Trendy Exercise Gets Dogs and Owners Off The Couch

One of the newest trends in fitness is the buddy workout with your dog.  This post will give you a few basics on how to get started.  This is the first article in a series, so stay tuned.

Cardio Exercise For You and Your Dog

• Jogging for you and your dog.
• Swimming for you and your dog.
• Agility Training for you and your dog.  
• Bicycling for you.  Jogging for your dog.
• Rollerblading for you.  Jogging for your dog.
• Cross Country Skiing for you.  Jogging for your dog.

How To Train

You’ll need to monitor your dog’s exertion, just as you would your own. Start with short distances first. Gradually increase the time. If your dog shows signs of fatigue, or tags behind you, slow down and cut back.

What You Need To Do First

Check with your vet before starting your dog on an exercise routine.

Warnings

The health and well-being of your dog should be uppermost. Too much exercise, or the wrong way to exercise can injure your dog.

• Constant leash pulling can damage your dog’s throat.
• Too much exercise can result in blisters on your dog’s paw pads after a run, especially dogs with light colored pads.
• Stiffness, soreness, and exhaustion are signs of too much exercise.
• Large dogs are more prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia (an inherited degenerative condition that can cause painful arthritis, and crippling lameness).  Sustained jogging can be tough on their joints.  Swimming is a better alternative.  Get your vets advice on the best type of exercise.
• Dogs and people don’t run the same. It is more common for a dog to run, stop and explore, and run again.  Take a short run for 10 minutes, take a break, and then try another short run.
• Avoid running with your dog on hot days.  
• Exercise in the shade, and out of the sun.
• Exercise on grass or dirt roads to help avoid damaging your dog’s paw pads.
• Sustained jogging or running isn’t recommended for young dogs whose 
• bones haven’t formed.
• Be sure your dog is trained properly if you do online skating or bicycling. Your dog should be trained to run beside you without pulling.

Paw Protection During Outdoor Exercise 

Keep your dog’s paw pads protected from injuries, and cold weather conditions.  Several companies manufacture and sell canine protective footwear products.  Here are a few suggestions: Muttluks.com, UltraPaws.com, Amazon.com.

Copyright 2014 Irene Pastore and TourDeCore.com