Welcome Workouts

We all know that pent up canine energy can lead to destructive household behaviors, but how much exercise is right for your pooch? As with most canine issues, the subject of exercise depends a lot on your dog's age, size, breed and health. Some retrieving breeds may be happy with long games of fetch or a 5 mile run, while puppies and smaller breeds are content to engage in training or thinking games. Older dogs' workout routines should be modified to their mobility and energy levels. Before starting any exercise program, be sure to keep these things in mind...

Puppy Play
For puppies, we recommend about 5 minutes of structured on-leash exercise for every month old he or she is. Of course, you'll need to gage your puppy's energy level: if he's four months old and seems pooped after fifteen minutes of focused exercise, you shouldn't hesitate to cut the session short. Good sources of puppy play include play in the garden with toys, thinking games and problem solving games. Puppies need to spend most of their time growing and sleeping. 

Active Adults
For full-grown dogs, a leashed walk around the block generally isn't going to cut it; most need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Active breeds need a minimum of 30 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week.
• Many toy/small breeds can't get enough exercise just moving around the house.
• Extremely hot or cold weather is unsafe for your dog. You can teach your dog tricks to engage his mind, throw toys or run up and down stairs inside where it's safe.
• Good exercise uses both mental and physical muscles.
• Live by the philosophy that a tired dog is a happy, good dog. 

For dogs of all ages, we recommend asking your veterinarian for his or her advice on the best exercise(s). 

Workout Wonders
There are plenty of ways to give your puppy the workout he needs! Regular walks around the neighborhood, or visits to dog parks or doggie day care are some of the best places to develop a canine exercise routine, but as we mentioned earlier, there are things you can do in your own home. For some dogs, agility is another great source of exercise. There's also obedience training, fetch games and swimming. Just be sure to mix things up if your dog appears to be tiring of any one activity. Just like us, your dog will love having a variety of play/exercise options to choose from!

The Costs of Insufficient Exercise

Inactive dogs are often overweight, which can mean health risks. Obesity significantly contributes to a dog's risk of diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease. It can also exacerbate hip dysplasia and arthritis, and stress joints, ligaments, and tendons. Geriatric dogs often have a hard enough time getting up without the added problem of lifting excess pounds. 

So hop to it! Once you've determined the right type and amount of physical activity for your pup, go enjoy tiring him (and yourself) out!

Source: ASPCA

The (Canine) Social Network

Recent films like The Social Network prove that socialization is just as important for us as it is for our dogs. We believe that you can put your dog to work for you by incorporating him into your social life (and he's bound to love it)! Here's how:

How do you socialize?
First, ask yourself what your personality is. Are you high-energy and outgoing or more shy and relaxed? Do you need a goal or just like enjoying yourself? Think specifically about how you like to socialize with others...in large groups or one-on-one? In the evenings or on weekends? On a regular schedule or sporadically?




How does your dog socialize?

Next, think about your dog's personality. Is your dog well-trained and socialized? If not, you may want to address this first. What does your dog absolutely love to do?  Consider his age, temperament, and mobility. Does your dog socialize better at certain times of day? How long is he happy to be around other dogs and people? Does he like dogs of certain ages, sizes or breeds better than others?


Pick and Choose
Now it's time to make a list of activities that suit both you and your dog. Here are a few suggestions by type of dog and personality:


Young, high-energy dogs would do best with activities that really tire them out. A great option for puppies is a "puppy" party, which will allow your puppy to meet and socialize with other puppies/people in a fun, positive way. Or to keep it simple, search for a local dog group and play a regular game of fetch or Frisbee with other dog-owner pairs. 


Middle-aged, relaxed dogs are typically well-behaved in crowds, so consider taking yours with you to doggie meetups, group training classes, 'dogtail' parties, costume contests or outdoor pet-themed festivals. 

Agility is a great solution for dogs who are old enough to focus and young enough to be athletic. This sport is a great way to make both you and your dog feel accomplished while spending valuable time together. Another option is to find a running partner with an equally energetic dog.


Just because your dog is getting older doesn't necessarily mean he is tired! Many older dogs love a good romp in the yard. Find another owner with an older dog and arrange trips to local swimming spots, or set up play dates during which you and other dog owners can relax knowing their dog is being entertained. 

Dogs with lower energy or limited mobility can lead quite fulfilling lives in today's world. A trip to the park to see a friend (and your dog's canine friend) can be a stress-relieving social way to begin or end your day. You might also consider taking a less mobile dog to a family get-together for some unconditional love or to calmly pal around with a similar playmate. 

Talk to your friends and coworkers, search the Internet, and always keep an eye out for pet-themed events. (Morris K9 Campus is hosting a movie night and a holiday photo shoot  for dogs and their families in November!) Activities and events catering specifically to dogs are becoming increasingly common, so go forth and socialize with your dog!

The Golden Years

After giving you many years of loyalty, support and companionship, doesn’t your dog deserve the best care you can give him? With the right routines and some loving care, watching your canine companion grow older can be a rewarding experience.

Most veterinarians believe a dog is in his senior years when he reaches the last third of his normal life expectancy. For instance, a large breed dog, such as a Great Dane that lives to be an average of nine years old, would be considered "senior" when he reached the age of six. A poodle that normally lives to be 15 years old would be considered "senior" at 10 years old.

As your pet ages, you may first notice outward signs: white around the muzzle, less exuberance, hesitation trying to stand up after a nap or difficulty climbing into your vehicle. Then there are the internal signs we can't see, like a slowing metabolism, and changing nutritional requirements. Just as we give special attention to the needs of puppies, dogs heading into their senior years require unique attention to help comfort them and extend their precious time with us.

If you're lucky enough to share your home with an older pet, here are some tips we recommend for their care:

Exercise is still important. Although they can still have a grand old time romping and playing, you may need to adjust the frequency and intensity of the exercise your older pet engages in. Using those muscles regularly will help his mobility and possibly even stave off certain diseases. Shorter, more frequent walks or swims can help keep your dog in shape and his weight under control, and the continuation of current activities, whether it be games of fetch or agility, should be continued until your dog exhibits any sign of discomfort.

If your canine friend has arthritis or is stiff and sore, a ramp will help him to get up and down from higher areas like vehicles or furniture, will make it much easier on his joints, and will allow him to maintain some of the adventure he enjoyed as a youngster.

Be gentle on those joints. To protect older elbows and haunches, provide your mature dog with a firm, orthopedic foam bed. There are beds out there specifically designed by veterinarians to "medical-grade", distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure on joints. They are also much easier to get out of in the morning!

Elevated food and water bowls can make eating and drinking more comfortable for arthritic pets, particularly if there is stiffness in the neck or back.

Take your vitamins. Dogs that have arthritis often benefit from drug-free nutritional supplements that contain ingredients such as Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Vitamin C. Just be sure to consult your veterinarian, who can recommend the best supplements for your dog.

Give lots of loving attention. As your pet ages, keep a closer eye on his movements, behavior, and habits. Look for the signs, such as loss of appetite, excessive sleeping, irritability, changes in his gait, weakness, and incontinence. If your pet shows these signs, have him checked by your veterinarian. Be prepared to treat him with a little more love and care than ever before.