Picture taken from www.dogbreedinfo.com
From the desk of Sharda Baker.
Hi and Welcome Everyone!
This is Sharda with another Golden Retrievers newsletter!
Today, know about the Golden Retriever exercise needs!
EXERCISING YOUR GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Just as exercise is important for human health and well-being, it is equally important for dogs.
All dogs require some exercise, and some breeds require considerably more exercise than others.
It is important to start your dog on a regular exercise routine to prevent obesity and other health-related problems.
Regular exercise will help your Golden Retriever:
- Stay more alert and content
- Sleep better
- Socialize better
- Live longer
- Build strong bones and muscles
- Improve the cardiovascular system
If you have a puppy it is great to start with walks, scheduled play activities, and allowing them time to run around in a yard or other enclosed area.
Older Golden Retrievers may not self-exercise as much as a puppy, and owners will need to be more encouraging and participate more in the exercise program.
It is important to consider the energy level and exercise level needed for individual breeds. Many of the breeds of small dogs and very large dogs require limited to moderate amounts of exercise.
Mid-sized to large dogs require more exercise than either small or very large dogs. Terrier breeds, sporting breeds and working dogs are known for their love of exercise and their enthusiasm for games such as fetch and Frisbee. Often these dogs, if kept in pairs, will play for hours with each other and get enough exercise this way.
There are several factors that influence the level of exercise that your Golden Retriever Dog will need.
Physical condition
Just like humans, Golden Retrievers can become “couch potatoes”. It is important to start out slowly when exercising with your dog. Try a short fifteen-minute walk twice a day to get started.
Gradually increase the length of the walk and the pace that you are walking at. Watch for any signs of distress in the dog such as panting, wheezing or other respiratory problems.
If you are in shape, and your dog is as well, you can try slow jogging with your pet, but watch out for their shorter legs! It is a great way for you both to stay in shape and spend some time together.
If your Golden Retriever appears to have difficulty exercising, it is important to see a veterinarian. They may require a weight loss program for the dog, or perhaps a change in food.
Make sure that you check your dog’s feet for cracking or damage to the pads of the foot. Cement, pavement, gravel or sharp stones can irritate the dog’s feet and make walking painful and unpleasant for the dog.
If walking in the winter check that ice and snow is not building up between the pads.
Variety
It is important to stick to a routine of exercise with your Golden Retriever, but it is just as important to add a little variety. Any of the following activities can add a little spice into your daily routine:
- Play fetch with a ball
- Take a walk in a new neighbourhood or park
- Invite a friend with a dog to walk along
- Try some Frisbee chasing
- Try jogging for a few minutes and walking for a few minutes
- Use a retractable leash that allows the dog more freedom while still maintaining control
- Take the dog to an obedience or training class
With a bit of care and planning you and your Golden Retriever can enjoy exercising together. Make sure the exercise is appropriate for your dog’s age and current fitness level, and gradually work towards a more rigorous exercise.
Add some fun elements to your daily routine, and enjoy the health benefits that both of you will soon notice.
That’s it for today
Hope you learned something new and useful information in today’s Golden Retrievers newsletter.
Until then!
All the best and take care
Warmly,
Sharda Baker