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Tips to Have Smooth Trips With Dogs

12/16/2018

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Traveling with your dogs takes planning. Before you hit the road, check this quick guide and follow these tips for a smooth and fun adventure with your dog.


  • Consider the weather.

First thing first, make sure you travel in a fine not-so-sunny day. Believe me: being caught up mid-trip in a bad weather like floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes is unfortunate enough.

But imagine being stranded with your dog. To prevent this, you need to know first if there is a current extreme condition in your route. Take the weather into consideration when planning the dates and the path of your journey.


  • Give your dog a checkup.

Don’t forget to pay your dog’s vet a visit before hitting the road. Make sure your dog is healthy enough to travel. Plus, for some trips like by air requires a medical certificate to validate that your dog is safe and sound to take a plane.

While you’re in your dog’s vet, take the time to ask for a prescription of medication. Your dog may experience motion-sickness or anxiety when traveling, It is better to be equipped to handle if the situation arises.


  • Pack the essentials.

Packing your doggie’s essentials is not one to miss when going to an adventure. Like you, your canine best friend needs its  things to be comfortable on trips. Here are some stuff that you can pack for your dog:

  • Water/ Food Bowl
  • Travel Kennel or Crate
  • Your dog's regular food
  • Medications
  • Poop Bags
  • Tags, a collar, and a leash
  • Bags to pick up waste
  • Medical records
  • Grooming supplies
  • Dog Bed
  • Favorite chew toys
  • Towel
  • Treats

These are just some basic things you need to make your dog cozy. Personally, I like to pack stuff that is suited in traveling like a Collapsible Dog Bowl or a Spill Proof Dog Bowl. It is most useful when traveling. Thankfully, Dog Lab provided a comprehensive list of review of dog travel-ready essentials for fur parents.


  • Plan your rest stops.

While you can manage to take a break at least every 4 hours, your dog might beg to differ. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises pet owners to stop every two to three hours for your pet to have a break.

You can choose to stop on the grass or by a park or a restaurant. Always remember to lock your car. Take the time to feed your dog some food and water and take it for a walk, so it can let off some of his excess energy. Also, give your dog a chance to get their bathroom breaks.


  • Secure your dog for safety.

To have a smooth trip with your dog, you need to ensure both of your safety. For your dog, it is crucial to bring a crate for it. You can secure a crate to the back seat using the seatbelt or luggage straps. If your dog is not familiar with being in this, the best thing to do is to prepare them for being in their crate. Also, it is better to bring a safety restraint; especially in some places, a seatbelt is mandatory.

Here’s a quick tip: don’t let your dog’s head hanging out of the window while the vehicle is moving. Although it is cute and it makes for a good picture, it exposes them to the danger of being hit by objects and can also cause ear damage and even lung infections.

  • Bring your pet’s documents,

Even more importantly, bring your dog’s documents with you. It can include:

  • Medical documents:
  • Rabies vaccinations records
  • Health issues records
  • Prescription to medications
  • Microchip number (if applicable)
  • Medical insurance information

For some destinations, they require a Certificate Of Good Health for your pet. You can get this from your veterinary hospital. When you are traveling between cities or between countries by road or by air, it is crucial to bring it along with you.

When you’re taking the trip by air, doing a meticulous homework can make all the difference. You can only have a successful flight with your dog if you inquire first with the airline about their pet policies, and any necessary paperwork in advance.

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Tips to Give Your Dog Perfect Nails

10/27/2018

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Are you aware that failure to trim your dog’s nail can affect its health? Well, now you know. Perfectly trimmed nails does not only help save your furniture and upholstery from a dog’s scratches and ripping. It is also meant to ensure that the pain and pressure on the toes and paws associated with long and curved nails is eliminated. Joint and bone issues will be kept at bay if the nails are trimmed in a way that the pet can walk properly.  More so, you will be glad to show off your appealing pet to your guests and family. For best results, consider the following: 

  • Understand the Basics of a Dog’s Nail Growth  
The average time for a dog’s nail growth is six to eight weeks. The groomers at hair clippers club add that some breeds may have long nails even before the sixth week. As such, you must pay close attention. For instance, you must go for trimming if you can hear the nails clicking on the floor or other surfaces. Nails that protrude from the paws and touch the ground when the pet stands must be trimmed.  

