Exercising Your Dog - How Much Is Enough?

What's the truth about dog exercise?

Exercising your dog is critical to keep him both mentally and physically balanced.

It extends dog life, stimulates his appetite, and expends excess energy to calm him down.

But how do you know when your dog has had enough?

My Border Collie runs six miles per day with me on a bike - four miles in the morning, and two in the evening. He loves his runs. So if he indicates to me that he doesn't want to go on, I know for sure and respect the fact that he is not up to it that day.

Any dog who throws a temper tantrum you should make keep going. But if the dog has clearly had enough, then stop.

Some days we humans also have times when we are not fully up to snuff. Why would you expect it to be any different with your dog?

It is also important to remember that not every dog can run the same distance, or at the same speed. In dog training or caring for multiple dogs, it is sometimes tempting to take a group of dogs with you at once rather than making multiple runs yourself. But that is not always wise.

It is a dog health risk for some dogs if you take a pack comprised of different dog breeds and different ages out together and run them a significant distance. Not all are at the same level of physical conditioning and stamina.

For example, Hounds can run 40 hours when on a significant trail. That would kill my Border Collie and many other dogs, who are not built for that.

Use common sense, people!
dog health
dog training