The time to consider your dogs exercise needs begins before you buy your puppy. When a person is choosing their puppy, it is important for them to honestly consider how active is their lifestyle, and how much time they will be able to devote to exercising their dog. One needs to think seriously about this question because .....
lack of exercise is the #1 reason for most behavioral problems.
Some breeds need more exercise then others. A good example of that is the Siberian Husky who was bred to run all day, for days on end. It should be rather obvious to most people that if you buy a working dog, you need to think about how you will work him.
But what is less obvious is that small breeds need exercise too. In fact everyone considering a puppy should note that amongst every breed of dog there are different energy levels. And the most energetic dog in a litter can have different needs than the lowest energy dog in a litter. So when choosing your puppy ask yourself the following questions:
1. Am I up for a daily walk?
2. How will I address my young dogs energy levels at times when I cannot walk my dog?
3. What are the doggy day care facilities, dog parks, and other exercise options in my town? What about participating in dog agility programs?
By all means, if you are a consummate couch potato, ask your breeder to help you choose a puppy with the lowest energy levels of the litter.
Additionally, please do not make plans to put your dog in a crate all day when you are at work. This will result in frustration for your puppy and behavioral problems will follow.
When planning ahead for your puppy consider this as a guideline....most dogs require at least 30 - 60 minutes walk per day. (Cesar Milan)
With the modern era being one where most people lead extremely busy lives, it often becomes a perplexing problem, how to meet a dogs need for exercise. Happily where there is a will there is a way! I think it is great that there are many more options today for excising a dog then ever existed before.
Here are a few options that you can consider:
Dog Walkers:
A dog walker is great because it allows a dog who would otherwise be home all day without a chance to go potty, the opportunity to get out, get some fresh air and use the potty too.WaggyWalkys is an example of one pet service that service Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC area.
They provide a full range of dog services from Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Play Groups, etc. Rates Vary
Doggie Play Groups
Yappy Hour is an internet group that brings people and pets together.NoVA, DC/ MD Members who join the group can organize play times with their pets and learn of play groups that others are organizing. Also some kennels and veterinary clinics offer this service.
Dog Agility Training
Dog agility is a popular canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through a variety of obstacles It is a great way to bond with your dog, put his natural instincts to work and get great exercise in a fun way for both you and your dog.
Dog Parks
Dog Parks are a great place to bring a dog where the dog can run free and play with other dogs. Many cities have dog parks, but they can be very restrictive. Dog licenses as well as use permits may be required./http://www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/state/virginia/
Doggy Day Care
For those who work and cannot give their dog a daily walk, a doggie day care is a good option. There are large yards and other dogs at a doggy day care, where your dog can run and play all day, when you are at work. When you come home at the end of the day, your dog is exhausted, like you! And you can both relax together!Above all do not despair if you have a hard time giving your dog a daily walk. It may be that your dog will be the added encouragement you need to keep yourself active! And if your dog still needs more activity than you can give, there are so many care services designed to meet the needs of dogs and busy people like you.
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