pet's physical exercise. Challenging your dog is important, and although a 20-40 minute daily walk is recommended, breaking this down into smaller walks throughout the day may be just as beneficial. Choosing uphill walking, jogging, running in the sand or swimming can add challenge to the workout. Physical exercise can be carried out in the home, an ideal setting to teach your dogs new commands or tricks whilst helping to improve obedience and bonding with your pet.

Specialized exercises can include weaving poles for agility, walking on planks of wood for balance training. Developing an exercise regime according to your pet's breed can utilize their strengths. For example, hunting dogs may find hide and seek or chase games more exciting. If your breed is more susceptible to joint and muscle problems, swimming may be ideal as this offer natural joint support. Finding the exercise your dog is happiest with ensures more compliance in the activity.

Dog parks are a great way for your pet to carry out physical exercise in a large, often enclosed area alongside other dogs. Often their chasing games with each other will give them plenty of physical exercise enabling pet owners to take a break for while and enjoy watching their pet. When planning an exercise regime with your pet, consistency is important, try to build regular exercise into your timetable and ensure you have plenty of time on the day to give your pet's workout the time and commitment it needs. Taking into consideration your pet's health or behavioral problems is also important. If your dog is prone to chasing small animals walking them off leash in an unfenced area is not a good idea. Similarly, if your pet has joint problems or injury, walking may be more beneficial than runs or games involving jumping. Pet owners should always consult with their veterinarian in these instances to determine the best way to exercise pet with health issues. Overall, physical exercise is a great way to bond with your pet, whilst improving their health and providing an invaluable source of enjoyment for both owner and dog.