Exercise is very important for the health of dogs. It is among a dog's basic needs. Many dog owners are unaware of the exercise needs of their pets. Destructive behavior is oftentimes a result of a surplus of energy that is the affect of lack of exercise. The energy your dog receives from food needs to be expended through exercise. If it is not, the dog may release its energy by destroying items in your house. Proper exercise will correct this behavior (unless if there is another issue going on).

As a rule, dogs needs at least one to two hours of exercise a day. The exact amount of exercise that is needed depends on the dog breed, age, and size. An old Shih Tzu, for instance, may not be able to exercise much, while a young Border Collie may be able to run around for hours. Dogs like routine, so make sure that you follow a regular regimen. The exercise will probably be good for you, too. It may take a while to determine your dog's exercise needs. Be mindful of your dog. Watch out for signs of exhaustion like wheezing, excessive panting, disorientation, and stooping to lie around. Also, do not take your dog outside to exercise when it is very hot. Further, make sure that he or she always has access to water. Besides walking and running, you can always see if your dog wants to play fetch. Some dog breeds are great at sports. You can always see if your pet enjoys flyball and agility exercises. If so, maybe you can participate in competitions. The dog park is also an option for exercise mixed with socialization.

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