Dog Training - Exercise

Though breeds do differ from one another, and dogs within a breed differ from one another, all dogs have one thing in common: They need exercise.

Most dogs need an average of one hour a day devoted to exercise. (Some active breeds, like hunters or herders, may require up to two or more hours.) There is no correlation between the size of the dog and the amount of exercise it needs. Some small dogs have big energy reservoirs. Some giant dogs prefer to lay in the sun for hours on end. Each dog needs to be analyzed separately and each dog needs to exercise for whatever amount of time is appropriate. This is time separate from time spent training. This is walking, chasing and playing, preferably with you.

If you don't have time try to find it. If that's not possible consider hiring a dog walker or even a dog runner. This can be an expensive service but if you really don't have the time, it is probably worth the cost. A dog walker can charge from $20 to $30 per walk. If you don't know of a dog walking service in your area, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation or check with your local Humane Society. Professional dog walkers will often leave their information with these facilities just in case someone like you needs them! No matter whom you hire, you'll want to ask for references to make sure he or she is trustworthy. You are, after all, entrusting your dog to their care. And if you want them to come to your house to get the dog while you are not there, you'll need to set up a system that allows them to get into your house. In the end, you might decide it is easier to just walk the dog yourself, which would probably be your dog's first choice.

Swimming is another great idea, if you have a dog comfortable with the water and a safe place to swim. (Not all of us are this lucky.)

It is crucial that your dog expends some of its energy before you ask it to concentrate on its training. If you come home from a long day at work and let it out of its crate, it will be too busy freaking out to focus on what you are asking it to do in terms of training and learning.

Don't fall into the trap of letting your dog into the backyard and assuming that it's going to get its necessary exercise. Your dog needs to be stimulated. A bored dog is often a dog about to engage in mischief. You don't want a dog in mischievous mode when you're trying to teach it something. A dog needs to be physically and mentally stimulated for some quality minutes before you begin your training exercises.

A healthy dog is a happy dog. Our dogs are also happier when we are healthier. Exercise first, then train. You'll both be better for it.

From the website with all the information you need on dog training TrainDogsHome.com