Age Appropriate Dog Exercise Program

Age Appropriate Exercise for Dogs

Dogs, like people, need regular exercise to maintain ideal weight and mental well-being, resulting in happiness.  The appropriate level of activity for your dog should be considered at every stage. No matter what breed your dog is, whether purebred or mixed, a puppy, an adult, or a senior, all breeds need a physical dog exercise program.

Physical activity allows your dog to actively engage with other dogs, people, and its natural environment, teaching them lifelong social skills. But how do we know what’s the right type of activity and how much exercise they need?

The appropriate level of exercise needed for your dog depends above all on their age, health, breed and individual personality. Size is not necessarily a good indicator of a dog’s activity requirements. Depending on the breed or group they belong to (working dogs, herding dogs, toy or companion dogs, and sporting or gun dogs), dogs tend to have higher or lower activity requirements. Again, no matter what the breed, each dog has their own personality and preference as to what level of exercise they do.  However, be mindful to put boundaries in place as Canine Balance see dogs of all ages overrun, overworked and overtrained frequently.  Here is a basic guide to help you.

Puppy Exercise: 0-24 months

It is critical what we do with our baby dogs.  Young dogs undergo significant physical changes during the first 12-18 months of life before their growth plates close.  Some of us get a new puppy and immediately do everything possible with them, as we feel that is the best thing for them.  It is, up to a point.  It is important to set appropriate training boundaries for our young canines.  So, what dog exercise program is enough for our puppies? 

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Adult Dogs: 2-6 years

Dogs can now walk, run, jump, compete, swim, perform endurance training, chase, tug higher, twist, and turn.  Be mindful that the dog’s soft tissues are still maturing up until 3 years of age.  Overtraining and overrunning, dogs can be an issue, just like in humans.  Canine Balance sees 2-3-year-old dogs overworked, overran and overtrained frequently, as owners see their dogs as an adult now and believe they can do anything.  Do you know the 5 components of a balanced dog exercise program?

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Senior Dogs: 7+ years

It is important to keep exercising older dogs to keep them mentally happy and physically healthy.  Sure, your older dog may not be able to run the 5 km it used to but that doesn’t mean you stop altogether.  Make some adjustments for your senior dog so it can still enjoy the benefits of exercise without causing discomfort or pain.  Exercise plans should be adjusted for your dog.  Seniors should feel better, move better, and have a better normal daily function when done with exercises.  If they are more lame, sore after resting or change transitions or posture for the worse, following exercise, then adjust the plan to suit.  What changes will you make to your senior dog exercise program?

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Want to learn more about appropriate exercises for your puppy?  Check out our latest workshop Puppy Training course and it’s ONLY $67.

Not sure if your Adult dog is getting a balanced exercise program?  Canine Balance offers Cross Fit training that covers the five components of a balanced dog exercise program.  Contact us before the 31^st July 2018 for our Winter Special – $80 OFF our Cross Fit Training programs normally $180.   Learn more: Cross Fit Training

Let us show you how to make little changes to your Senior dog’s daily exercise, diet, and treatment program to keep them moving pain-free every day and keep that “good” dog going!  Contact us before the 31st July 2018 for our Winter Special of $50 OFF our Senior Dog programs normally $120.  Learn more:  Geriatric Treatment