  • Know the Tricks of Nail Trimming  

Many dogs are not thrilled by nail trimming processes. They would rather be playing or sleeping. You must not only prepare the dog, but you must also achieve perfect results. Starting when the pet is younger is always advised because it will get used to the process easily. However, you must still trim an older dog’s nails by offering rewards and praises before and after grooming. For the extremely restless dogs, trimming one nail at a time will be your ideal option. A dog wearing a happy hood is likely to be distracted and shielded from the noise of the trimmers.  
Cutting tiny bits of the nails is more rewarding that doing one cut. You will have avoided accidents and at the same time get a perfect nail’s shape and texture. Push the nails through a sock if you want to be completely sure that you leave the hairs around the paws intact. This will only leave the nails exposed for a cut.  
  • Invest In the Right Tools  
You need a pair of sharp nail clippers for trimming. Human clippers do not work in dog’s trimming because the shape is inappropriate. You will easily damage and hurt the nails. Styptic powder is also an important part of trimming. The nail may, by accident, bleed and you must address the issue immediately. Home remedies such as corn starch mixed with baking powder or use of flour will also come in handy. It is also worth noting that a nail file can be used instead of a clipper. It helps leave a smooth finish on the nails. However, it may take longer than it is the case with using a nail clipper. You and your dog must be patient to get positive outcomes.  
  • Relax  
Good results are impossible to achieve if you are too tensed to trim the nails. Take the right position such sitting on the floor. You must also find a time when you are not easily distracted or tired. If this does not work, find a friend or family to hold the dog firmly as you do the trimming. Still, have confidence that you can get the job done. As you get used to it, you will realize that it is not such a tough process. All you need is practice and perfect results will inevitably come by.  
  • Ensure That Your Dog Is Healthy  
Brittle and weak nails will always show even when you have given your dog perfect trimming. Find nutrients that encourage the growth of strong nails. Calcium is one of the nutrients associated with excellent growth of nails and bones. Go for foods rich in the nutrient. A balanced diet and proper hydration will also ensure that your pet’s body functions accordingly, stimulating strong nail’s growth. Beyond this, a trip to the veterinarian’s office is always advisable. They will check the dog for medical complications and suggest the ideal way forward. Don’t forget to take your faithful companion for walks and jogs on a regular basis.  

Ultimately, giving your dog perfect nails is achievable. All you need is right nail trimming tips, good diet, and practice. 
The best dog clippers and scissors.
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Halo Lights LED Dog Collars - Product Review

6/8/2015

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HALO LIGHTS: The Brightest LED Dog Collars!


WEBSITE: http://www.halolightsusa.com/
FACEBOOK PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/HaloLights


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I received two of the Halo Lights LED dog collars in exchange for an honest review, one of each series (L and S). I received one of the L-series collars in frosted black (as shown in the image to the left of my boy Hunter wearing it) and one of the S-series in rose pink for my girl Zenna.  

In order to properly review these collars, I used them for walks in the day and during the night. I also took both of my dogs out at night for several run and play session with toys and each other. Since both of my dogs are very active working dogs, we were able to really put these collars to the test! 

I am extremely pleased to announce that this is BY FAR, my absolute favorite light up dog collar. I highly recommend this company and this product for anyone who wants a high quality LED light up dog collar that is resilient and sturdy.

The Halo Lights LED collars came in great, secure packaging with a USB charger. They take approximately 15 minutes to charge and last about 4 hours depending on which setting you use (steady light or flashing). They come in one length, allowing you to cut the collars to size - and it is very easy to size (they come in 27.5 inches) , cut and fit these collars! They hold together extremely well, and despite all the activities my dogs did while wearing these collars they never even started to come apart. 

The collars are water resistant, and they are water proof up to 3m in depth. On top of that, they are extremely easy to clean and are even repel the dirt to a degree. My two Halo Lights collars barely got dirty during play sessions in dry conditions. 

The lights themselves are very bright, but not bright enough to hurt my eyes OR the dog's eyes. Both my dogs showed absolutely no negative reaction to the collars, they really didn't notice them at all. They are bright enough to provide extra visibility during the day and bright enough to make them impossible to miss at night. I felt very good using the collars at night, their visibility improved drastically. This will help keep your dogs safe in traffic and from people who either cannot see them or might mistake them for a wild animal. 

In conclusion, I highly recommend these LED dog collars. They are a fantastic price for the amazing quality you get, they are bright enough for day and night use, they are water resistant, they are so easy to cut and size, super easy to use, and very easy to clean! Plus, they are multi-purpose! You can even wear them yourself! 

Click here to visit the Halo Lights.usa website and learn more about the Halo Lights LED dog collars!

Click here to purchase a Halo Lights LED dog collar!

