Exercise My Dog

Exercise and the Cocker Spaniel

The spaniel breeds dates back at least 500 years in the UK, originally bred to flush out woodcocks for hunters to shoot. The American Cocker Spaniel was bred in the late 1800s from the English Cocker Spaniel and was brought to Canada and the United States. This is the smallest hunting dog breed.

Breed type	Sport / Gun / Hunting dog
Physical characteristics	compact sized dog with strong, straight legs long ears, almost reaching the nos profuse, thick, silky medium to long coat
Personality	moderate-energy dogs friendly to people, good with children, can get along with other dogs sweet, cheerful and eager to please playful, but sensitive–they don’t take well to teasing or harsh training
Best exercises	Because these dogs are bred to accompany hunters, they do have a lot of stamina, but are only moderately energetic. They usually aren’t bouncing off the walls if they don’t have regular exercise, but you still need to let them burn off some energy. Walks – long, steady walks are great. Running – with conditioning, Cocker Spaniels are good running dogs for short times (20 – 30 minutes a couple days a week). Start slowly and consider keeping her coat shorter. Hiking – long, low-key hikes are great, just watch that his coat doesn’t get tangled in branches and bramble. Agility – Cocker Spaniels have enough energy for this sport and many do compete. If you think it’s right for your dog, you can train for fun or for competition. See more here. Dog Parks – because Cocker Spaniels are generally friendly with other dogs, if you feel yours if well socialized, let her romp with friends for a bit.
Suggested exercise plan	1 session / day for 20 - 30 minutes each

Going to the Dog Park

With the weather warming up, you can once again look to taking your pooch to a dog park for a romp. Dog parks can be a great place for dogs to work out some energy in the way they love, through play with friends. (And you all you have to do is sit there and watch.) Here are some things you need to consider before going.

Dog Park Etiquette

• Read the rules of the park as you go in and heed them. This makes the park safe and fun for all.
• If your dog is new to the dog park, take small steps. Visit a few times and watch from outside the gate. You’ll get him or her used to the idea and you’ll get a sense of if your dog can handle it.
• In fact, you and your dog will have very good visits if she or he is trained, at the least, to come when called.
• Exercise your dog before you go to drain a little energy. According to Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan, “This way he’ll be relaxed, but will still engage the other dogs.” Ideally, a walk to the dog park will be a good warm up.
• Not only do you want to keep your dog in sight, but you should make contact with him or her. Occasionally talk to your dog a calm, assertive voice and with eye contact to remind him you are there and in charge.
• Make sure your dog is protected with all the vet-recommended shots before you go. Dogs can pick up worms and diseases such as parvo at a dog park — or anyplace else dogs congregate. Also, make sure he or she has had their regular heartworm and flea medication. And please, clean up after your dog.
• Do keep a regular collar and dog tag on your dog at all times, but absolutely unleash her. Otherwise, she can become a target for other dogs to “investigate” which can create anxiety or defensiveness in the leashed dog and provoke a situation.
• When dealing with other dog, learn canine body language is a good idea. Sometimes, people do not recognize signs of true aggression and assume the dogs will “work it out”, or, on the other hand, may overreact to what is healthy dog play.
• It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, not all dogs should attend dog parks. Obviously aggressive dogs would not be a good idea. Anxious or fearful dogs may be too overwhelmed and overreact. Puppies should be at least four months old and fully vaccinated.
• Do not bring small children into a dog park. A dog that is socialized with other dogs, may still be unfamiliar with children. And young children don’t know dog-appropriate behavior.
• If the park is full, just wait for another time to visit.

10 Reasons to Try Dog Agility

The top reason to try dog agility (to me of course) is the exercise aspect. I’ve seen those dogs all whipped up–they really use a lot of energy.

But just as important. It is fun! It really is. The dog loves it, all the running and dodging and climbing. It’s one big game. And it is fun for the owner to watch. I guarantee you’ll have a laugh.

See the complete list of 10 Reasons to Try Dog Agility.

Exercise and the Bullmastiff

This breed is a cross between a mastiff and bulldog, developed in the late 1800’s. This breed was created to be fast enough and strong enough to catch animal poachers, but not overly-aggressive so that he would not hurt the poacher.

Breed type	Guard / guardian dog
Physical characteristics	large dog with a powerful build short, smooth coat
Personality	a quiet, docile breed patient and gentle with family, friends and children can be protective and territorial if she feels a threat; won’t attack, but she might knock the “threat” over.
Best exercises	Despite his size, the Bullmastiff is a rather low energy dog. But don’t let his low energy fool you into thinking he doesn’t need exercise. Because of his size and low energy, he can also be more prone to obesity and other related health problems. A little activity keeps the weight off. Walks - regular walks are fine. Long daily walk even better. However, because of their strength, your Bullmastiff should be trained well to walk well on a leash. Hiking - a good activity if long, low-key walks
Suggested exercise plan	2x / day for 20-30 minutes each, or 1x / day for 30-45 minutes
Things to know	Bullmastiffs can not tolerate extremes of temperature because of its short, thin fur. Don’t walk if it is colder than sweater weather or if it’s a hot summer day.

Yoga for Dogs

Break out 2 mats, one for you and one for your dog. Yes, there are now yoga classes for dogs. The “Doga” classes were created by a yoga teacher and a vet tech and will soon be available in video. Check out this link.

I have a healthy respect for yoga, but how do you get a dog to do Downward Facing Dog. He already is!

The last line of the article is funny, and the likely response my dog would have. Aaaaaahhhhhmmmmmm-woof.