Exercising your dog

There are three different ways to exercise your dog and you should aim for a bit of each, every day.

Off lead exercise - this type of exercise allows your dog to behave naturally and explore, dogs need to investigate new smells, sights and sounds every day.  This will stimulate his brain and relieve boredom that can cause destructive behaviour and nuisance barking.  If your dog cannot be trusted off lead in public then a good alternative would be to use a long training lead, 10 metres or more is ideal, or why not ask your friends/family if you can borrow their garden every now and then.

On lead exercise - in order for this type of exercise to be of most benefit, you should train your dog to walk to heel, the concentration required to walk beside you will drain mental energy - essential for highly intelligent and high energy dogs, plus it will show him that you are pack leader (the pack leader always walks ahead) at a crucial time in his day.  It is also important for dogs to be walked away from their own home and on different routes so that they can socialise properly and see the world, this will help prevent dogs territorial behaviour.

Play time - a really energetic play session is important as it allows your dog to burn off excess physical energy and it will help you and your dog see you in a fun, relaxed light and it will help you both bond, a good bond means better obedience.  A good game of tug-of-war or fetch should do the trick.

How much exercise you should give your dog will depend entirely on your him, but all dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, a very general guide would be 30 minutes for a low energy dog such as a Pug or British Bulldog, 60 minutes for a medium energy dog such as a Jack Russell or a Staffie, 90 minutes for a high energy dog such as a Springer Spaniel or German Shephard and 120 minutes + for a super high energy dog such as a collie or Husky (remember that all dogs are different and don't always conform with their breed!). 

If you are not sure about what energy level your dog is, take a look at his behaviour, if he is a relaxed and calm dog you have probably got it right, if he seems excitable or restless you should increase his daily exercise by 30 minutes.

Puppies and Elderly dogs need special consideration when it comes to exercise - especially if they are large breed dogs as extra care must be given to their delicate joints. 

If you are ever unsure about exercising your dog, get help from your local dog trainer or vet, who should be able to give advise specific to your dog.