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Homemade Grain Free Apple and Cheddar Pupcake Recipe

5/27/2015

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In honor of my German Shepherd Hunter's 4th Birthday, I decided to come up with a savory grain free pupcake recipe for dogs that love cheese as much as my dog does. This recipe is healthy, wholesome and full of delicious cheesy flavor. This recipe uses natural ingredients and no preservatives. It is the perfect pupcake for any dog-related birthday or celebration!

This pupcake recipe is grain free, using a mix of coconut flour and arrowroot flour! You will also need applesauce, cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, cheddar cheese and a touch of honey!
PUPCAKES
  • 1/2 cup of coconut flour 
  • 1/2 cup of arrowroot flour
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups of applesauce
  • 1 cup of cottage cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda


FROSTING 
  • 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature 
  • 1 tablespoons of honey 
  • 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt 
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut flour
DIRECTIONS 
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit .
  • Line a muffin pan with paper muffin cups.
  • In a large bowl mix the applesauce, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and honey. Mix in the coconut flour, arrowroot flour and baking soda. Mix well.
  • Use two spoons to drop dollops of dough into the muffin cups and fill the cups 3/4 of the way.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Let your dogs lick the spoons clean. (Very important step!)
  • In a small bowl cream together the cream cheese, yogurt, honey and coconut flour.
  • Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Let the pupcakes cool then ice the pupcakes and drizzle honey OR shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Serve, and enjoy the delight on their faces as they chow down!  


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Collars by Riley - Product Review (Unique, hand-made leather dog collars)

3/4/2015

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Collars by Riley is an amazing small business that creates custom hand tooled and painted leather dog collars. Made from high quality leather and solid brass hardware, these impressive works of art make the perfect accessory for the dog you love!

I was fortunate enough to receive a custom, hand made leather collar from Collars by Riley in exchange for an honest review, and I was more than pleased with the product I received. This wasn't just a product I received at random, after seeing one of these collars in person and viewing all of the images on their Facebook page - I knew I had to have one!


You can tell the collars are hand made and high quality, and that the artisan takes time making these pieces the very best she can. You can see the quality and feel it once you're holding it in your hands. She starts the process by picking out the hide in person to get the best quality she can, and it pays off! The leather is thick and starts out stiff, but works out quickly and feels very flexible after a few weeks of use!

Collars by Riley will work very closely with you on design and size to insure you get exactly what you want, and to make sure the collar properly fits your dog - no matter the size or breed! After the basic information has been approved by you, she begins creating the collar! A template is cut using a special tool called a swivel knife, which cuts the design into the leather. She then uses smaller tools to add texture and depth to the design. After painting and staining the collar, it is then ready to be finished and conditioned! She assembles the collar and ships it off to its new home! The process takes approximately 3 to 5 weeks depending on the size of the collar and the complexity of the design. It is well worth the wait, however! Nothing beats a fully customized, hand made leather collar that will be entirely unique to your dog!

The collar I requested for my German Shepherd Hunter turned out magnificently! I asked for a Norse themed wolf design in reds, browns and gold - and I received exactly what I had asked for! The collar is a beautiful work of art, and I am constantly getting compliments on it! It is unique, and that alone makes it very special. The detail and the texture of the collar is so beautiful, it is more than worth the money you spend for it.

The collar itself stands up amazingly to wear and tear. I have been using it daily for months now, and it still looks as sharp and crisp as it did when it first arrived. It is easy to clean, fits my dog comfortably, doesn't damage the fur, and looks phenomenal. The hardware used (
solid brass, though you can request silver) is sturdy and heavy duty, while the leather itself feels like it is going to last forever.

I am extremely pleased with the collar, and I think if you are looking to support a small business and get a stunning piece of art for your dog, Collars by Riley is the way to go! The collars are beautiful, high quality, long lasting and resilient to wear and tear, and the best part is that they are 100% unique and custom!

Here is a gallery of some of the collars produced by Collars by Riley:

Interested in one of these incredible hand made, custom leather dog collars?

Click here to visit the Collars by Riley Facebook page!
Click here to send Collars by Riley an e-mail!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com
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Grain free and Egg free Homemade Coconut and Pear Dog Cookie Recipe

1/26/2015

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A healthy, nutritious homemade coconut and pear dog cookie recipe that is grain free and egg free, making it ideal for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities!

