|
If you have a cross breed, knowing the best exercise for your dog may not be that easy. Knowing the breed make up of your dog will not only assist with what exercise is the best, but you can also make yourself aware of any potential genetic disease and health aspects, find out what your dog was bred for, understand why your dog does the things it does, plus many other advantages. An added bonus is that you also satisfy your curiosity! So easy to do, and from the comfort of your own home. Do have a look at our website to see what is involved and contact us if any questions. www.muttmix.co.za
|
In addition to figuring out what is the best exercise for your breed of dog in order to stimulate its natural tendencies, and exercise overall, some basic points should be considered:-
- Your dogs age - a pup cannot tolerate a lot of exercise, due to Growth Plates that have not yet closed, and by the same token, take into account that an older dog, is likely to slow down.
- Time of day - try for early morning or in the evening when the heat of the day has abated, especially with double coated dogs.
- Surface - long walks on a road or pavement can put a lot of strain on a dog's body, plus make sure the pavement or road is not too hot - they don't have shoes!
- Don't be a weekend warrior - somebody who takes their dogs for long, tiring walks only at weekends - this can do more harm than good - rather regular walks during the week, even tho' they may be of a much shorter duration. Just think how your own body would feel in you only did a heavy session of gym once a week - ouch, those muscles!
- Allow your dog the time to sniff and smell, this will award so much mental stimulation and make for a much happier dog.
- Daily or regular exercise can go a long way to solving and preventing behaviour problems, as all behaviourists know only too well!
- Just because the breed you have may be known as one that does not need much exercise, don't use this as an excuse, as many of the small breed dogs end up overweight, simply because they are not getting enough exercise - the Pug is a good example.
- Brachycephalic dogs such as the Pug, Peke, Boxer, Bull Dogs etc, do not always get enough exercise due to their restricted airways. Rather take dogs like this for a short walk daily and make sure they get the time to sniff and smell.
- Exercise should not just be limited to the body - remember to exercise your dog's brain and nose as well - mental stimulation is almost as important as physical stimulation, especially in breeds that were bred to be independent thinkers.
- When giving your dog toys to chew on and entertain it, ensure that not too small (or too big) for the breed, and that safe with parts that cant be swallowed. All toys should be checked daily to ensure still safe.
Gundog Group
This group consists of dogs that were bred to work such as the Retrievers, Pointers, Setter, Spaniels, Weimaraner etc. For a full list of the dogs in this group, visit KUSA
These breeds are naturally active, very alert, intelligent and require a good deal of daily exercise. Not to engage in same, is a sure fire way to end up with behaviour concerns, due to a bored and frustrated dog.
Ideally if some actual hunting could be part of the dog life, this would be perfect - find out about Gundog clubs in your area. Even if you cannot find the time to go all the time, seeing how they prepare their dogs for hunting, and the exercises they do, can give you good ideas as to how to do to stimulate your dog. Tracking, for example, can be done with you and your dog by yourself in a piece of veld close to the home.
Just be aware that many of the working dogs can really become obsessive with the objects they love to fetch, so make sure to give other stimulation such as a lovely Busy Buddy filled with nice treats.
This group consists of dogs that were bred to work such as the Retrievers, Pointers, Setter, Spaniels, Weimaraner etc. For a full list of the dogs in this group, visit KUSA
These breeds are naturally active, very alert, intelligent and require a good deal of daily exercise. Not to engage in same, is a sure fire way to end up with behaviour concerns, due to a bored and frustrated dog.
Ideally if some actual hunting could be part of the dog life, this would be perfect - find out about Gundog clubs in your area. Even if you cannot find the time to go all the time, seeing how they prepare their dogs for hunting, and the exercises they do, can give you good ideas as to how to do to stimulate your dog. Tracking, for example, can be done with you and your dog by yourself in a piece of veld close to the home.
- If your gundog is one that loves water, then lots of swimming, even in the family pool. Don't just presume that your dog can swim - teach him!
- Games of throwing Frisbee, balls, etc is a sure fire way for a happy dog that involves fetch games.
- These dogs need mental stimulation and to use their noses, so Snuffle pads, Behaviour games, scent games etc should be part of their daily exercise regime.
- Nice long walks in the veld, where, even though they may be on lead, they can scent to their hearts are content.
- Long daily walks and look for interesting things for them to do, such as jumping over the small fences in parks, up on the concrete tables and stools in parks as well.
- Games of Hide and Seek, or Find It are great fun and really enjoyed. Many of these breeds like to climb, so you can hide in a tree as well!
- Do consider Clicker work for them, really helps to stimulate these dogs. We have supplied a link to Clicker Training to learn for yourself in case you do not want to attend a workshop. Many behaviourist also teach clicker.
- Jogging and hiking great for these dogs, just be careful of the surfaces as mentioned above.
Just be aware that many of the working dogs can really become obsessive with the objects they love to fetch, so make sure to give other stimulation such as a lovely Busy Buddy filled with nice treats.
