Dogs
are born to work for a living. Most are bred for a particular purpose such as
hunting, herding livestock or providing protection.
Our companion dogs are mostly Couch Potatoes! They get
their food for free in a bowl and are often confined and inactive for most of
the day, contributing to behaviour problems and weight gain.
Many pet owners assume that if a dog has access to a yard,
he’s getting enough exercise. WRONG! Dogs don’t run laps by themselves - it’s
the interaction with you that counts!
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on his
breed, size, age and the condition of his health. Arthritis, heart and
respiratory conditions can all be exacerbated by incorrect levels of exercise.
As a general rule, dogs need 60 minutes of exercise
daily. It is best to split this in to morning and evening sessions.
Focus
on these top tips:
1. Exercise your dog’s brain. Stimulate them with food
puzzle toys, hunting for dinner, obedience and trick training, and chew toys
instead of excessive physical exercise
2. Play games that make your dog run around such as
fetch with balls or hide-and-seek. We do not recommend hours of repetitive ball
chasing - this can wear out your dog's joints
3. Socialise with other dogs - this is a great way to
stimulate your dog's mind and help him sleep better at night
Ask us for specific information on exercising your
individual dog.
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