Most dogs were bred to work, and that instinct remains in most dog breeds today. Dogs need and want an outlet for energy, just as children do, and depend on their humans to provide that outlet. Dogs do not exercise themselves, even if they have a huge backyard.
There are numerous ways to exercise the family dog and have fun at the same time. Exercise tailored to the individual dog is best and should take into account the dog's age, health, and physical abilities. Consult your trusted veterinarian before beginning any new exercise routine.
Flyball
For dogs who love the tennis ball, flyball is an excellent sport and a great way to exercise both the body and mind. Teams consist of 4 dogs, usually with one very small dog as the jump heights are set for the shortest dog. Dogs run down a track, leaping over hurdles, and catching the tennis ball at the end. The dog must then return back to the handler, ball in mouth. The 4 dogs in the team run in a relay manner with each dog returning before the next may be released. Basic obedience training is generally required. Breeds such as border collies excel in this sport but any dog can enjoy themselves in flyball. The North American Flyball Association can help people to find a local flyball team and provides much information about the sport.
Agility
Agility is an excellent sport for dogs willing to work and who are good at obedience training, but all breeds of dogs can be good at agility with the proper motivation. Using food or toy rewards works well with many dogs, but some dogs may only require praise to get them going. During an agility run, dogs jump through hoops, run through tunnels, weave through poles, and see-saw, among other obstacles. This sport is fantastic for wily breeds who like to leap and bound and have no fear of climbing on various surfaces. Agility training is an excellent tool for exercising high energy dogs. Even if the handler/owner does not desire to compete, a few agility sets in the backyard make for a great exercise afternoon. Agility sets are also good tools for teaching dogs to walk on uneven, sloping, or odd surfaces in preparation for other work, such as search and rescue.
Walking: The Easiest Form of Exercise
Take a walk through the park or through the neighborhood. It is amazing how much better a dog will behave at home after even just a short walk. Being in the small world of "at home" is boring to a dog and the mental stimulation of the smells of the walk is immeasurable. Many large cities have walking trails, and state parks often have the best views and allow on-leash dogs. Take a zip around the local sports complex or just down to the corner store. Dogs love to accompany their humans on even the most mundane jaunt.
Tired paws are paws that don't get into the trash or chew the furniture out of boredom. Discover what the dog likes to do and do it together.
 |
 |
 |
