Dog Exercise:  Walking, A Great Way To Keep Your Dog Fit

Did you know that your dog will become inactive, dull, and overweight if she is confined inside your home for long periods of time?

Not only that, but she is also likely to develop some type of behavioral problem like excessive barking or chewing, and will have a tendency to develop an aggressive, destructive behavior.

Exercise is not only important because it keeps your dog happy, but it is vital for your dog's physical well-being, as well as her mental health.

Exercise is also an excellent approach for you to bond and spend some quality time with each other.

Exercising your dog has an added benefit for you personally as you are more apt to stay fit through active, heart-pumping activities.

Walking

A simple exercise that you and your dog can enjoy is walking. Your dog requires daily exercise, and walking is an excellent activity that both you and your canine friend can be a part of.

The slow, gentle movement of walking helps you and your dog in several ways:

• tones the muscles
• provides oxygen to the heart
• beneficial to the lungs

If your dog is not used to walking or if she is a little overweight, start her off with a short 15 minute walk.  Slowly build up the pace as she gets accustomed to it.

If you are the type of person who loves to just go out for a walk and feel the breath of fresh air, then a daily walk of 1-2 miles may be all it takes to keep your dog fit. Your dog will certainly love it, especially if you have one with a high level of energy. 

However, if you do not have the time for long walks, or maybe the idea of walking for 2 miles is simply not your idea of fun, then your dog will be just as happy if you can only take her for a quick walk around the block twice a day.