The amount of exercise needed by a dog depends directly on that dogs size and temperament and indirectly on the amount of the food he eats. Since the amount of exercise that’s given to the animal is determined by existing conditions, the dog should be chosen whose exercise needs will conform to these conditions and his food should be regulated accordingly.
Small dogs like the Pekingese and Pomeranian need just a little out door exercise. A walk of a few blocks once or twice daily would be just fine. The small terriers like the Boston Terrier, would require a mile or two a day. The Airedale, Collie, and St. Bernard are such large and active critters that their freedom shouldn’t be curbed by a chain or cable. Even though the English Bull is a large animal, he has such a build that he can be restricted in movement. If you took him on a long hard run, he’d soon find himself short of wind and wore slap out.
However, no set of rules can be laid down for exercising any dog or breed of dogs. You need to remember that few house dogs receive enough exercise and every owner should aim to get his dog out at every chance they get. I guess if you don’t want to walk a good distance yourself, don’t get a dog that’ll drag you the distance. Some people think that a mile walk is a big deal, while others feel that four to five miles isn’t enough.
Occasionally a person will go to the park and sit on a bench with the dog in his lap and afterwards, tell everybody about the great deal of exercise the dog receives. The dog that gets enough exercise and not too much to eat will retain his activity and graceful lines even to old age, while the under exercised and overfed dog gets fat and lazy. If he begins to take on blubber, cut down on his food and get him out more! Ag him on to play and keep him at it till he gets tired. A rubber ball, tennis ball, or even a stick will help keep him amused and make him take the much needed exercise. In selecting a ball for this purpose, make sure that it is of sufficient size to prevent the dog’s swallowing it in his excitement.
I just recently bought my dog Asher a Chuckit Stick. That thing will wear him out fast and he gets the exercise he needs without wearing me out keeping up with him.
A simple definition of The Outdoorsman is just a southern gent!
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