The importance of a balanced exercise program for your dog

A couple of weekends ago, I attended an intense three day canine fitness workshop held in Denver. It was put on by some of the nation’s leaders in fitness and conditioning for dogs. While the weather wasn’t great, the workshop was. I learned a lot more about how to create a well-rounded fitness program that addresses each dog’s unique physical, mental and emotional needs.

We know that a total, balanced fitness program is very important for our health and well-being, so it shouldn’t surprise us that the same is true for our dogs. Based on statistics however, we also know this isn’t happening. Fifty-four percent of all dogs are overweight or obese, and senior dogs are routinely euthanized simply because they can no longer get up. Imagine what an appropriate fitness program could do to extend the lives of and the quality of life for these dogs! Take obesity for instance: research shows that overweight dogs die an average of two years earlier than their in-shape counterparts. That doesn’t have to happen!

So, what is a balanced fitness program for dogs? First, it needs to be customized for each dog to take into account the dog’s age, physical condition and abilities. It needs to include exercises that address all five components of total health – mental, balance, strength, cardio and flexibility. And some aspect of the program needs to be done daily.

A balanced fitness program doesn’t need to be time consuming. Most exercise sessions can be completed within 30 minutes. In the beginning, especially with a puppy or a senior, sessions may only last five minutes. But consistency is the key.

As part of this particular program, your dog learns proper form in executing each exercise, which enables him to move on to more complex exercises. Without proper form, injury can result. There’s proper form to each exercise, even something as simple as a “sit.” Asking a dog to sit or stand using correct form engages the core and builds the hind end. Doing the same exercise incorrectly does not. Once your dog has mastered the exercise you’ve asked him to do on the ground, you can move on to doing the same exercise on an unstable surface, such as a balance disk. As you move toward more unstable surfaces, difficulty increases, which in turn builds more strength, mental focus, and balance. You’ve hit three of the five components of the fitness program just in doing this one exercise! It’s an easy concept that I believe will really work.

If this is something you’re interested in, please contact us to learn more. We offer free assessments to determine your dog’s starting point. Help your dog stay fit as he or she ages. You’ll be richly rewarded with a healthy and happy beloved companion for years to come!

Sherri Cappabianca, an expert in the field of canine health and fitness, is the author of two books on canine health, and co-owner of Rocky’s Retreat, an intimate and personal boarding, daycare, hydrotherapy and fitness center, and Barking Dog Fitness, a Gym for Dogs, both located in Orlando. For more information, visit rockysretreat.com or barkingdogfitness.com.