Exercise Limits?

Is there such a thing as TOO much exercise for a dog? For puppies?

According to Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, he has always adhered to the theory that, as long as you are careful, the dog is the best one to tell you what is too much exercise. Puppies often do not have enough muscle tone to take long runs, but there are always exceptions. Most dogs and puppies will tell you when they have hit their limit, and it is important to resist pushing them beyond this point.

Even if your dog or puppy wants to keep going, some things you should be cautious about are:

1. Be sure that your dog does not overheat. If you are too hot, assume they are. Provide water or try to run in a cooler area.

2. Be consistent with exercise. The weekend marathon after a week of couch potato life is very hard on the joints.

3. Be cautious with your dog's feet. Running on cement (especially hot cement) can cause sloughing of the foot pads, so try to have breaks on softer surfaces or at least work your dog up to the harder surfaces to give them a chance to form the necessary calluses.

4. Be aware of your dog's limits. Until you understand your dog’s stamina, be sure that you are able to stop when your dog starts to lag behind. (i.e., Take the short route 5 times instead of the long route once.) If you feel that he or she is not able to go as far as they should, consult a vet to see if there is a reason for the intolerance.

How Well Do You Know Your Dog?

How well do your know your dog? Really.

You know him well enough to know that those bacon flavor biscuits are his favorite. That worn out spot on the far end of the couch is his favorite place to sleep. You know that he seems genuinely pleased to see you when you get home from work each day. When he scratches at the door and gives you "the look", you definitely know it's time to get the leash. You know a lot about your dog. But do you know him well enough to make him really happy?

Yes, a dog needs a good bone, a soft bed and a loving companion to take care of him. But for a dog to be really happy, all those wonderful things simply aren't enough. He also needs to be interested, amused, entertained and challenged. A dog needs to have some fun to make him truly happy.

Yes, a dog needs to play. Playing makes a dog happy. Toys are important. Quality playtime with you is important, too. I'm sure you spend a lot of time playing with your dog, and you buy him toys that he can play with when you're not around. But do you buy him the right kind of toys to hold his interest? Do you do the right kind of activities with him to make him really happy?

All dogs are different. They have different styles of play. Some dogs like to play in many different ways while other dogs are only interested in one certain type of play.

Do you know what kind of play makes your dog happy?

Think about it. Some dogs won't fetch. They simply will not do it. Some dogs like to cuddle. Some love to tug. Some really get into a challenging toy that they have to "figure out" and some dogs just want a toy that squeaks. All dogs are different.

To make your dog really happy, you must understand how he likes to play. Then, you can buy him the kind of toys that will actually hold his interest and play the kind of games that will bring him real joy. Find out what stimulates your dog. Good satisfying play is important for a dog's mental and physical health. Engage your dog in the kind of play activities he loves and you will make him truly happy.

A Balanced Life

Just like humans, animals need a certain "balance" in their lives. Again, just like us, pets can become easily stressed.

Our pets exhibit stress in various ways ... some are easy to see, while others can be a bit challenging to recognize. One way that you can help alleviate undue stress for your pets is to balance the play and relaxation in their lives.

Studies have shown that playing relaxing music for your pet can help decrease stress behaviors, especially when it is played following stressful situations.

According to Webster's Dictionary, "stress" is a constraining force or influence of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium. When you think about stress, it is important to remember that not all stress is considered "bad".

To help bring balance back to your pet's life, you can play relaxing music after you have finished a fun-filled play session. It will help bring your pet's heart rate back to a normal rhythm and alleviate tension in the body, just like it does for us.

Studies in shelters have shown that music helps relieve stress in dogs. In shelters, relaxing music was played after feeding and walking times. These are very exciting times in a shelter ... and you routinely see dogs jumping up and down, barking and getting very excited. When relaxing music was played after the tasks were completed, it was common to see the dogs sit down, relax and even curl up for a nap. This new routine has now been implemented within shelters across the nation.

A great music CD that can help soothe your pet's mood is the Music My Pet CD. It was specifically designed to calm pets, based on the results of those recent pet anxiety studies. The music on this CD uses only those sounds and instruments that were proven to relax pets. After playing with your pet you can turn on this great CD and both of you can relax. This CD is also quite helpful to calm pets during stressful situations, like when they are left home alone or during thunderstorms.


