Walking your dog or puppy is more than just making sure they are exercising; it is a great place to start obedience training. After a good walk, your dog is less likely to become bored and behavior is easier to manage. If you need some assistance with puppy training and are looking for a dog trainer in Fort Collins, contact S. Miley Dog Training and Rehabilitation. Having a happy and obedient dog makes for a happy family and we can’t wait to get started!
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Improves Health
Just like humans, exercise is important for our health and it’s no different for your four-legged friend. Depending on your dog’s breed, there are many health benefits that go along with regular exercise, including preventing heart disease and other illnesses. Walking will also decrease the risk of developing urinary infections by stimulating urination and eliminating harmful bacteria. Also just like humans, exercising decreases stress, prevents depression and helps with insomnia.
Keeps a Healthy Weight
Dogs who don’t exercise regularly will have a harder time maintaining a healthy weight. When dogs become overweight, they have a higher risk of developing heart diseases and depression and can also have problems with arthritis and diabetes. Walking, playing, or going for a jog can go a long way in preventing these scary issues.
Exercise Helps With Dog Training
If your dog is prone to chewing and destroying items around your house, there is a good chance he or she is just bored and has pent up energy. You can help your dog use this energy by playing with them and engaging them in challenging activities. Try giving your dog a puzzle toy that they need to work at to find a treat that is inside, take them to a dog park and let them play with other dogs, or play simple games like fetch or tug-of-war to engage your dog in beneficial exercise. When dogs are worn out after a hard playtime, they are less likely to destructively chew and bark.
How Much Exercise?
How much exercise your dog needs depends on how old, what breed, and what size the dog is. Large breeds will need at least 40 minutes of cardio a day and smaller breeds should get around 20 to 30 minutes and two to three walks each day. Also, remember to keep your dog hydrated!
Looking for a Dog Park in Fort Collins?
A great way to get your dog to exercise is to let them play with other dogs. Socialization is also an important aspect of dog training and should start in the puppy stage, at about three months. Here are some great dog parks in Fort Collins that you can let your dog run off-leash.
- Soft Gold park is located on the north side of Fort Collins in the Magpie Meander Natural Area.
- Fossil Creek Dog Park is located on Lemay Ave, south of Harmony Rd.
- Horsetooth Dog Park is located towards the southeast end of Fort Collins at the west end of Horsetooth Rd.
Ensuring that your dog is getting enough exercise is incredibly important and has endless benefits. If your dog is still having trouble with misbehaving, contact a dog trainer who is passionate about caring for dogs. S. Miley Dog Training and Rehabilitation wants to help your dog with puppy, leash, obedience training, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our dog training classes.