Exercise for pets can be beneficial for a number of reasons--it will help them to be more active as they age and strengthen their joints, which can help them to avoid having degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Exercise can also prevent behavioral problems in dogs, such as incessant barking and destructive chewing. Dogs need a balanced exercise program of cross-training activities that build strength and endurance, such as stretching and aerobic exercises.
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Stretching Exercises
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In a similar manner to humans, it is important to work out different muscle groups in a dog's body, so he will have a better chance of avoiding injuries later. Puppies only need a moderate level of exercise, while older dogs should be exercised everyday, but with shorter, less intense workouts. There are a number of stretching exercises that can strengthen dogs' quadriceps, back and abdominal muscles and forelimbs so they have better mobility in these body parts. In a similar manner to humans, these exercises can also help dogs to warm up and cool down before and after they engage in other activities, such as agility training and aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming. These exercises also help to get their blood circulating.
One important stretching exercise works out the back of a dog's foreleg and the flexor muscles. Start by holding the elbow of your dog's right leg in one of your hands and his wrist in the other. Rotate his leg forward and upward, being careful not to exert too much pressure, until you feel resistance from the foreleg. Do this for about 15 to 30 seconds, repeating the exercise one to two times. Each time you do the exercise, extend your dog's leg further, which will help to build mobility. Another stretching exercise involves using a Theraball, which is a large rubber exercise ball. Start by placing your dog on the ball in such a way that his legs do not touch the ground or floor. Next rock your dog from side to side and back and forth on the ball. Work up to getting your dog to reach out for treats, which will help work out his forelimbs.
Aerobic Exercises
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There are a number of aerobic exercises that help to build dogs' strength and endurance, including walking and jogging; swimming and fetching. Walking can be a good way to work up to other exercises. You should practice with your dog for about 15 to 20 minutes. Start the exercise by walking slowly with your dog and gradually increasing the speed he is walking. Do this for between one and three minutes or longer, depending on his health status. Move on to letting your dog jog and then run for between three and four minutes before going back to walking more slowly once again. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends jogging after he has been exercising awhile. You can either walk your dog in an outdoor area on a leash or in an indoor area on treadmill designed for dogs.
You may want to alternate between having your dog walk and fetch because running after a ball will help to keep your dog engaged. Chasing after an object appeals to your dog's natural instincts; starts, stops and turns will help work out different muscles groups in your dog's body. Walking, running and fetching can also be beneficial if your pet is overweight--but you have to be careful not to overwork your dog. Overweight dogs often have orthopedic problems. You can also add swimming into your routine, taking him to a lake, pond or pool. Keep your dog on a leash while you take him swimming, so that he will not go into the water when you do not wish him to. You should work up to exercising your dog for about 30 minutes a day, especially if he is involved in agility training.
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