Dog behaviourist reveals the training commands you should know before exercising with your pooch

As summer rolls on, many pooch parents are keen to keep fit with their furry companions. With Google searches for "how to exercise with your dog" up by 100% this year, it’s clear that pet parents are looking for safe ways to work out with their pups.

If you want to get your pooch in on the action, here is some advice on how you can do it safely this summer. Dr Emma Scales-Theobald at Canine Cottages shares her expert tips on exercising with your dog while ensuring their health and safety.

Determine the right exercise duration for your dog

Dr Emma advises that when determining how long to exercise your dog, you should consider factors like breed, age, weight, stamina, weather, and the type of exercise.

Typically, dogs enjoy 30 minutes to an hour of exercise. However, this can vary. High-stamina dogs may need more extended sessions, while elderly or injured dogs may need shorter sessions. On hot days, exercise sessions for all dogs should be shorter and kept to the cooler times of day – early morning and evening.

Toy and small dogs usually can't handle as much exercise as larger dogs, while working breeds need more due to their high stamina. The type of exercise also matters, as some activities are more strenuous and tire your dog out faster.

Puppies need special care since their joints are still developing. Until they are at least a year old, it’s best to limit their exercise to protect their joints. Elderly dogs, usually eight years and older, should also be cautiously exercised due to joint issues and other age-related conditions.

Master your dog’s recall

Before exercising with your dog, ensure they are proficient in key commands for safety and enjoyment. Good recall is essential so your dog returns to you if they get loose, allowing off-lead exercises with confidence.

Teaching your dog to walk at heel is crucial, especially for running, to prevent pulling or knocking you over. For cycling, train them to stay at heel next to the bike to keep them close and prevent them from cutting across your path.

Watch for pain and over-exertion

Dogs often hide pain and discomfort, especially when having fun, so watch for signs like slowing down and excessive panting. Monitor their recovery time after exercise.

Over-exercising can stress muscles and joints, leading to acute injuries or long-term issues. It can also cause back injuries, respiratory problems, or cardiovascular issues. This is especially dangerous for elderly, overweight, short-muzzled dogs, and in hot weather, where the risk of overheating is higher.

Avoid exercising your dog in extreme heat, especially if they have thick fur, are elderly, overweight, or have short muzzles, as they struggle to cool down. Wet conditions can be slippery or reduce visibility, and strong winds might hinder your dog's ability to hear commands.

The best time to feed your pooch

Feeding your dog before exercise can provide energy, but wait 30 minutes to an hour to avoid stomach issues. For breeds prone to bloat, wait at least two hours after eating before exercising.

Feeding after exercise can stimulate appetite, especially for picky eaters, but wait at least one hour to prevent rapid eating and bloat. Using a slow feeder can help your dog eat more slowly.

Dr Emma said: “It might also be important to give your dog their food in a puzzle feeder like a slow feeder to encourage them to eat slower.”

She also suggests must-have equipment for optimal exercising experience:

• Specialist harnesses and leads: Needed for activities like cycling, running, or canicross.
• Life jacket: Recommended for water-based exercises.
• Raincoat or coat: These are useful in cold, wet, or windy conditions to keep your dog warm after exercise but be mindful of overheating.
• Drying coat or towel: Essential for drying your dog to prevent them from getting too cold.
• Reflective gear: To improve visibility in poor conditions, wear a reflective collar, harness, lead, or high-visibility coat and/or a light on your collar or harness.

Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, said: “As we see sunnier days arriving across the UK, many of us are excited to continue our fitness routines in the sun, and including our furry friends can keep us motivated and active. Emma’s tips are crucial for dog owners, offering valuable advice on the right steps to take and how to ensure your dog's safety during exercise.”

To find out more about how you can keep your dog safe while exercising, please visit: https://www.caninecottages.co.uk/guides/safe-exercise-with-your-dog