I may be in the minority but I love coming in from a good run. Don’t get me wrong, getting ready to actually go ON the run is torture but finishing, is bliss. There’s something about physical exhaustion that calms the mind and spirit for me. It makes dealing with everything so much easier.

Dogs are no different. In order to be well-adjusted and obedient animals, they need to exercise their body and their mind on a daily basis. And while we might think that this pertains solely to working, herding, hunting and guarding breeds, the smaller breeds also have a certain work ethic. For example, a Yorkie may be well-groomed with bows and paw-lish on but it’s still a terrier and the need to chase and dig is ingrained in its very core.

Like their human counterparts, dogs that do not get enough exercise or activity can become destructive, anxious, frustrated, overweight and even depressed which in turn can cause innumerable behavior problems.

Physical Fitness

While putting a number of hours onto your dog’s fitness life is difficult, a good marker for you to go by is enough physical activity to make your dog genuinely tired.

Most dogs would greatly benefit from both morning and evening sessions but if this is not something you can fit into your schedule, aim for 1 session per day. If you have access to a yard or fenced in area, that is ideal but if not, snap a 20-30 foot long line on your dog to make sure he doesn’t escape you and find a nice open area where you can help your dog exercise.

• Some Ideas for Aerobic Activity:

- Playing with other dogs in a fenced in area off-leash. Search for dog runs in your area and scope them out before actually bringing your dog there. Make sure YOU are comfortable with the rules and how the other owners adhere to them. If you are, the exercise benefits and socialization aspects of a dog run are incredible!
- Play fetch. My Sheltie, Shelby, could play fetch for as long as I can throw the ball. I usually call it quits before she does! Most dogs love to chase after objects and bring them back to you.
- Running. I’m a new runner and love bringing my infant son in his baby jogger for a nice 30 minute run. There’s nothing better than bringing my other dog Kenzie along. If you are new to bringing your dog for a run beside the stroller, walk a few times with the dog and the stroller to get her used to it. At first, Kenzie was scared of the strollers size and noise but once she acclimated and realized I wasn’t going to run her paws over, she adapted and now looks forward to our runs!
- Swimming. If your dog is able to swim, remember not all dogs can, then swimming is wonderful way to beat the heat and get some heart-healthy cardio in!

• Puppy Time

Adult dog activities might not be safe for the growing pup though exercise is just as important. Playing is the best way to tucker out your tyke. Whether you choose to play fetch or other games in a fenced in area or maybe you take your pup to a dog run safe enough for puppy play, it’s important to your bond as well as their growing minds and bodies to remain active.
Jogging or biking with your puppy leashed is not safe for young dogs whose bones have not yet fully formed. If you have questions regarding whether an activity is safe for your growing puppy, check with your veterinarian.

• Medical Conditions

Of course, if your dog has a medical condition that prevents ongoing activity, it’s important to discuss the actions you could be taking at home to help your dog. Being overweight will only add to her problems and like their humans, being active safely with a medical issue can only benefit them. If your dog has a medical problem, whether it is hip dysplasia or congenital heart defects, talk to your vet about how to safely get your dog the activity she needs.

Coming up in part 2: Mental Fitness!