Valentin Bosioc
A good exercise program is not only important for you, but it’s also essential for your dog. And, just like humans, an effective and efficient exercise program must be designed to cater your dog’s capabilities and the intended goal.
The best exercise dog programs will also need to set important parameters such as nutrition, environment, duration, intensity, speed, and frequency. You will also need to have a good understanding of your dog’s behavior, physiology, and anatomy to make the most of your dog’s exercise program.
SEE: 4 Ways Better Nutrition Raises Productivity
In this article, we are going to feature a few important tips when it comes to creating a good fitness program for your dog. Without further delay, let’s start with the first one.
Fun Time
Most dogs are very happy to play with their master so the issue of having a “fun time” is not a big thing during the initial stages. This issue only starts to matter if you start doing it too much. In other words, don’t push your dog to train too much as it can quickly de-motivate your pet. Having a training session limit of 3 to 5 times a week is recommended for most dogs. If you want to train more, then here’s what you can do.
You can alternate your exercise program. For example, you can train the forelimb for today, and the then focus on the hind limbs during the next training session. You can also mix-up the activities, and you’ve got of options to choose from like balance discs, cavaletti, fitness vests and tunnels to name a few.
SEE: Don’t Overlook These General Tips For Staying Healthy
Don’t Forget About The Cooldown
When creating your dog’s exercise program, don’t forget to create a sort of a cooldown regime. Be sure to include a stretching in your cooldown program as its important for maintaining your dog’s muscle flexibility and resiliency. Just like for humans, stretching can also help improve your dog’s range of motion and blood circulation. If you really want to “go beyond the call of duty,” then including a massage time for your dog will do wonders. Not only this will help your dog’s muscles and overall recovery, but it will also feel good for your pet. In fact, try it once and your dog will love you for it.
Equipment
First of all, canine fitness equipment is not a must when it comes to training your dog. However, it can’t be denied that training equipment can improve consistency and enhance the dog training program. Here’s a very important tip when it comes to choosing the right equipment.
Most pet owners tend to choose the cheapest option for a certain equipment. This a mistake. Instead, what you should be focusing is the safety of your dog. If your dog is injured, then it will most likely burn a bigger hole in your pocket.
Track Performance
There’s a saying that goes “what can be measured, can be improved.” Hence, if you want to move forward with the fitness program that you and your dog is in, then tracking is nearly a must. Another great thing about tracking is that it gives you motivation. When you look back at the progress of your training, it motivates you to move forward. Also, a mini-celebration if you and your dog accomplish a milestone or if your dog learns a new trick is a great idea.
Nutrition
If you want to optimize your fitness program for your dog, then you can’t ignore about nutrition. Giving your dog a high-quality dog food is just the start. What you’d want to do is to modify your dog’s food in accordance with the kind of dog fitness program you are doing. What you really want to avoid is NOT giving enough nutrition to your dog.
Know What NOT To Do
When creating a fitness program for your dog, it’s easy to get carried away with what to include. Keep in mind that dogs come in a lot of variety and that means that not all exercises or training is good for your dog. Hence, take the time to study the breed of your dog, and exclude training programs or routines that are not a good fit for your pet.
READ: This Is How To Cool Down Correctly After A Workout For A Full Recovery
When it comes to creating a good fitness program for your dog, it’s easy to fill up an entire book about the subject. This means that there is still a lot to learn beside the tips we mentioned above. Nevertheless, the points that we mentioned above are a good start for you and your dog.
Author Bio: June is the founder of TobysBone, where she shares her passion for writing and love for dogs. She wants to help you deal with your dog’s behavior issues, grooming and health needs, and proper training. Through her blog, you can find informative and reliable posts, tips and tricks, and a lot of interesting reads that will help you maintain a close bond with your furry companion.
