dog exercising by a swimming pool

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Exercising your Rescue Dog

Just like in humans, exercising your rescue dog is very important to their physical and mental wellbeing. You should therefore exercise your dog on a regular basis, and, according to your rescue pup needs.

Know About Your Rescue Dog Type

Before adopting a rescue it’s important to learn as much as you can about the breed of the dog you’d like to rescue. This way you will get to know what type of exercising is best suited for the breed of rescue dog, and, if it’s a match for your lifestyle.

For example, let’s say you work all day, then you want to come home and relax, chances are an athletic shepherd is not the best match for you… and, visa versa. So, it’s easy to see why energy level is a big factor.

What If You Don’t Know a Rescue Type Breed

Often times people come across their rescue dog in different ways. Sometimes it fate, or love etcetera. In such circumstances you may not know about the breed. If this is the case then buy a book or go online to earn about the breed.

This will help you with the exercising needs of your rescue dog.  If your rescue is a mix, then you can ask your veterinary what is the  dominant dog breed of your rescue.

This way you can exercise your dog without doing damage to your or our dog.

Start Slow with Exercising if Your Unsure

In the beginning its best to take a few walk daily. Starting with short walks will help you to bond with your dog and learning about their exercising needs.

When it comes to a beautiful rescue dog, often times there is little history. So even if your rescue is know as an athletic ‘type’ it’s important to monitor their levels for past injury, etc.

Watch for signs when walking your dog for tiring, injury or pain; such as stopping, panting or lifting a paw. Exercising is meant to be fun and for the good health of your rescue dog. Contrary to what some may think, over exercising a dog can be very dangerous to their health, even fatal.

It is important to formulate an exercise plan that will work for both of you. A young puppy might like to go for a run whereas an older dog may just enjoy a nice leisurely walk.  Start out with puppies for about 15 minutes.  Build up to an hour as they get bigger and can handle it.

So take it gentle in the beginning and then build up, unless you know that your dogs is full beans and raring to go. In time you will learn the language of your dog, making it easier to to undretand what he’s telling you.

Exercising with Your Rescue Dog

Making a daily schedule will help you both to get into a good habits. Sheduling also provides your rescue dog that much needed routine.

Some physical exercises and activities that are easy to do with your canine include walking and playing fetch. You can even take the dog to the high school’s track and walk it there when you can.

If you are unable to exercise with your dog every day, ensure your yard has adequate space or you can hire a trusted dog walker in your area.

Exercising for Training Your Rescue 

Exercising your dog regularily not only help to maintain good health but burns off excess energy in your rescue. Routine and exercise will help when training your pup as he’ll be willing to focus more readily.  This way you’ll be able to train and exercise your dog at the same time.

Another benefit is that a relaxed puppy will nap after the right amount of exercise and be a lot less likely to be destructive around the house. Exercising also affords time to both you and your dog to bond more.

Don’t Over Do It

Too much of anything can become harmful. As much as exercise is good for the dog, overdoing it and doing it wrong can result in complications for both you and the dog such as overheating and exhaustion which are not good.

Rescue Dog Tips for and After Exercising

As you exercise your dog it is also quite important to ensure that you are safe. If you like to walk at night, use some reflective clothing so that cars will see you on the side of the road.

After exercising your rescue it’s good practise to check the paws of your dog to make sure there is nothing stuck such as glass, burns, burrs, ice, and rocks, etc.  Also if you’re exercising your dog in extreme temperatures be sure to grab some booties protecting them from burning or frostbite.

Concluding Exercising Your Rescue Dog

Make exercise is fun for you and your puppy so you both enjoy it. Use praise and rewards during the sessions so that your dog would learn to associate them with a good thing.