Training & Fitness

Your dog will need walks in order to burn off some energy and keep fit and healthy, along with the added bonus of creating a greater bond between you both. Below is information about exercising puppies, training/obedience which provide mental stimulation (and will ensure your puppy isn't headed towards an asbo in the future!) hydrotherapy which has many benefits for a range of needs and the CCA (Let them unleash some energy!).
 
Exercising Puppies 
 
Although there are currently differing opinions on how much exercise a puppy can do I personally limit any repetitive exercise until approximately a year old. This is because irreversible damage can be done until the growth plates have closed at around that age. (Growth plates are areas in the bone where new bone forms, any damage can result in abnormality.)
 
From when my puppies have had their second course of vaccinations and have been given the all clear to be walked in public I personally tend to advise to walk them for about 5 minutes for every month of age. So by 6 months they are doing 'structured' walking of about 25-30 minutes and by a year up to an hour. Of course they also play and do some free running as well. Studies have shown they can do more, but you need to be very aware of when they show signs of tiredness and overdoing it, so it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

Older Dogs

I can only stress the importance of keeping your precious oldies slim. Being overweight stresses the joints and can cause additional pain and problems, particularly if they have developed any signs of arthritis.

I often get told they are 'allowed to carry extra padding in their old age', but from personal experience I know how much harder it is carrying extra padding! So please think of this when you are indulging them with extra biscuits!

  Training and The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme
 
It cannot be stressed enough the importance of ensuring your puppy receives the training necessary to ensure they become an obedient dog in the future who does not run rings around you and indeed anyone or anything in their way!!! This is not only very important for social reasons but also in times where it may be necessary for your vet to assess them.
 
Exercises such as 'sit', 'leave it', 'stay' and 'come' are a few of the most basic yet most important. A good re-call is a must if you wish to exercise your dog off lead in the future. 'Leave it' ensures you can take anything from your dog without having a battle of the wills on your hands!!! 
 
Not to be forgotten is being able to look in their mouths, ears or check their paws and clip their claws. If these tasks are started from day one it will ensure they are at ease with being 'inspected' and will make things a whole lot easier as they grow!  Always ensure that any handling is a positive experience by being gentle and using plenty of praise.
 
The Kennel Club do a scheme which encompasses all the above and on passing assessment your dog receives a certificate and rosette. There are varying levels of achievement and any dog of any age can work towards it. Echo passed her Bronze Good Citizen at under 9mths and Paddi at approximately 16yrs! As well as providing a good foundation it is an achievement to be proud of recognising the time and effort of both you and your dog.

Hydrotherapy

This is a low impact exercise for the joints and it particularly useful to help maintain muscle in older dogs.

I personally incorporate swimming as part of my dogs exercise regime.