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How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
An important part of owning a dog is making sure they get enough exercise. The right amount of exercise, with the right nutrition can make sure your dog lives a long and healthy life. There are many fun ways to exercise your dog, even if you live in an apartment or an area that doesn't have a lot of outdoor opportunities.
The general rule for most dog breeds is that they should have fifteen to thirty minutes of exercise every day. Some active breeds, such as border collies or herding breed dogs, may need as much as two hours of exercise every day.
You can break up these amounts into smaller chunks of time to ensure that you and your dog don't get too tired. If your dog has been spayed or neutered, it becomes even more important to exercise them regularly. Here are some tips on how to make exercise fun.
Chase Games
Chase games are the most popular with the majority of dog breeds. You can toss a ball around the yard, or if you can't go outside, you can play a toned down version in your home. Just make sure to avoid playing on linoleum or other slick surfaces to make sure that your dog doesn't slip and injure themselves. Frisbees are also a great way to have fun with your dog, but keep your throws low to minimize the risks of back and neck injuries for your dog. Try to break up the routine a little to keep your dog interested.
Walking and Running
Regular daily walks or runs are a great way to exercise your dog. Never take your dog off leash, even if they are reliable at coming back when they are called. Too many deaths occur each year due to unleashed dogs. It is in a dog's nature to chase things that are moving quickly, such as kids, cars or even squirrels. They may not recognize dangerous things in their environment, such as a car headed at them, if they are focused on what they are chasing.
Swimming
In a controlled environment, swimming is a great activity for your dog. Try to get in the pool with your dog to minimize the chance of injury. Most dogs can swim, but some do have trouble learning how. If you are trying to teach them to swim, make the experience as pleasant as possible so they won't develop a fear of water. Take their favorite toy with you into the pool to entice them. However, you should never let your dog swim unattended, nor should you let them swim in a pool where they cannot safely get out on their own.
Brain Exercises
Your dog's brain needs stimulation, just like their bodies. Try to find fun games that will keep their minds going as well as their feet. There are some great toys that have come onto the market recently that can help you with this. Toys that have a hidden treat inside that a dog must try to get out are always great fun. Certain breeds, like border collies, need this kind of brain stimulation to help minimize behavioral problems.
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