Exercising With Your Dog
Let me start off by saying that exercise improves the mental and physical health of your dog. With that said, too much exercise for growing dogs can be detrimental. It can lead to developmental issues that can be permanent. As a rule of thumb, you should NEVER jog with a puppy or walk for long periods of time. Jogging is the worst thing you could do for underdeveloped bones. I personally use 14 months as an age when my dogs can start doing some "hard training", whether that be two to three mile walks at the park, agility training, schutzhund training, or morning jogs. Your dog will do ANYTHING to please you, even if they are in pain! So, if your dog is showing a sign of what you might think is disobedience while doing an activity, they most likely are telling you they are in pain.
Also, keep in mind your dog's breed. Some breeds are predisposed to musculoskeletal issues. Know what those are and learn how to minimize any activities that might aggravate those issues. All the same logic and common sense applies to your older dog as well. Exercise can be dangerous when it is OVERDONE! Check with your veterinarian or your breeder before starting any vigorous activities.
Another consideration should be the weather. Dogs can and do get heat stroke and it can be deadly. If your dog is extremely high drive, you need to watch them carefully when exercising or playing. I have a male German Shepherd Kitto that will literally chase a ball until he "drops" regardless of the weather. He is a very hard dog to "read" when he has the "ball". So, if I'm in doubt about whether he has had enough - I STOP!
The Rules I Follow At Home
- No jogging, long walks, jumping from truck beds and high furniture (my dogs are allowed on the furniture) until 14 months of age.
- No food for at least two hours before exercising.
- No food for a least one hour after exercising.
- No food for two hours or more before breeding or a competition.
- No excessive drinking after eating or before breeding.
- Meals are always split into two portions. The first meal is "served" at 6:00am and their dinner is "served" at 2:00pm.
There are some really excellent books out there that can enlighten a new dog owner regarding exercise and injury. One book that I highly recommend is "The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care" by CJ Puotinen. The book includes an A-Z reference of treatments for common animal ailments along with emergency first-aid.
Education is most important when it comes to the health and well-being of your dogs.
Sincerely,
Susie
Southern Storm Kennels, Inc