Exercise Advice For Your Retriever - Is Your Dog Getting Enough?

Retriever dogs are not only one of the most intelligent breed of dogs, but did you know that they are also classified as one of the more energetic dog breeds?  Read on for some great exercise advice for your retriever.

You can start gently exercising your puppy from about 6 weeks. If your puppy's vaccinations are not all finished, then your yard will suffice until they have their full immunity. Young pups tend to burn out fast, so be careful not to over exercise. Your puppy is needing plenty of energy at this point for growth.

When your pup has reached 8-10 weeks, the exercise routine can be lengthened a little, and some obedience training can commence. Incorporate the basics like "sit", "stay", "fetch" while exercising. At this point you should still be very careful to not over exert your puppy. If they show signs of tiring, or are collapsing in a heap, provide water and a rest.

By the time your puppy is 4-6 months old, they will be much more physically able to cope with a 30 minute walk. At the 6 month mark your puppy is mentally capable of learning much more complex tasks. Sniffer dogs and guide dogs start their training at about this age.

If you are not so keen on physical exertion yourself, the best and most effective way to exercise your retriever is to play a game of fetch with them. A tennis ball or a stick is all you need for hours of endless entertainment. You can stand in the one spot if you are so inclined. Add a body of water to the equation, and most retrievers are in the equivalent of doggy paradise.

There are many reasons why your retriever should be exercised regularly:

1. Mental stimulation. Retrievers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. As such these dogs really need to be able to use their brains and be stimulated. An exercise routine that incorporates some obedience training will have your dog using his brain cells.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. This is a vital factor for retrievers. As we all know, retrievers do not know when to stop eating. Your dog is really reliant on you to provide him with a sensible amount of food and enough exercise to burn it off. Retrievers really need to be kept lean to keep those pounds from placing additional strain on their hips, which are often genetically susceptible to dysplasia. Also, your slim best friend will live for up to 5 years longer than his obese cousin.

3. Incorporate obedience training. Retrievers are perceived as being very loyal dogs, and generally they are. However, they can become a handful if they are not disciplined adequately. A naughty retriever is not a great pet. Exercise time is a great time to incorporate obedience training. Allow Fido some time to burn up his excess energy first and then he will be able to focus better on the training.

4. Burn up energy. Retrievers have plenty of energy. It is a great idea to exercise your dog in the morning. This will allow him to be pleasantly exhausted and napping through the day, instead of digging up your yard or misbehaving when you are out.

5. Socialise. Exercising your retriever is also a great opportunity for your dog to be exposed to other people and dogs. Your dog needs to learn how to behave around others than just his home environment. The more people and dogs he is exposed to at a young age, the better.

Your retriever really needs plenty of exercise. A tennis ball or a stick is all it takes to provide your furry friend with hours of canine enjoyment.