Coconut flour is grain and gluten free and is a healthy, low carbohydrate alternative to bleached grain flour. Coconut flour is especially good for helping to improve the skin and coat. Coconut oil is a healthy, easily digestible oil that helps improve the skin and coat condition! Raw, local honey is also great for dogs with allergies and adds a healthy sweetness to the treat! Lastly, this recipe uses pear puree (or baby food) as a main flavor ingredient and is sure to satisfy your dogs!

This recipe creates a moist, soft cookie. Due to the nature of the coconut flour, this specific recipe is not ideal for rolling out and cutting into shapes. You can treat these as drop cookies or simple roll them into small balls!

Due to a lack of preservatives in this recipe, these cookies will need to be stored in the refrigerator and can also be frozen!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup of coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup of pear puree or pear baby food
  • 1 tablespoon of raw, local honey
  • 2 tablespoons of virgin, unrefined coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons of water
DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Combine ingredients, mix thoroughly.
  3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Roll dough into small balls, place on parchment paper.
  5. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Making dog treats from home using healthy homemade recipes is the best way to provide nutritious treats that are easy to make, inexpensive, and do not contain any harmful or dangerous ingredients. Making your own dog cookies at home is the best way to avoid pet treat recalls and keep your furry family healthy and safe!

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The Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs!

1/21/2015

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What is hemp seed oil and how does it benefit my dog?

It is an exceptionally rich oil high in essential omega fatty acids and proteins, it has a nutty flavor and is deep green in color. The oil does not contain any detectable Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC - Hemp is NOT marijuana). The green color in hemp seed oil is a result of the high level of chlorophyll which is naturally present in the seeds. Chlorophyll is also highly beneficial to dogs.

Hemp seed oil is considered to be one of the most nutritional oils available and is easily digestible in its raw state. It contains less than 10% saturated fats, and 70-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is an unusually high level of the good oils, making this oil beneficial for consumption.

The benefit to dogs comes from the exceptional 3:1 balance of essential omega fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is
a source of Omega 6 (linoleic acid), Omega 3 (linolenic acid), Omega 9 (oleic acid), GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and steridonic acid.

Organic, cold-pressed hemp seed oil is the type you want to use!

How do I feed hemp seed oil to my dog?

Hemp seed oil is a highly nutritional oil to add to your dog's diet, but if you want to receive the maximum benefits of omega fatty acids it is ideal to pair this oil with two others: coconut oil and fish oils (or other omega fatty acids). The combination of these three oils makes for a highly nutritional boost to the skin, coat, immune system and so much more!

There is a product that does it all, called Sh-Emp Oil, and it is a product I have used and recommended for a few years now. It is a good option for those who like the convenience of an easy to use supplement and prefer to know that the oils are already properly balanced without having to do any calculations.

For those who would prefer to do it themselves, a teaspoon a day for a large dog and half a teaspoon for a smaller dog would be sufficient. Pair this with coconut oil and omega fatty acids, and your dog will enjoy the tremendous benefits of having healthy oils in their diet!

The Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs
  • Improves condition of the skin and fur.
  • Reduces shedding and dandruff.
  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Supports good heart health.
  • Supports healthy organ function.
  • Healthy Growth and Development.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Positive effects on brain function.
  • Positive effects on fertility/reproduction.

Omega fatty acids are highly beneficial for dogs, especially those with skin and coat conditions such as dry skin, allergies or excessive shedding!

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How to choose the best food for your dog!

1/4/2015

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You are what you eat!

Nutrition plays an important role in your dogs general health and well-being. Just like with people, your dogs diet directly impacts their health! Dogs that eat junk food full of chemicals and low quality ingredients will not be as healthy as dogs eating fresh whole foods that are species appropriate and full of healthy ingredients.

Dogs are individuals with their own dietary needs based on several factors such as genetics and their current state of health. While one type of diet may not be ideal for every dog, the majority of dogs tend to thrive on diets consisting of real, whole foods that are biologically appropriate. 

When selecting a diet for your dogs, you need to keep your dogs anatomy and physiology in mind!
Dogs are facultative carnivores, or opportunistic carnivores, which is defined as a carnivore that does not depend solely on animal flesh for food but also can subsist on non-animal food. While your dog can eat carbohydrates and grains, this is a matter of what your dog will thrive on versus what they can survive on.

All the proof you need can be seen after your dog goes potty! Dogs that eat a raw food diet see a much smaller volume of stool because the body is digesting and utilizing almost every part of the raw meat, bone and organs. With homemade food, many dog owners report seeing undigested vegetable matter and grain in their dogs stool. Commercial kibble diets tend to produce very large stool volume due to copious amounts of grains and carbohydrates in the kibble.

My two raw fed German Shepherds potty once or twice a day, and the volume is very small. Stool of raw fed dogs will turn white and crumble to dust within a few days. Most kibble fed dogs will see 3 - 4 very large piles a day, and the stool does not break down due to not only the chemical additives and preservatives, but also because carbohydrates and grain takes longer to break down than flesh.

The best dog foods around!

The best dog food contains whole food ingredients, zero junk additives and as much living nutrition and enzymes as possible. Real food is food that looks like exactly what it is with minimal processing, being raw food or homemade dog food. With either diet, you know exactly what is going into your dogs body and you can control the quality!

  1. Raw Food Diet (Click here to learn more about raw feeding)
  2. Homemade Dog Food (Click here to learn more about homemade dog food)
  3. Dehydrated Food / Freeze-dried Raw
  4. Grain-free Commercial Kibble
  5. Commercial Kibble

What to avoid!

There are certain ingredients that either have no business being in your dogs body, or are less than ideal in terms of promoting health and resistance to illness and disease via nutrition. If your dogs food contains any of the following ingredients, do some more research and consider making the switch to a healthier alternative!

  • Animal digest
  • Meat by-products
  • Animal fat
  • Corn
  • Beef tallow
  • Oat, rice or other "hulls"
  • Salt, flavoring or color
  • Ethoxyquin

Want to know what these ingredients actually are and why they are bad for your dog? Read my article on bad ingredients lurking in dog food!

How do I choose the best food for my dog?

Research! Talk to dog nutritionists, pet food specialists, holistic and traditional veterinarians who specialize in canine nutrition and take your individual dogs needs into consideration! There are plenty of great articles from reputable sources that are a google search away, too. Remember to always cross-reference information for accuracy! 

Click the article links below to continue your research!

  • The Incredible Raw Food Diet for Dogs
  • The Benefits of Homemade Food for Dogs
  • Real Food Diets: Unlocking Health and Longevity with Nutrition

My online store contains dog nutrition eBooks on raw feeding and homemade diets, and I also provide nutrition consultations for those who require one on one nutrition consulting and advice!

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Coconut Oil Skin Treatment for Dogs with Skin and Coat Problems

1/2/2015

110 Comments

 
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Virgin, unrefined coconut oil consists of approximately 90% saturated fats, yet most of those fats are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component of the MCTs in coconut oil is lauric acid; which is antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and helps to balance the immune system.

Coconut oil will help improve the integrity of the skin while moisturizing and providing healthy fats for the skin's lipid layer. Coconut oil can also
prevents and treat yeast and fungal infections, including candida. This makes it an excellent skin treatment for dogs who are having trouble with their skin and coat.

The only thing you need for this treatment is virgin, unrefined (ideally organic) coconut oil in its liquid state (I place it by my heat vent or on top of the stove while I am cooking for it to naturally warm to a liquid state) and an all natural, gentle pet shampoo. Select a shampoo that is soap-free and contains no harsh chemical ingredients.


Coconut Oil Skin Treatment Instructions

  1. Give your dog a bath using all natural, soap-free shampoo tailored towards dogs with dry, itchy skin. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. After bathing your dog, leave them in the tub and apply the coconut oil all over their body, massaging it into the coat and on to the skin. Make sure to focus on the problem areas, like the paws and ears.
  3. Let the coconut oil sit on your dogs coat, giving it 7 - 10 minutes to absorb into the body. The longer you wait, the better the treatment will work.
  4. Rinse your dog with water, then lightly soap them up with shampoo. You want to use enough to get rid of the grease from the oil, without completely reversing the effects by 100% removing all oil from the coat. Do not leave any shampoo residue in the coat.
  5. Towel dry and brush your dog!

One of the most common problems dogs experience is some sort of skin and/or coat condition, including but not limited to allergies, dry skin, itchiness and flaking.  While there are a lot of things you can give your dog in addition to their diet to help dramatically improve the skin and coat condition, there is something you can do to provide some immediate relief externally.

Supplements that improve skin and coat condition naturally:
  • Coconut Oil
  • Omega Fatty Acids
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Kelp
  • Raw Eggs

For dogs with serious skin or coat conditions, you can do this as much as once a week. For dogs that just need a little extra help with dry skin, once a month will suffice!

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The Best Exercise for Dogs

12/31/2014

1 Comment

 
We all know dogs need exercise, but is one walk around the block enough? For most dogs, the answer is no! Even small breed dogs often need more than just a walk! How much exercise an individual dog needs depends on their age, breed, health and energy level! In most cases, many dogs are getting "just enough" to keep them out of trouble. However, the right about of exercise can be highly beneficial in terms of your dogs health, weight and happiness. 

So what are the best forms of exercise for dogs? There are a lot of things you can do that are fun and beneficial for both human and dog! It is important to let dogs finish growing (between 2 - 3 years of age) before starting intensive exercise routines (such as running, bicycling or sledding with your dog) to prevent any damage to growing joints.

It is equally important to build your dogs endurance and provide exercise that is appropriate for their current fitness level.

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Taking your dog for a walk is a very enjoyable, sometimes therapeutic activity for you and your dog. Your dog will gain physical and mental exercise out on a walk as they investigate smells, stretch their legs, watch people and dogs pass by, and simply enjoy being outside with you.

Adding some obedience training in your daily walks can improve the quality of the experience. Ask your dog to sit at the street before crossing, to down on the sidelines as another dog passes, or to heel for several minutes at random intervals. Including rewards (toy, food, praise) for success will satisfy your dog's desire to do things that make you both happy!

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Hiking is a very rewarding activity to enjoy with your dog! Long distance hikes, especially in natural areas, is exactly what your dog loves to experience! The vast array of sights, sounds and smells will provide excellent mental stimulation. Long distance walking, trotting or running is exactly what a dog is designed to do, so it is no surprise that hiking fulfills exercise requirements for more dogs.

Off leash hiking for dogs who have a good foundation in obedience (recall, sit, down, stay, etc) is even more rewarding and enjoyable.

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Dogs love to run, they are built for it! Running is a great way to get their hearts working, stretch their muscles and burn energy! Whether they are free running in an open space with their canine friends, or joining you for your daily exercise routine, running is one of the best forms of exercise for dogs.

Dogs make excellent running partners, just make sure you build your dog up to your distance and duration slowly to prevent injury! You'll have to be cautious of what they are running on as well, since dogs need to build their resistance to running on various surfaces. Remember, your dog doesn't wear shoes like you do! Be cautious of hot pavement, too!

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Dogs typically loves to retrieve or chase moving objects, making fetch a great activity for you and your dog. Throw a toy, let your dog chase it and bring it back, then repeat! Fetch is a good way to let your dog run at its own pace, while encouraging the heart to beat faster and improve circulation and endurance. There are a wide variety of toys you can use like balls, frisbees and other throw-able toys!

Two ball is a fast-paced game for high energy dogs, and it involves throwing one ball and throwing a second ball immediately when you dog returns to you with the first ball.

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Similar to running, of course, bicycling with your dog is an alternative for those who aren't runners. Dogs are built for trotting long distance for long periods of time, which is why taking your dog for a bike ride is a great form of exercise and mental stimulation! There are different harnesses and bicycle attachments you can purchase to make riding your bicycle with your dog more safe, care free and enjoyable!

Much like with running, your dog should be physically mature and of sound orthopedics and health prior to becoming a bike ride companion. This kind of intensive exercise is suitable only for dogs that are fully physically developed.

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Swimming is an excellent form of low impact exercise for any water loving dog. Swimming is a great way to safely tire out your dog, build muscle and tone, improve endurance and provide fun and enjoyment to your dog. Swimming is especially ideal for senior dogs, dogs with joint issues or dogs that have trouble getting good exercise in when the weather is too hot.

While dogs are athletic creatures, you should be wary of very cold water and potentially dangerous currents and undertows. Dogs with short (or even lack of) coats may not do well swimming in frigid lake water. 

There are a lot of great exercises and things you can do with your dogs, the list I have provided for this article just discusses the basics! The possibilities really are endless. Consider things like dog sports (scent detection, flyball, lure coursing, obedience, etc) to exercise the mind AND body. Activities like sledding, ski-joring, camping and socializing with other dogs are just a few more options for you and your dog!

Just like us, dogs need physical AND mental stimulation to be happy and healthy!

Can you think of anymore good activities to do with your dog? Tell us about them in the comments section!

Need some ideas for rainy days when you can't get out with your dog? Here is an article about mental stimulation indoors!

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Consult with your veterinarian before applying any of the information contained within this website, its blog, or via consultations. K9 Instinct recommends involving your veterinarian in any plans to utilize the information provided by K9 Instinct, and cannot be held accountable for any damages incurred by the use or misuse of any information provided by K9 Instinct. The guidance of your veterinarian is strongly recommended!