Exercise

How much exercise does your dog need?

Just like we do, dogs need exercise to regulate their weight and to keep their heart in peak condition.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to take up marathon running just to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise! How much exercise your dog will need will depend a lot on their breed, so ask your vet for their recommendation.

Walk this way

Walking is the most convenient and beneficial exercise for both you and your dog, but can be challenging if your dog wants to walk ahead of you.

You may want to consider obedience training for your new pup – it’s important that training begins early in life so that walking is an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog plus it’s a nice way to bond with your new puppy and establish boundaries and good behaviours early on.

Just remember – it’s you who should be setting the pace, not your four-legged friend!

Fun and games

Here are some fun ways to keep your dog moving.

• Play fetch with a tennis ball or stick, or hide and seek with a favourite toy in your local dog-friendly park
• Encourage your dog to jump over small objects in your path (but please be mindful of others)
• Take a trip to the beach (in designated off leash areas)
• Treat your dog with a trip to ‘doggy day care’ once a week where they can run, play and socialise with other dogs

If your dog is off the leash just remember to watch how your dog is interacting with other people and their dog’s and to keep within calling distance.

Exercise caution

During the summer months dogs are susceptible to heat stress and fatigue, just like humans.

Remember, dogs are extremely loyal animals who will always try to keep up with you no matter what, so always keep an eye on them.

If their tail drops while exercising with you it’s usually a good sign they are pretty tired and probably time to take a break.

No matter what the weather, always offer your dog lots of fresh water after a good exercise session.