It is a good idea when choosing a puppy to pick a breed whose activity level matches your own.
Keep in mind that some breeds routinely need more exercise and activity than do others. A border collie that was bred for herding or a Labrador retriever that was bred to hunt is not likely to be happy spending his or her days cooped up inside of a house with little or no exercise. If you’re a couch potato, don’t buy a dog that requires lots of exercise. If you are a jogger or runner, get a puppy that will grow into a dog that can run with you.
All dogs – whether purebred or mutt – need exercise and activity to keep them happy and healthy. Here are a few things you can do with your puppy to keep him or her entertained:
1. Walking is good exercise for all breeds of puppies. Try to make a long stroll an everyday part of life. Not only are walks good for the puppy’s health; walks are a means of reinforcing housebreaking skills.
2. Hiking trails often offers a more strenuous means of exercise than does normal walking. Hiking trails can provide the puppy with a fun place to explore, follow new scents and exercise in an exciting manner.
3. A lot of puppies enjoy swimming, which is a great activity for dogs of all ages. Let your puppy take his or her time when you first introduce them to the water so as not to scare them and have them fear water. You can throw a stick for them to retrieve. Swimming can provide hours of fun.
4. A visit to a dog park is a great means of exercise and socialization. It allows your puppy the opportunity to romp and play with other dogs.
5. Balls and sticks are inexpensive toys that can provide hours and hours of fun for puppies and adult dogs of all ages. A ball should be part of the puppy’s toy box at home. Keep one in the car for when the opportunity to play arises.
6. Play games such as throwing a Frisbee or tug of war with your puppy. At first, he or she may want to eat Frisbees. Gently discourage them from eating or chewing it. The puppy will soon catch on that a Frisbee is a play toy and not a snack. There are plenty of commercial pull toys that you can buy to use to play with your puppy.
7. Training exercises are a good means of keeping your puppy active. You can introduce your own exercises or practice those the puppy is learning at obedience school.
If you make play time a fun time for you and the puppy, you will be much more apt to do activities on a regular basis. This not only benefits the puppy, but it helps you stay physically fit and tuned into your puppy’s needs.
A happy puppy is less likely to expend his or her energy destroying your house!
Related posts:
- Puppy Naps
- Ways to Deal With an Aggressive Puppy
- Walking a Puppy
- Top Seven Ways to Soothe Your Puppy
- Top Ten Puppy Chews
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