Lack of Physical and mental exercise can lead to a majority of behavioural problems arising. All dogs, no matter what size, need to be exercised on a daily basis outside of your home environment. Even the smallest dog in the largest house needs to be walked outside of it’s home and garden. A Large dog does not require a large home or garden, provided that on a daily basis it is exercised correctly.
There are many ways to exercise your dog. However, first you must take into account his or her energy levels. An active, high energy dog will require more than just a lead walk around the block. A long run off lead may be enough for some dogs. However, if you find that after a run your dog is still unable to relax, you may want to incorporate some games, such as hide and seek, or find the toy, to get your dog using all of it’s senses, and mentally stimulating him or her.
If you have a dog that likes water, you may want to swim him or her on warm days. Hydrotherapy pools are a safe place to do this. If you intend to swim your dog outside, please ensure it is safe to do so and that the current is not too strong. Swimming uses both physical and mental energy, and puts no pressure on their joints, so can be especially good for older dogs or dogs with joint problems.
You may take up agility, obedience, field trials or working trials. These will help to stimulate your dogs natural behaviours and abilities.
If you are having recall problems, finding a secure, closed in area can be difficult, however, worth while. Allowing your dog time off lead and playing with your dog, and by this I do not mean just being the ball thrower, I mean using toys such as a ball on a rope or tug rope to actually play and interact with your dog in a controlled manner, not allowing your dog to take the toy from you, but to play with you. Therefore, increasing the bond between handler and dog and improving your recall problem.
Remember to leave all exercise sessions on a good note. Do not over do it so that your dog gets bored. Always leave him or her wanting more.
And remember:
A dog that will play with you is a dog that will work for you.