Condition dogs before an increase in exercise

By Marty Metzger
North Forty News

Do you own a couch puptato? Is your Husky too husky? Lazy Lab a problem? Or, perhaps you're a distance runner whose panting pooch lags behind on outdoor jaunts.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, dogs got plenty of exercise performing tasks they were bred for: hunting, herding or rousting predators. But now, many are sedate, house- or yard-bound, exercising their inbred traits by displaying unwanted behaviors or just chasing that bounding bunny in their dreams.

The out-of-shape, however, can get back in. Within that weary Westie, puny Poodle or groggy Greyhound romps a buff pup just waiting to strut its stuff. But remember, when it comes to training, slow and steady wins the race.

Katie Hansen, a two-Lab owner and certified personal trainer at Fitness1 in Wellington, recommends a conditioning pace similar to that for humans. Begin with short, slow, daily walks. Increase the distance and speed daily or weekly, working up to the desired goal. If everyday walks are impossible, intersperse with other exercise, such as spirited games of fetch. And, advised Hansen, maintain proper nutrition based on breed and age.

If your dog is pudgy, diet adjustment and weight loss should precede any strenuous activity, said Mary Martin-Jensen of Country Squire Pet Resort in Fort Collins. Include fun exercise at home before heading out into the wider world. And, she added, be sure to socialize your dog prior to runs or hikes where others are present. Leash pulling, barking, growling or biting will ruin the trek and cause unpleasantries up to and including legal action.

"You get out of them just what you put into them," said Martin-Jensen.

She reminded owners to make exercise age and conformation appropriate. Exceptions aside, Dachshunds can't keep up with Great Danes.

More considerations she mentioned are local regulations and equipment. Be aware of leash laws where you run or hike. Research pros and cons of various leads and select the best for each individual dog and activity. Choices include harness, buckle collar, choke chain (learn proper way to put it on), gentle leader (goes over muzzle). Weather extremes or rough terrain might dictate the use of booties to protect sensitive pads from burns and cuts. Be sure the animal is current on shots. Finally, Martin-Jensen said, always take along a water bottle and collapsible bowl. Avoid "wild" water sources which may contain parasites.

Dr. Marta Dean of LaPorte Animal Clinic pinpointed one of the most common of those water nasties: giardia. She said dogs should not be allowed to drink from sources such as mountain streams or irrigation ditches.

Those who take their dogs on rustic hikes, especially in rural or hilly/mountainous terrain, should be alert for snakes. If the dog does get bitten, keep it passive and head to the vet ASAP. Dean said some hunting clubs offer rattlesnake avoidance classes.

Conditioning can include swimming (a great cardio activity that tones up muscles without stressing joints), Dean said. She named knee injuries as one of the most common maladies in unconditioned dogs that are owner-drafted into weekend warriors. Further, she warned, most dogs will trudge on to please their people long after their own bodies beg "Stop!"

She prefers that tiny dogs, such as Chihuahuas, be taken on long, leisurely walks or very short runs. Small breeds require more conditioning than do larger ones.

Regarding age, Dean advocates slow training and conditioning of young dogs. She suggests beginning at 4 to 5 months of age and, to prevent damage to immature bones and joints, skip the extremes until the dog reaches a minimum of 10 to 11 months. Senior dogs, or any with existing health problems, need a veterinary exam before starting a new exercise regime. She said vaccinations are critical for dogs that will encounter other canines or wildlife to prevent such diseases as kennel cough or leptospirosis.

Temperatures over 90 degrees present more of an issue than does the cold, said Dean. Be sure to stop frequently for drinks. No need to include doggy's water, bowl and snacks in your gear, she added. Fido can be taught to carry those items. Just get the dog used to its pack and gradually work up to the total weight.

Both Dean and Martin-Jensen agreed that some popular forms of exercise can be hazardous. Dogs towing skateboards can sustain all manner of injuries; so can the rider if the dog bolts off in pursuit of game, other dogs or similar distractions. There's no foolproof way to control speed or turn to avoid obstacles with a dog in front. Twenty-foot long leads are impractical, with successful emergency reel-ins lucky, at best. Bad falls have resulted from leash/bicycle tangles.

Whatever activity safely exercises the dog while pleasing the owner should be gradually introduced. From long swims to 5-mile runs to pulling a sled, the canine/human bond will strengthen as both become finely tuned athletes.