Human-Dog Exercise

Regarding exercise/play there are 3 types that I will look at with respect to the Human-Canine relationship:

1. Recovery
2. Endurance
3. Chronic

1                    Recovery

 This is a light movement based exercise pattern which will be used the most often. This type of exercise includes going for a walk around the block as well as going for a longer walk around the park.

This exercise pattern will be the most frequently used of the three groups. This allows the dog and owner to get out and enjoy the fresh air. 

There are two extremes of this type that we should be aware of that can be negative to the dogs health and well being. The first being the 1 cigarette walk. This is often to be seen in urbanised areas where the leader will take the dog out so that the dog can relief itself and get outside for the time it takes to smoke 1 cigarette. This over a prolonged length of time can have negative effects as the dog is not able to gather the experiences they need to become a well balanced dog. The other extreme is the stumpy paws walk. This is when the walk is too long for the dogs needs. Some owners want to get out and show their gorgeous hound of so bad they literally drag the poor dogs around until they lie down and simply can’t go anymore. This type of walk borders on Endurance work, but rarely allows the dog to really stretch out and run around.

2                    Endurance

 This is a longer and/or faster Recovery exercise. This would be the second most popular form of exercise. This can include, but is not limited to, such things as Bushwalking, Rollerblading, Cycling and Jogging.

Again a balance is required here as the dog is not built to cover great distances on a continued basis in this way. It does however allow the dog to really get out and exercise hard for a good long time.

This is a great way for a leader to promote good physical and mental health in their dog. Though, as with everything there must be moderation. In today’s urbanised world we walk on asphalt and concrete paths, these negatively impact our joints even with shoes, so imagine how it is for the paws on your dog. A balanced choice of paths is a great way to avoid concrete claws. By continued exposure to the concrete walkways we hammer our dog’s joints and wear them down. Also, these walkways heat up and cool down tremendously, the dogs paws are part of the heat exchange system and are sensitive to this. Softer ground such as lawns and natural paths are great due to their softness and less pronounced heating/cooling. Softer ground enables a dog to get better purchase which prevents slipping and enhances paw function.

3                    Chronic

 Chronic exercise should make up the smallest proportion of the exercise plan. Chronic exercise can be looked at like weight lifting and sprint work. This form of exercise pits us on the very edge of our physical capabilities and leaves us drained very quickly. If we where to do maintain this level of activity for a prolonged time, in one session or over a period of time, we will negatively impact the functions of our bodies. This can lead to a number of minor and major ill effects.

This type of exercise will most often leave us drained before the dog, but care must be taken that the dog is not consistently exposed to this level of exercise as overtraining is a terrible physical condition to be in and is hard to discern.