It is your duty as a dog owner to make sure your dog gets daily exercise that maintains and improves his or her quality of life. It is important never to rush a dog when doing his or her business, and to never try to get the dog to walk before finishing. This usually occurs when your dog is curious, but occurs very frequently when your dog needs to pee or poop. If your dog meanders and sniffs about, this is completely natural. Speed should be increased gradually, giving your dog time to get used to a speed over a period of regular walks. Regardless of your dog’s leg length, he or she should maintain that brisk trot to achieve aerobic exercise. Dogs with shorter legs may require a slower pace, whereas dogs with longer legs may require a faster pace from a walker. These are serious signs that it is time to go home, rest, and rehydrate. Signs that a dog has had too much include being unsteady on his or her paws, excessive panting and drooling, and being unresponsive to both vocal commands and hand gestures. Your dog should be able to trot at your side on a slacked leash and maintain a constant speed for at least thirty minutes. A brisk walk is recommended by most vets if you can maintain it for more than ten minutes. The key in this situation is to maintain a steady pace. Dogs need aerobic exercise in order to maintain cardiovascular health and to burn fat. Some dog owners worry about walking too fast. By not giving in to your dog’s demands, you are staying in control of the walk and making sure your dog gets what is necessary. This is poor walking behavior, and you can use positive reinforcement to show a dog what the proper walking speed looks like. This is where you want to teach them to “stop and smell the roses.” Your dog may pull ahead and walk several paces in front of you, trying to get you to hurry. However, some dogs want to take in everything as fast as they possibly can. As long as you are moving forward and using this time to challenge your dog’s mind, you will have a meaningful walk. If you are focusing on getting your dog to potty or use mental skills, this shouldn’t be your main concern. Some dog owners worry about walking too slowly. The speed of this kind of walk usually involves a lot of stopping, a sagging leash as you stick close by, and your dog most likely will not be panting very hard by the time you get home. If you go too fast and don’t let your dog interact with the environment, he or she won’t actually retain this information. The key here is to stay slow enough to let your dog sniff, potty, and be exposed to new things. Avoid getting lost, but do allow your dog to take the reins and explore where he or she wants to go. Another way to help your dog’s memory is to see if he or she can find the trail home again. Sometimes bringing along a toy and treats to have your dog find or carry will also improve your dog’s focus and cognition skills. If you would like to focus more on mental health, different walk routes will keep your dog alert and will give the opportunity to be adventurous. This opens your dog up to new scents, sights, and sounds, allowing him or her to explore. If the goal of your walk is to improve your dog’s mental health, a leisure stroll would be most suitable. Every dog is different and will have different needs, so pay attention to your dog’s health and try to set an objective before starting a walking routine. They are also more likely to exhibit signs of anxiety such as barking, whining, chewing, and pacing. Dogs who do not get daily exercise are more likely to suffer from diabetes, hip dysplasia, and heart disease. You are trying to do what is best for your dog, since walking is an essential part of a happy, healthy lifestyle. It is best to stay tuned to your dog’s needs and to slow down if necessary when you switch from adult dog food to senior dog food. Just like humans, dogs slow down as they age. Pushing a dog can keep him or her from fully recovering and from enjoying the walk. Certain issues such as ACL surgery and obesity will affect how long and how fast your dog is able to walk. Is your dog in good physical condition? Does your dog have any medical conditions that might require a faster or slower pace? These are questions you can discuss with your vet. There are several things to consider when thinking about your walking speed. It also helps to have a goal in mind that can play a deciding factor in how fast your walk. A dog who does not get enough daily exercise through walks can resort to other activities such as chewing, barking, or rushing around your home. Walks provide a healthy energy outlet, keep your dog’s muscles and circulatory system working correctly, and will stop your dog from packing on the pounds. You may wonder how fast you should walk your dog for him or her to get the most out of a walk.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |