Island Discovery
& Training
835 Harewood Mines Rd.
Nanaimo, BC V9R 6P3
250-753-5246
Conditioning Dogs for Exercise
building Endurance in Dogs
Bicycling or riding with your dog is an excellent way to condition him for other sports such as roading, sledding, skijoring, hunting etc. as well as to improve his fitness and keep him in good shape.
Building endurance or conditioning a dog for exercise should be a slow, step by step process. Progress in small increments and practice at each level several times before asking more of your dog. it needs to be done on a regular schedule.
It is safe to start only after your dog's growth plates have closed. If you start earlier, you risk temporary or even permanent damage. In smaller dogs, this is about 12 months of age. In medium dogs, it is about 18 months of age. In larger dogs, it may be 2 years.
Build time first, then speed. Never increase both at the same time.
Assess what amount of exercise your dog can comfortably sustain under specific environmental conditions. Start there.
Have your dog work out on
soft surfaces such as grass, forest floor or mulch, never on cement or
packed gravel. Slow your speed when jogging on asphalt.
If your dog does much regular heavy or long-distance exercise, provide a
high quality diet with higher proportions of fat and protein and make
sure you feed antioxidants to counter oxidation that occurs during heavy
exercise such as running beside a bicycle. Antioxidants are easily added
through mashed or blended fruits and vegetables.
Provide constant access to fresh water after cooled down and when not exercising. Water frequently in small amounts during exercise.
Feed at least an hour before exercise or a half hour after to prevent digestion-related problems like bloat and loose stools. For heavy exercise, allow more time before and after. Divide daily proportions into at least 2 feedings.
Donna Hill B.Sc. B.Ed. 2006
Columbia Canada