• Walks can help lower blood pressure, give dogs more energy, lower the risk of depression, increase bone density, and even reduce common behavioral problems. It is important to keep in mind the breed of your dog and what they can handle. While a Retriever would be more than happy to run all day long other dogs like Bulldogs are not built for sustained exertion. Small dogs still need the same amount of exercise, they just do not need to go as far. It is important to remember that young and old dogs can not go as far as a dog in their prime. Always watch for signs that your dog needs to rest. Signs to watch for are when they are having a hard time catching their breath, lagging, flopping down at every opportunity, or they keep seeking a cool spot, then they are overheated. Make sure to give them water immediately and let them rest. During the Summer, the pavement can get hot and can blister their sensitive pads of their feet. Before taking your dog on their walk always check the sidewalk with the back of your hand for five seconds to determine if it is too hot for your dog. If it hurts you it will hurt them too.

• Playing fetch has a lot of benefits including burning off excess energy, building a lasting bond with each other, improving their behavior, offers mental stimulation, relieves anxiety, and it allows your dog to use the instincts they were born with. The best part is that you can play fetch anytime and both young and older dogs love it. Just 5-to-10-minute session per day can make a huge difference. A game like frisbee can be physically demanding, so if you add that to your regular exercise routine (which includes a daily walk) you can make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise per day. You can throw the ball uphill for them to retrieve it or toss the ball in the water for extra exercise. Using a variety of toys will keep your dog interested. Keep in mind that puppies do better with short spurts of play because their bones are still growing and can suffer skeletal trauma

• Swimming is a great way for dogs to build stamina while avoiding stress on their joints. Swimming strengthens the heart and lungs, decreases inflammation, increases circulation, improves mental wellbeing, tones, and strengthens their muscles. Just 1 minute of swimming equates to 4 minutes of running. Dogs with shorter legs or lower percentage of body fat may have more difficulty staying afloat. These dogs would benefit from wearing a canine life vest. It is recommended that your dog wear a life vest whenever you are not within reach of them as well regardless of their leg length or body weight. Never leave your dog unsupervised when they are in the water. It is important to always make sure they are aware of easy exit points, such as a sloping embankment, a ramp, or steps in a pool. Teach your pup where they are and how to use them. Be aware of fast-moving currents, surf, and undertows in open water. Provide lots of fresh water before and after their swim to prevent them from taking in too much chlorine or saltwater. Make sure your dog does not become overtired. If your dog is unsure of the water at first offer toys or treats to encourage them. If they still resist after these attempts, try another sport.

• Treadmill offers a full body workout without the impact. Break it up into small steps to allow your dog to become comfortable. Begin by building positive association with each step. Start with your dog getting on the treadmill. When they get on click your clicker, if trained with the clicker, followed by a treat immediately. If your pet is not trained with the clicker just use treats. Then ask them to step down. Click and give a treat. Repeat this process many times, then end their training session. Never force your dog on the treadmill. You want this to be a positive experience that they will enjoy. If your dog is too nervous reward for simply being near or even looking at the treadmill before working on getting up on the machine. Once comfortable standing on the treadmill, the next step is to turn the power on. Do not start the motion yet. First allow your dig to get accustomed to the sounds. Click and give a treat for standing on the treadmill listening to the noise. It is important to observe your dog throughout the entire process for any signs of stress. Remember that you want your dog to be completely comfortable before moving on to the next step. Start the treadmill moving at a slow speed. Click and treat generously. Keep training sessions short but with multiple sessions per day and always stop before your dog shows a desire to get off. Do not progress to any of the steps until your dog is completely confident with each step. Take your time and expect to spend about a week on each step. Continue to keep giving treats throughout the workouts to keep behaviors strong and consistent. Once your dog is comfortable on the moving treadmill, you may increase the speed gradually. Remember to always hold the safety cord so you may stop the machine if a problem occurs. Please keep in mind that walking on a treadmill is more demanding physically because there is no stopping for breaks as they would on a walk outside. Start with five-minute workouts and build up extra minutes per week to a maximum of two minutes. This training provides mental enrichment. The treadmill walk does not provide the same mental stimulation as getting out and sniffing and seeing the world.

If your dog has any medical conditions, speak with your vet about an appropriate exercise routine. Aging dogs can lose rear limb strength and the ability to know exactly where their feet are.  Out of shape dogs have a higher risk of diabetes, cancer, heart problems, and many other health issues. If your dog is overweight, they are more prone to arthritis and joint problems. Exercise provides all dogs with mental stimulation and keeps them active.

RESOURSES:

Better Homes and Gardens
American Kennel Club
Pets.webMD