If you’re a dog owner, you’re aware that for your dog to thrive physically and mentally, exercise needs to be a part of its daily routine. There are various exercises that suit different breeds. The differences come in because of the varying degrees of the physical activities that the dogs get involved in. For instance, dogs that are bred for hunting will need much more exercise than the small sized dogs. In this article, we look at exercises for different dog breeds. Read on to learn more
The Exercises
Just like human beings need exercise to keep fit and stay healthy, dogs need exercise too to thrive. Exercise for your dog isn’t just meant to keep it physically fit but for its brain as well. Lack of exercise poses serious danger for your dog with consequences like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. Also, lack of exercise can result in serious behaviour changes like chewing furniture, excessive jumping up, escaping from the house, vocalization or acting abnormally.
As a dog owner, you need to be creative when it comes to creating an exercise routine and activities for your dog because exercising is more than just running and jogging. You need to find a way to stimulate your dog’s brain too. If your routine and exercise are predictable, your dog can get easily bored.
Some of the common physical exercises you can engage in with your dog are:
- Treadmill
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Playing fetch
- Dog Sports like agility training or fly ball
- Tug of war games
Popular brain activities you can engage in with your dog include:
- Hide and seek
- Scent tracking
- Command training
- Teaching tricks
- Toys with treats inside
While some dog breeds don’t require daily, intense exercises, others require intense, engaging physical exercises daily if they are to function properly. Some of the dog breeds that require daily and intense exercises include the German Shepherd, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, Boxer, Labrador retriever and Irish Setter.
Dog breeds that don’t require an intense physical exercise include English Bulldog, Great Dane, French Bulldog, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bullmastiff, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Dachshund and Basset Hound.
Exercises According to Weight
The following is a recommended exercise routine for dogs according to their weight.
Dogs under 10 kg
These dogs need minimal exercise like a 20–30 minutes’ walk daily. You can incorporate this exercise in your routine as well so that though your dog is benefiting from the exercise, you get to hang out and bond. Once done, your dog will comfortably relax and enjoy a nap or some love on your laps.
Dogs between10–25kg
These dogs require exercise for approximately 45 minutes. You can decide to divide the minutes into two. This enables you to engage your dog in physical exercise twice a day. This is because medium-sized dogs tend to get bored if they don’t get enough exercise.
Dogs over 25Kg
Don’t let the size of your dog fool you into thinking that the bigger the size, the more the intense the physical activities need to be. For large sized dogs, it’s all about balancing exercise and diet to help them thrive to their fullest potential. Some large breeds like the Newfoundland, Mastiffs and the Great Dane are likely to suffer from joint problems if the exercise is too intense. The recommended time for large breed dogs is 45 minutes to an hour.
Exercises According to Dog Class
There are various types of dog classes, from hunting class, sporting class to working class. The following are recommended exercise routines suitable for specific dog classes.
The Hound Class
This class of dogs were originally bred to be hunting dogs. There are two types of hounds; the scent hound and the sighthound. In the scent hounds include breeds like Coonhounds and Bloodhounds. The sighthounds include breeds like Wolfhounds and Greyhounds.
While scent hounds require intense exercise like a 60-minute daily exercise, sighthounds have a lower exercise needs of approximately 20–30 minutes daily.
The Sporting Class
This class consists of spaniels, retrievers, setters and pointers. Originally bred as hunting companions, this class requires regular, mentally challenging and intense exercise. These will help them stay alert and active. The widely known breed in this class is the Labrador Retriever.
They enjoy exercises related to fetching stuff, running, hiking and biking. The recommended exercise for this class is 1–2 hours’ physical exercise. You have to be creative when it comes to mentally challenging exercises. This is because even after a rigorous physical exercise, they still have energy for mental games.
The Working Class
Just as the name suggests, this class was originally bred to work. As such, these dogs are powerful, smart, alert and headstrong. Popular breeds in this class include the Bullmastiffs, Siberian Huskies, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers and Saint Bernard. Majority of them work as service dogs, military, police and farm dogs.
This class thrives in longer and rigorous activities like hiking.
The Terrier Class
Originally bred for sniffing and digging out prey. These dogs are friendly but energetic because of the nature of their jobs. Popular breeds in this category include the Welsh terrier, Bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier and Airedale terrier.
Because of their natural instincts, they thrive in activities like hide and seek and earth dog; a sport where dogs navigate through tunnels in search of prey. The recommended exercise routine for them is 30–60 minutes daily.
The Toy Group
This class contains the smallest dog breeds. This is because they were originally bred to be lap dogs. But, don’t let their small size fool you, they still require exercise. These dogs are loyal and intelligent with a recommended exercise routine of 20–30 minutes. They thrive in chasing games, learning tricks and retrieving toys.
Considerations for Your Dog Before Exercise
Before taking your dog out for that exercise, consider the following:
Puppies
When your puppy is under 18 months, be very careful when it comes to exercise. This is because soft tissue injury may occur as they’re still delicate. After 18 months, you can start engaging them in moderate physical activities.
Weather Conditions
Regardless of your dog breed, ensure that the weather is conducive for your dog to exercise in. Dogs are prone to heat stroke or frostbite.
Safety with Games
Some games will require you to take safety precautions. When playing fetch for instance, don’t throw sticks or any sharp objects. These may cause bodily harm to your dog if they break or get lodged in their mouth.
Brachycephalic Dogs
Brachycephalic dogs are dog breeds with squashed faces and short muzzles like the Bulldog or Pug. These dogs shouldn’t engage in long distance running, intense exercises, exercising in humid weather conditions and when it’s hot. This is because their short muzzles and squashed faces prevent airflow. As such, they’re likely to suffer from overheating or oxygen deprivation. Also, when you take them out for exercise, give them lots of breaks for them to cool down.
Popular Dog Injuries
Just like humans, dogs are prone to injuries during exercise. Some of the common injuries prone to your dog during exercising include:
- Heat stroke
- Ligament, tendon, joint and muscle injuries
- Paw burns especially when you walk them on very hot pavements
If you notice your dog limps after or while exercising, take them to the vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Exercise my Obese Dog?
Start slowly, with an easy and moderate exercise routine. You can start with a 10–20 minutes daily routine before increasing the minutes gradually. Be creative in the routine so that they can look forward to it. As you introduce the exercises, pay attention to any behaviour changes or signs of injury. Also, don’t force them to exercise if they don’t want to.
How Much Exercise Does My Dog Require?
This will depend on your dog’s breed, weight and age. If you’re a first time owner, talk to your vet first for guidance.
Conclusion
Just like humans need exercise to stay healthy and thrive, your dog needs exercise in their daily routine as well. Exercise will not only keep your dog healthy, it will also strengthen your bond. Exercise is more than just the physical activities. Find creative and fun ways to exercise your dog, not just physically but mentally as well.
