Dog Exercise: How much dog exercise does your pet need?

The amount of dog exercise that is needed for your dog depends on several
factors. One important factor to consider is his type of breed. Dog
exercise also depends on his energy level and his personality.

Your dog’s breed has an effect on his need for proper dog exercise.
Examples of breeds that require plenty of dog exercise are hunting dogs,
herding dogs, and sled dogs. These breed of dogs have high energy levels
and were developed for tireless activity.

Obviously, if your dog has a high level of energy, then he would need
plenty of dog exercise. On the other hand, if your dog has a low level of
energy and would rather relax and sleep on the couch, then he apparently
does not need a lot of dog exercise.

An older dog would need less exercise than a younger dog. Another factor
to consider in recognizing how much dog exercise your pet needs is whether
he is the only pet in the house or if there is another dog or cat that he
can exercise and play with.

The amount of dog exercise does not depend on the size of your dog. Small
dogs do not necessarily need less exercise than large dogs. Some large
dogs and especially some of the giant breed do not require much dog
exercise.

In fact, many of the large and giant breeds would rather just be relaxed
and still in one corner while a toy Chihuahua and many other small breeds
can be a rocket on four legs just waiting to attack, thus require more dog
exercise. While a Mastiff may only need a short walk around the
neighborhood, give a Jack Russell Terrier three miles of dog exercise and
he would still want to keep going.

Just as humans need regular exercise to maintain a healthy physical and
mental state of well being, frequent dog exercise is vital in order for
your dogs to stay happy and healthy. And like humans, dogs get the most
health as well as mental benefits from dog exercise only if it is done
extensively, not just a quick run to the park.

Also, if you notice your dog panting during his dog exercise, do not
mistake this in thinking that he is tired and that it is time to stop the
dog exercise. Dogs pant as a way of cooling themselves, much like when we
sweat. A panting dog does not mean that he is out of breath and gasping
for air.