All types of dogs in the sporting dogs group respond well to obedience training and seem happiest when trying to comply with their master’s commands. While they are very intelligent, they are also extremely energetic, so sporting dogs need a lot of regular exercise. Some of the more common types of  sporting dogs  include the Labrador retriever, Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner, and the German Short-Haired Pointer.

Exercise is important to animals as well as people. When animals do not get enough exercise, they can become obese, develop heart problems, and experience physical pain and even emotional problems. Frequent exercise promotes self confidence, bone density, joint health, a strong heart, and healthy bones. When people decide to bring an animal, like a Golden Retriever, into their home, they need to be consistent regarding feeding, training, and exercise. A daily routine must be established, and the routine needs to be completed each day, without fail.

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Many dog owners are under the mistaken  assumption that spending time with their dogs on  the weekend makes up for time missed during the  week. This is wrong. Playing and exercise need to  be maintained throughout each week and also  maintained at a consistent level.  Each exercise  session should begin with a fifteen-minute ‘warm  up’ and end with a ‘cool down’ session. This  approach to exercise will prevent muscle strain and  joint injury.

How long should a dog exercise?

Similar to exercise for humans, animal exercise is best when it benefits mind and body. A popular misconception regarding animal exercise is that animals exercise whenever they are outside. In fact, animals spend little time exercising unless they have human companionship. Dog owners are well advised to establish a regularly scheduled time for exercise with their dogs. In addition to the health benefits, frequent exercise will prevent the dog from behaving in a destructive manner out of boredom. If left alone for extended periods of time, the dog might dig large holes in the yard or chew on fencing or lawn furniture.

From what age can dogs be taken for walks?

Most dogs can be taken for brief walks at the age of three or four months. A dog should be kept on a leash and walked in an area that is clean and quiet. The dog should be monitored from the time the walk begins until you see him slow down. As the dog matures, the walks can be extended. When the dog is young, he will be much more energetic than an older one. A puppy doesn’t need a strenuous workout; walking at a steady pace should give the dog enough exercise to reduce energy. If the dog does not appear to have benefited from a walk, additional exercise is necessary. The walk can be extended or yard play can be introduced.

The breed of your dog must be considered when you think about an exercise regimen. Small breeds, with smaller legs and lungs, should not be taken for extended walks or runs. In fact, ALL breeds of puppies should avoid lengthy walking or running. Strenuous exercise for young dogs can result in joint injury or broken bones.There are quite a few fun and interesting games that dogs can play,

and these games provide enjoyment as well as exercise for the dogs and dog owners as well. Learn More…

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Toy and Companion dogs like Chinese  Crested, English Toy Spaniel etc. are bred to  sit around looking pretty. Their requirement  for low exercises can be satisfied by simply  scampering around the house, picking up  new tricks or going for short walks.  These breeds are perfect for apartment living.

Dog Breeds that need Low Exercise :

. Chinese  Crested
. English Toy Spaniel
. Havanese
. Shih  Tzu

The best forms of exercise combine a balanced workout of both mind and body. Any form of strenuous exercise should be preceded by a warm-up phase and followed by a cool-down period. For a less fit dog, a longer warm up and shorter strenuous exercise period may be appropriate.

For a dog not up to high levels of activity, the mental and physical warm-up alone may be ideal, with no strenuous exercise at all. Often a good routine is to “pulse” the exercise in short segments, alternating between focused mental tasks and more strenuous physical ones.

Walking is by far the most common form of exercise. The length of the walk would vary from breed to breed. When taking a dog out for a run or a jog, it’s advisable to avoid stone or concrete paths. Grassy roads or parks are best suited for this purpose as they would be easy on his paws. Keeping the dog on an extendable leash would allow it ample freedom and grant the owner suitable control at the same time. Continue to Learn More.

A friendly advice. If you see your dog panting don’t confuse it with signs of fatigue. It is simply that they are cooling themselves off. It is akin to the process of sweating in humans.

Let us then consider the issue of energy level! The very energetic ones will probably bubbling with stamina and thus indicating their need for exercising while the relatively low spirited ones would lie around, sleeping or dozing.