| Making sure you give your dog adequate amounts of | | | | the owner to know how much exercise is needed. |
| exercise is extremely important not only in | | | | The best way to gauge this is for the owner to |
| preventing behavior problems, but also for the overall | | | | observe the dog's behavior. If the dog seems to |
| health of your pet. It can help keep you both happy. | | | | enjoy lying in the sun all day then most likely he does |
| But not all dogs need the same amount of exercise | | | | not need a lot of exercise. On the other hand, if the |
| so how do you know what amount you need to | | | | dog is restless and wanders around the yard and |
| spend exercising your dog? | | | | house constantly, his needs will be better served with |
| The primary consideration in determining the amount | | | | more exercise. |
| of exercise a dog needs depends on breed. Herders, | | | | Walking is one of the top modes of exercise. But it's |
| hunters and working dogs need the most exercise of | | | | not a lot of fun to walk a dog that "pulls" or who is |
| all the dog breeds. Ideally, these dog breeds need 30 | | | | not obedient to your commands. Clearly a dog who |
| minutes to one hour of daily exercise, whether it is a | | | | knows the proper way to walk on a leash will get |
| walk with its owner, playing outside with other dogs | | | | more walks. Teaching this skill to your dog as a |
| or running around and chasing squirrels. Misbehaving is | | | | puppy is critical. However if this is not yet |
| much more likely to occur as well as health | | | | accomplished, there are ways to teach your adult |
| deterioration without this daily amount of exercise. | | | | dog to walk properly on a leash. |
| Examples of these breeds are: Hounds, Beagles, | | | | The phrase "walking properly" refers to the dog |
| Border Collies, Alaskan sled dogs, Australian and | | | | obeying the commands the owner gives and not |
| German Shepherds, Terriers (particular Jack Russell) | | | | "pulling." For example if the owner says "stop" the |
| and Shelties. | | | | dog knows and does stop. If the owner says "sit" |
| A common misconception is that the smaller the dog | | | | the dog knows and does sit. If the owner says "heel" |
| the less exercise the dog needs. This is a | | | | the dog knows and does heel. By teaching your dog |
| misconception. It is all about breed. | | | | these commands, both you and your pet will have |
| Mixed breed dogs makes it a little more difficult for | | | | much more frequent and enjoyable walks together. |