To get the best benefits of a walking program for both human and pet, plan on at least 30 minutes per day of walking. And try to make it a daily routine. If you walk at the same time every day, your dog will come to expect it.
Though exercise needs are based on a dog’s age, breed, size and overall health, your dog should spend between 30 minutes to two hours on an activity every day. Breeds in the hunting, working, or herding groups (e.g., Labrador retrievers, hounds, collies and shepherds) will need the most exercise. If your dog is in one of these groups and is in good health, she should be getting at least 30 minutes of rigorous exercise along with her 1-2 hours of daily activity.
Investing in a dog walker is a great way to ensure that your pup gets the midday exercise he needs. About 20-30 minutes of walking around the neighborhood will keep him active and healthy.
Smaller dogs generally have only moderate exercise needs with a daily walk of 20 to 30 minutes and some free play being sufficient. The exception would be the toy and miniature poodle which are more active and also intelligent, so require a little more physical activity and plenty of mental stimulation.
Whippets and greyhounds have much lower exercise need than most dog owners believe. These hounds have lower exercise requirements than scent hounds. Even though the greyhound is a racing dog they are bred for sprinting and only need moderate exercise. A moderate paced walk of around 30 minutes a day and maybe some short sprints is enough to keep them healthy.
As a general guideline, a dog should spend at least 30 minutes to 2 hours exercising each day. This doesn’t need to be in one go. In fact, it’s usually better to split exercise into several sessions to avoid over-tiredness.
Tug of war is another fun game and good exercise. Play it with caution, however. Tug of war can make your dog overly competitive and can lead to aggressive behavior in some breeds. Always establish your position as the “leader” in your home and remember to lighten the mood when your dog gets too invested in the game.
Exercise is as important for your dog as it is for you. Ensuring your dog gets the right kinds of exercise will go a long way to keeping your dog in top shape. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise is vital – but so is making sure your pup stays safe. These are some important things to remember when walking or exercising your dog.
