Today is: Thursday, 3rd July 2008
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It's all about the dogs.
Run Spot Run - Jogging with Your Dog
You run regularly - or are about to start running again - and you have a fairly active dog. The combination is obvious - run with your dog!
And a great combination it is. You get your workout on. Your dog gets to work off energy and see the sights. You and Rover are spending quality time together. But before you just take off with dog in tow, please, consider the weather! I saw a jogger the other day with a long-hair dog in 84+ degree heat. I swear if they were running next to a puddle, I would have been really temped to drive through it. But seriously, dogs love to run and should but we have to remember that they are not the same as us!
You really shouldn’t run your dog in very warm weather.
- Either run her very early in the day or leave her at home.
- Dogs do not get rid of heat the way we do. Sweat cools our skin–for the most part, dog do not sweat. They have a few sweat glands in their feet, but mostly they dissipate heat through their paws and mouths. This means that dogs do not dissipate heat as fast as we can either.
- And don’t think, “well, he’s willing to run, he must be OK with the heat”. No! Many dogs will run themselves, even to the point of collapse, while they are having fun. Many just don’t know when to stop. Dogs can die from heat stroke.
- Lastly, searing hot asphalt is no good for your dogs paws.
See a lot more about running with your dog including breeds, age, and starting a routine.
On a side note, you should consider running with your pooch. Here are my “undocumented” benefits to running with the dog, especially in warmer weather.
- He is my excuse for running through every sprinkler on the way there and back.
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| Bronx and I on our twice weekly run. (Three times a week would ruin my rotator cuff.) |
23 Jun 08 | How To Improve Your Dog’s Behavior Through Exercise
How To Improve Your Dog’s Behavior Through Exerciseshared by Bullie Pups R Usby Traci at B.We’ve all heard the old saying “idle hands are the devil’s tools.” The popularity of the adage stems from its validity. Those who are not able to keep themselves busy are far more apt to fill their time with inappropriate acts. If re-written to apply to man’s best friend, the notion that “idle paws are the devil’s tools” would ring true, as well. A dog who is not sufficiently engaged in physical activity is far more likely to present behavioral challenges.
Often, we hear complaints about dogs who are simply uncontrollable. They engage in destructive behaviors without any apparent or obvious reason. They may dig the dreaded backyard holes, destroy property or simply be difficult animals with whom to get along. These problems can be the outgrowth of any number of things, but quite often the root cause of such difficulties nothing more than idleness. A dog that is not sufficiently exercised will find other outlets for his energies. Unfortunately, when left to his own devices to find an outlet, a dog may very well choose less than appreciated activity.
Professional trainers have long understood the value of exercising a dog. Not only is the physical activity beneficial to the animal’s health. Regular exercise in a controlled manner also serves to decrease the likelihood of destructive and inappropriate behavior. Instead of needing to invent means by which to expend his energy, the dog is exercised in a directed manner and incidents of inappropriate behavior decline.
Put simply, if you don’t find a way to wear out your dog, your dog will find a way to wear you out! His idle paws will become a source of great frustration if not otherwise occupied. Thus, exercising your dog consistently will improve his behavior a great deal.
Many dog owners, however, find it difficult to find ways to sufficiently exercise their pet. This could be due to schedule or space limitations. Fortunately, there are a variety of means to exercise a dog.
The most traditional means of dog exercising remains one of the most effective: simply walking the dog can do wonders. We too often have a tendency to reduce walking the dog to a jaunt as short as is necessary for him to tend to his elimination needs. Although dog walking certainly serves this purpose, it is important to recognize that the act of walking one’s dog also holds the promise of improving his behavior through exercise. Instead of cutting a walk short once his “business” is done, it is better to continue the walk for a longer period of time. Use the walk as exercise-as well as a great bonding opportunity.
Playing fetch is another great means by which a dog can be exercised. Even in an enclosed space, a smaller dog can get quite a workout from a brisk game of fetch. For those owners who are not feeling particular active, it is a great alternative to an extended walk, as it requires little or no real effort on the part of the owner. One can play fetch indoors with a smaller dog while watching a television program or simply relaxing in an easy chair.
Some have found they are able to train their dogs to walk on an indoor treadmill. If your dog is receptive to utilizing a treadmill, you can gain all of the advantages of lengthy walks without having to leave your home. Using a treadmill may not interest all dogs, however, and one is advised not to purchase a treadmill solely for use by a dog for that very reason.
There really is not limit to the number of ways one can find to exercise their dog. Every dog and every situation is at least slightly different, but all hold in common the presence of opportunities for quality exercise. These opportunities cannot be overlooked. Regular and significant exercise will improve a dog’s health, create more opportunity for dog and owner interaction and can lead to amazing improvements in behavior.
You can recapture your dog’s paws from the hands of the devil! If your dog tends to be difficult, implement a regular exercise regime. There is a strong chance that simple change will have a profound impact on his behavior.
Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com shared by Bullie Pups R Us English Bulldogs
No Time to Exercise Your Dog
Sometimes, with the hectic nature of our schedules (work, business, kids, partners, school, friends, parents, hobbies-ha! who has time?…) we find it hard some days to work in time for our canine companions. This should not be the case, but I live in reality. I know we don’t always have time for a walk or game of catch. However, with some creativity, we can often find ways to give the pooch a little exercise time. Remember, a dog who is not sufficiently engaged in physical activity is far more likely to present behavioral challenges. Here are five ideas for getting your dog out.
Use a Doggie Day Dare - This has become a popular solution for making sure your dog has social and exercise time. These are getting more and more popular and can be found in many cities now. Doggie day cares are not cheap solutions, but these can be a good solution. Make sure you research the place to know that they give quality care.
Consider a dog walker - This is not as expensive as a day care solution, but like the day care, a dog walker is not just exercising your dog, but giving him or her some face time, with other people and/or dogs. If you are not at home, you may have to give your dog walker access to your house so they can get your dog, so again, you have to check out the service before signing up.
Have a neighbor spend time with your dog - If you have a neighbor that is a dog lover (or better yet, has a dog of their own), ask if he or she might occasionally play with your dog in the yard or take yours on a walk when they walk their own. You may have to reciprocate with checking their mail when they’re gone or maybe mowing their lawn one week, but your dog is worth it.
Have a friend or family member spend time with your dog - Ask–you might be surprised. We asked our brother-in-law–a social recluse if there ever was one–to keep our dog for a couple of weeks and he positively enjoyed the company and now comes over from time to time to play with Bronx. Who knew? Here’s another tact to try: I got my brother to walk our dog many days one summer so he could walk down this one block where several “honey’s” lived. My dog wasn’t complaining.
Have your kids play with the dog - Younger children don’t always have the wherewithal to walk a dog safely. But one thing kids and dogs know is playtime. Their playtime doesn’t have to be anything special or organized, just time for kids and dog to stretch their legs. Yes, playing Fetch is infinitely easier if the dog is actually trained to drop the ball upon retrieving. But even if he is not trained, kids and dogs will make up their own rules. As long as they get him running around the yard for 20 minutes, everyone is getting some exercise–and will sleep better!