So remember, the less stress for you and your pet, the happier you both will be.

What About Pets in Haiti?

I have read about the many relief efforts in Haiti, but they are mostly focused on human needs and issues, which are considerable. However, I could not help but think about the poor pets.

It appears that there are several U.S and international groups that are banding together to help the animals, but it may be a few weeks before aid workers are sent.

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) website, they have joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). ARCH is a coalition created to address the needs of animals in Haiti following the country's devastating earthquake.

The ASPCA pledged an initial $25,000 to support ARCH's relief efforts.

The ASPCA indicated that they plan to extend their full support to Haiti's animal victims by joining forces and collaborating with other organizations. USA Today indicated that a team of animal responders is awaiting access to Haiti to begin animal relief with medications, food, bandages, and other supplies. There are millions of goats, livestock, stray dogs and other animals affected.

So relief is coming for the animals. We hope that it comes in time.

German Shepherds - Popular Breed

The German Shepherd is the third most popular dog breed according to the AKC.

Here are some pros and cons about choosing a German Shepherd for a pet:

They are often wonderful dogs that may be considered "serious" and maybe even a little "shy around strangers."

Loyal companions, they love their owners and are devoted pets. Be sure to get your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and closely looking at the pup's parents personalities. Some new lines of German shepherds are nervous and have been associated with "fear biting." Others can have dominant personalities with a potential for aggression.

Training is very important with this breed since they are very smart and are eager to please. There is not better dog than a happy, healthy, well-trained German Shepherd.

They do have some genetic hip problems so ask the breeder if the dog and both parents have certified hips.

Golden Retrievers - Popular Breed

Golden Retrievers are the second most popular dog according to the AKC.



Here are some pros and cons about choosing a Golden Retriever as a pet:

They are great dogs, sweet, social, and can be very laid back. Unfortunately, because of the breed's increased popularity there has been some in-breeding and this has caused some lines to be less consistently laid back.

Some of the breed lines can be very nervous, anxious, hyperactive and aggressive. If you choose this breed, it is important to go to a reputable breeder and look closely at the parent's personalities whenever possible. I would also call references from previous litters to find out the adult personalities of the dogs. Golden Retrievers, like the Labrador Retriever, require plenty of attention, exercise, and stimulation-especially during the first 2 years of life. Their hair is long and may require more care than other shorthaired breeds.

Generally, these dogs are happiest if they are given the opportunity for lots of exercise. They make great companions if you like to play fetch in the yard or enjoy a loyal jogging partner. As with any large dog, if they become ill or injured they can be hard to carry or manipulate if they require assistance.

Labrador Retriever - Popular Breed

Did you know that Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed?


Their personalities are generally good with kids and they can be wonderful family dogs.

Here are some pros and cons about choosing a Lab for your pet.

Be aware that there are many breed lines that are very hyperactive and eager to chew on everything, as well as some that are known to be aggressive and have the potential to be fear biters. Be sure to get your Labrador Retriever from a reputable breeder and closely look at the parent's personalities for indications of these traits.

An important consideration before owning a Lab is evaluating how much available time you have for exercise, grooming, and training. Labs are known to mature late – they can act like a puppy for 2 to 4 years.

While some pet owners may love this trait, many pet owners who wanted a very calm, laid-back pet wonder, "When is he going to grow up?" It is important to make sure you have the time, interest, and space to give a Labrador Retriever plenty of exercise and stimulation.

If you do not have the time or interest to give a Lab the proper amount of play and exercise, then this breed is not for you. In addition, this breed does a fair bit of shedding and it is important to regularly brush your dog if you don't want hair all over your home. Finally, training is very important in Labs. They are smart and eager to please but you will need to teach them what you expect. A well-trained Lab is a wonderful pet!

Labrador Retrievers are also known to have several orthopedic problems e.g. hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis. They also can get some heart problems. Genetic predispositions such as these make choosing your dog from a reputable breeder that much more important.

Although this opinion discusses many of the negative aspects of this breed, it is still one of my favorites. Take time to choose the right one and give him what he needs to be happy and you will have a very special dog. Just remember, you'll need to make sure you eat your "Wheaties" to keep up with this breed!