Dogs, like humans, need to exercise. Lots of it. And the benefits are two fold: one, it allows you to bond with your dog. In fact, when I arrive home, my two English Bulldogs are waiting to play. Yes, instead of going to the bathroom, Big Tuna hovers over her volleyball and Mr. B grabs his basketball and starts doing that growly talking thing he does. Yes, that sound at the end of my videos on noseprints.net? That's Bishop. But I digress.
They need and crave exercise as much as we do or else, surprise, they tend to be lethargic, overweight and somewhat depressed. Sound familiar?
So, the second level that this works on (bonding was the first in case my diatribe wandered too far from my original point) is it keeps both of you in shape and healthier. And if you are healthy, typically you are going to be happy. So, remember, don't chain your dog up outside. They need to run and they're social...they want to be with you. And they want to be active. The dog that is digging a hole in the back yard? Yea, he's trying to tell you something. Like, he's bored. Exercise him and the graves that he's digging will disappear.
A few caveats about exercise. If you live in a warm climate or it's summer, always, always bring water with you. We use very fashionable Travel Bowls that actually work! A brief illustration of how important it is to think about the heat and your animal. My husband and I were driving in South Florida during the summer...around noon for gods sake...and I see a boxer, on the verge of heat stroke, barely able to walk, attempting to follow his owner. Mind you, this is on A1A, at least a mile or two north of nowhere. So we cut across the median, cut across two lanes of traffic and ask him if he needs help. Actually we jumped out and fortunately had ice and water (just coming back from a hike) and bathed his dog in the ice to bring down the temperature. With my nostrils flaring I asked him what he thought he was doing and he said he wanted to grab some beer and took his boxer with him. Walking, in the heat, at noon, several miles. Fortunately the dog survived although for a minute I thought he wouldn't. I've seen plenty of dogs die at the hospital because their owners took them on a boat or out during the day without exercising caution.
So, if you must, and I would encourage you to wait until dawn or dusk, please pay attention to their behavior. Panting, out of breath? Time to take a break. And if they are not used to the activity (i.e. beginning their new active lifestyle), take it easy. Don't run them until they drop...because they will. They're all heart and they want to play! So, go for walks, then work your way up to tossing a ball, jogging etc. And, remember the water!
Another very important thing to keep in mind: Short nosed dogs ("Brachycephalic") which would include my bullies, pugs...all those squashed face guys that are too bloody cute...they have a hard time of it in the heat. They simply are not built for it. So as much as you might want to show off your child to friends, don't bring them to the beach at noon. In florida. Yes, I'm not kidding. I've seen it. You've got a bunch of people with sandals bopping down to the beach and the dog (no sandals, tender pads) tying to figure out why the hell his feet are on fire and why his owner is dragging him across a desert. So think about them. Keep them safe and healthy and you'll enjoy a long life together.
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