Herding Group
Some of the breeds in this section are dogs such as the various Collie breeds, Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Shepherd, Bouvier etc. For a full list visit KUSA.
As the Gundogs, these breeds need a lot of exercise and are very bring and intelligent dogs, so as much mental stimulation such as Behaviour Games, Snuffle mats etc are wonderful for them. As the Gundogs, they do become bored very easily, and you dont want your dog herding your children either!
Some of the breeds in this section are dogs such as the various Collie breeds, Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Shepherd, Bouvier etc. For a full list visit KUSA.
As the Gundogs, these breeds need a lot of exercise and are very bring and intelligent dogs, so as much mental stimulation such as Behaviour Games, Snuffle mats etc are wonderful for them. As the Gundogs, they do become bored very easily, and you dont want your dog herding your children either!
- If possible to take your dog to a club where you will learn more about how they work to stimulate in the home environment.
- Lots of games of fetch, frisbee etc.
- Long daily walks and look for interesting things for them to do, such as jumping over the small fences in parks, up on the concrete tables and stools in parks as well.
- Dog dancing as this is a mixure of obedience, dancing and tricks. e canine musical freestyle; which is a mixture of obedience training, dancing and tricks.
- Agility - some of these dogs are incredibly agile and absolutely love doing agility which not only gives them physical stimulation, it supplies mental stimulation as well.
- Games of Hide and Seek and Find It.
- Behaviour Games, snuffle mats and anything you can think of to stimulate an intelligent mind.
Hounds chasing a Flirt Pole
Hound Group.
This includes breeds such as the Bloodhound, Beagle, Afghan, Greyhound, Daschshund, Afgan etc. - here is the link to view all at KUSA.
This breed was originally classified as sporting dogs due to their abilitly as hunters. This group is broken down into two sections i.e. scent hounds, such as the Beagle, Bloodhound
Originally classified as sporting dogs because of their function as hunters, breeds in the Hound Group are of a great variety of size, shape and coat. Most of these breeds were developed to hunt somewhat independently for their humans, who usually followed on foot or on horseback as the hounds chased down the prey. This group informally consists of scent hounds, dogs that hunt by tracking a scent, and sight hounds, who spot their game and run it down.
The sense of smell in these breeds is enormous and in addition to supplying outlets for them to use their natural abilities, teaching a good, solid recall is important, as once on a scent, they tend to forget everything else, or else have selective hearing!
This includes breeds such as the Bloodhound, Beagle, Afghan, Greyhound, Daschshund, Afgan etc. - here is the link to view all at KUSA.
This breed was originally classified as sporting dogs due to their abilitly as hunters. This group is broken down into two sections i.e. scent hounds, such as the Beagle, Bloodhound
Originally classified as sporting dogs because of their function as hunters, breeds in the Hound Group are of a great variety of size, shape and coat. Most of these breeds were developed to hunt somewhat independently for their humans, who usually followed on foot or on horseback as the hounds chased down the prey. This group informally consists of scent hounds, dogs that hunt by tracking a scent, and sight hounds, who spot their game and run it down.
The sense of smell in these breeds is enormous and in addition to supplying outlets for them to use their natural abilities, teaching a good, solid recall is important, as once on a scent, they tend to forget everything else, or else have selective hearing!
- Tracking, and do consider joining a club, even just for ideas how to do yourself.
- Long walks and in different areas, and unless a safely enclosed area, or you have a brilliant recall, keep on lead.
- Put together scent trails in the garden as well as snuffle matt and any other scent game you can think off, especially Hide and Seek and Find it.
- For the Sight hounds, games of Frisbee (thrown a bit lower than normal), games of ball and of course a Flirt Pole which these breed loves.
- This breed enjoy mental stimulation as well, and Behaviour Games and Clicker work well. They do get bored as mentioned above and also need to be taught new things on a regular basis.
Terriers
These from the Fox Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier to the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier to mention just a few. For full list here is the KUSA link.
These dogs were born to sniff and dig out prey and are incredible energetic dogs, are very courageous and independent thinkers.
These from the Fox Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier to the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier to mention just a few. For full list here is the KUSA link.
These dogs were born to sniff and dig out prey and are incredible energetic dogs, are very courageous and independent thinkers.
- A Digging Pit - these dogs love to dig, to put together a digging pit in your garden and keep it stocked - this will also help boredom and go towards preventing digging in other areas.
- There is a sport called Earthdog, where dogs navigate tunnels built through the earth to find their prey. It looks a bit like underground agility! Here is a link to a You Tube to see what it is like.
- These dogs need a brisk daily walk to stimulate them both mentally and physically. Try and change the locations as much as possible to keep them entertained.
- Agility and dog dancing - most of this breed are natural clowns and love showing off their skills - keeps them nice and occupied as well.
- Scent games go down well, as do Behaviour Games and Clicker.
- They also love to chase things, so Flirt pole, games of fetch good options.
Toy Group
This groups includes breeds such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Peke, Pom, Yorki, just to mention a few. Full list of all the dogs in this group at KUSA.
