Can anyone suggest a good exercise for my fat dog? We don't have much space for him to run around...
2006-11-30 13:22:26 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Walk him, an hour a day or so. I walk my dog every morning for a half hour, and then when I come home for another half hour. Doesn't feel like that much when you're walking, but it works! My dog used to be obese, now she's trim. And also try and keep him on a diet, use weight loss food, (buy it at your pet store) and don't feed him too much, have set meal times, don't keep the food out.
EDIT: Make sure not to over walk or exercise him at first! And don't starve him! You have to do it in slow steps, it won't happen overnight without harming him.
2006-11-30 13:26:51 · answer #1 · answered by Chinchilla . 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Jenny,
You don't give much information about the dog, breed and health. Your fitness level is also a consideration too.
If you have a toy breed like a pug and the like all they need is a walk around the block a couple times a day. It's also good stress relief for you. Just gear the diet to your dog's level of activity and cut back on the treats and table scraps.
If you have a working dog; Lab, Golden or the like you could be in trouble if you don't have a good fitness level.
A few years ago I had two labs and if they didn't get two six-mile runs a day they started getting grumpy. We started slow and it kicked my donkey until I got used to it.
BIG dogs also have a tendancy to get hip problems as they mature, so watch how they run so that you don't aggravate the problem.
Certain breeds are have inherent characteristics, for example, Dalmatians were initially bread to keep the fire horses in line and to run full speed for SIXTY MILES a day.
They are CUTE as pupies, but those genes don't vanish as they mature and NEED exercise to stay together mentally and not eat the sofa during the day.
If you hate to run or can't a tennis ball and a racket at the park. Just hit the ball and let your dog chase it. If your dog won't bring it backl the walk will be good for you.
Start SLOW and let your dog get used to the exercise and build on it as he/she wants more.
I hope this helps,
Jacques
2006-11-30 21:41:57 · answer #2 · answered by jacquesstcroix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
walks could do you both good. A large dog needs about 2 45 min brisk walks a day. Another good way for a dog to get exercise is the dog park. My dogs have always been lean and love the dog park for exercise and socialization. I have however seen more than one dog loose a few lbs runninng around the dog park.
2006-11-30 21:28:13 · answer #3 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can find out if you have a local dog park in your area. If you dog is non-violent towards other dogs and has had all of it's vaccines that is a great place for dogs. They can run around without being on a leash plus socialize with other dogs.
If you don't have a local dog park I would say taking you dog for a walk rather it be by your house or at a park.
2006-11-30 21:35:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all control what you're feeding him. It's cruel to have a fat dog--you should be able to see a few ribs.
For exercise--playing ball in a confined space, teaching him tricks like rolling over, setting up a small jump (if he's a year or older) and teaching him to retrieve things over it, getting him in a dog class or socialization class, taking him to a dog park, walking him on a retractable leash and jogging a bit of the time . . .
2006-11-30 21:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by it's me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of dog and how old? Call your vet and tell him/her you want to put your dog on a diet and give him the absolute minimum he needs. I had a fat rottie who got only 1 cup of food in the AM and another cup in the PM until she lost weight.
If you can take your dog to a park to run around, that's best. Otherwise, put a leash on him and both of you go for a walk. You'll both benefit from the exercise!
2006-11-30 21:26:52 · answer #6 · answered by tee_walton 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best thing is exercise. Take him for a 30-45 min. walk twice a day (will be good for you too) Check the content of his food. He may be getting to many calories. Feed him a little less food.
Good luck with him.
2006-11-30 21:56:03 · answer #7 · answered by MANDYLBH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs love to fetch an old tennis ball and play tug of war with an old rag - just hit him on the nose with it a few times - he'll get the idea.
2006-11-30 21:25:50 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could take your dog for a walk..you can also look to see if there is a dog park in your area and take your dog there to run and play..i hope that this helps
2006-12-01 02:24:44 · answer #9 · answered by tigger4tracy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the park and let him run around! Decrease his caloric intake by cutting his food in half! Take care!
2006-11-30 21:24:15 · answer #10 · answered by Rachel T. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