These dogs were mostly bred to be companions to people and a very popular group, that is really diverse - you have the Chihuahua, who can weigh in at 1.5kg, right through to the Pug, who can weight about 9 - 10kg. Many people think that because a small dog that no need to exercise and the little one will be fine around the house. These are not 'toys', they are dogs, and they need exercise and mental stimulation just like their bigger counterparts. In fact, many of the smaller breeds, such as the Pug, are overweight, simply because they do not get the exercise they require.
Before we go onto the exercise they require, just because the dog may be small, does not mean that it should be carried around. These are dogs, they have legs, and they should use them! What many people do not realize is that carrying around a small dog often leads to problems, such as over dependency on owner, and often aggression towards other dogs, as the dog being carried may presume itself to be superior, simply because it is higher than another dog. Small dogs carried this way, often develop resource guarding of their people, and may become reactive to people who come too close.
This groups includes breeds such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Peke, Pom, Yorki, just to mention a few. Full list of all the dogs in this group at KUSA.
These dogs were mostly bred to be companions to people and a very popular group, that is really diverse - you have the Chihuahua, who can weigh in at 1.5kg, right through to the Pug, who can weight about 9 - 10kg. Many people think that because a small dog that no need to exercise and the little one will be fine around the house. These are not 'toys', they are dogs, and they need exercise and mental stimulation just like their bigger counterparts. In fact, many of the smaller breeds, such as the Pug, are overweight, simply because they do not get the exercise they require.
Before we go onto the exercise they require, just because the dog may be small, does not mean that it should be carried around. These are dogs, they have legs, and they should use them! What many people do not realize is that carrying around a small dog often leads to problems, such as over dependency on owner, and often aggression towards other dogs, as the dog being carried may presume itself to be superior, simply because it is higher than another dog. Small dogs carried this way, often develop resource guarding of their people, and may become reactive to people who come too close.
- Daily walks where they can sniff and smell. Many owners of small dogs are nervous of other dogs hurting their dogs, so walk in an area where other dogs are likely to be on lead, and just move out of the way. To pick up your small dog when another dog approaches, can easily make the dog fearful, especially as the owners nervousness, will be felt by the dog.
- Many small breeds do really well at dog dancing, which supplies great mental and physical stimulation. Most of these breeds tend to be very intelligent.
- Clicker training, another great one, which will supply the physical and mental stimulation, as well as give owner and dog a chance to show off how clever their little one is to family and friends.
- A lot of exercise can be had inside the home as well, with toys to retrieve, behaviour games etc.
Working Group
These dogs were bred to work with man in many different areas, and are known to be intelligent, strong, alert, fearless, and most of all, love to work. Some of the breeds in this group are the Siberian Husky, Great Dane, Boxer, Boerboel, Dobermann, and for a full list here is a link to KUSA. In general, these dogs will do better with an experienced owner.
You will need to have at look at your own dogs individual breed to see what it was bred for, some of the jobs that dogs in this group have is guarding, service dogs, working with police and on farms.
These dogs were bred to work with man in many different areas, and are known to be intelligent, strong, alert, fearless, and most of all, love to work. Some of the breeds in this group are the Siberian Husky, Great Dane, Boxer, Boerboel, Dobermann, and for a full list here is a link to KUSA. In general, these dogs will do better with an experienced owner.
You will need to have at look at your own dogs individual breed to see what it was bred for, some of the jobs that dogs in this group have is guarding, service dogs, working with police and on farms.
- Any activity that they were bred for, so have a look for breed clubs that cater for this.
- Daily long walks are a must, and at weekends, a good long hike, with plenty of time to sniff and scent will make for a happy dog.
- The Flirt pole will help to get rid of excess energy, as well as games of fetch.
- Mental stimulation, lots of scenting, clicker and behaviour games.
- Give him a job to do around the home - even pulling a childs wagon with toys in it.
Utility Group
This group comprises of about 23 dogs, commonly known to be non-sporting dogs. The name Utility just means fitness for a purpose, so most breeds have been selectively bred to perform a specific function, which does not fall under the other categories.
Some of the dogs found in this group are the Dalmation, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Chow Chow, Bulldog, and click on the link to go to KUSA and see the full list.
You will have to go and find out about your own individual breed to really understand what type of exercise suits them best, and do try to incorporate what they were bred for. In addition, what is helpful is:-
This group comprises of about 23 dogs, commonly known to be non-sporting dogs. The name Utility just means fitness for a purpose, so most breeds have been selectively bred to perform a specific function, which does not fall under the other categories.
Some of the dogs found in this group are the Dalmation, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Chow Chow, Bulldog, and click on the link to go to KUSA and see the full list.
You will have to go and find out about your own individual breed to really understand what type of exercise suits them best, and do try to incorporate what they were bred for. In addition, what is helpful is:-
- Daily walks taking into account the dogs capabilities, and do check with your vet it not sure.
- Vary the walks often to provide mental stimulation by way of new scents to explore.
- Stimulating the mind is just as important, so Clicker, Behaviour, Scent games etc are always a good idea.
|
|
|