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Does Golden Retriever Need Exercise

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The Dog Is Gaining Weight

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A GOLDEN RETRIEVER NEED?

If your dog begins to show signs of being overweight, a good explanation for it is that they are not getting enough exercise.;As with humans, the balance between calories in and calories out is an indispensable health practice.

If theyre eating more calories than theyre burning off, your Golden will start gaining weight. You can fight this weight gain by feeding them less and exercising them more.;;

According to Embrace Pet Insurance, your Golden Retriever needs about 25 to 30 calories per pound of weight, per day. Dont take this as a hard rule because it can vary depending on the dogs current activity level. However, its a good place to start.

Golden Retrievers That Need A Home Now

By Andrea Powell

There are hundreds of benefits to owning a dog. If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved.

Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners.

Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend.

Following A Laser Pointer

Cats arent the only animal that can enjoy playing with a laser pointer. In reality, dogs such as golden retrievers can have plenty of fun with these toys as well.

Simply shine it around the room or any other indoor space and watch them follow and chase the red dot. When using a laser pointer, always be careful to avoid shining it in your poochs eyes directly. If this happens, it can lead to retinal damage.

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Mental Stimulation For Golden Retrievers

All dogs need an outlet for their minds. If they are not provided the opportunity to challenge their minds they will come up with their own ways to achieve this. This usually manifests itself in bad behavior such as excessive barking, digging, escaping and other destructive behaviors. Read Mental stimulation and mind enrichment for dogs to learn about the 6 types or categories of mind stimulation a mental enrichment and some great ideas to provide this.

Some ways to provide mental stimulation and enrichment include;

How Much Exercise Does A Golden Retriever Need They Need A Lot

How Much Exercise Golden Retrievers Actually Need (Puppies ...

There are a few reasons why Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercise. They were bred to be gun dogs. That means they were made to spend long periods of time running in hunting areas and retrieving birds shot by their group. Various studies of Golden Retrievers have found that they tend to become obese relatively readily without exercise. They also are prone to Canine Muscular Dystrophy may be helped by being in good physical condition.

Golden Retrievers are very athletic. They can walk for very long periodsprobably more than their humans can walk. They need at least 45 to 60 minutes once or twice a day. The walk should be brisk. They can run with you too. They are also very good at following commands while they are off leash. They prefer to live with a fenced yard so they can run when they wish.

Even though they are not sent hounds, all dogs love to sniff, so leave some walking time that allows your dog to explore by sniffing.

Golden Retrievers get bored easily and do not do well when left alone for long periods. They love human companionship. If they do not get enough exercise and stimulation they. tend to become very destructive and may chew or destroy. anything. in your home.

For these reasons, it is very important that you. give serious consideration to the time and money it will. take to own a Golden Retriever.

Recommended Reading: Shadow Mountain Goldens

How Much Exercise Does An Older Golden Retriever Need

As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. Read ;Dog exercise for a senior dog to learn more.

Many dogs develop arthritis as they age. Exercise for them becomes a balancing act. It is important to keep their joints mobile and manage weight, but too much can make them sore. Read How to exercise an arthritic dog to learn more.

Golden Retrievers are also a breed that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as they age. Read Exercise for a dog with hip dysplasia to learn more.

Common Health Problems In Golden Retrievers

Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions.

Golden Retrievers are amongst a group of breeds classed as Category Two by The Kennel Club. These are breeds of dog that have been highlighted as having points of concern visible features which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future and cause health and welfare concerns. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight.

Some of the conditions Golden Retrievers are more prone to developing include:

  • Ichthyosis a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair.
  • Also Check: What Is The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

    Playing With Your Puppy

    Many people dont have a clue as to how to play with a puppy. Getting on the ground or running around with your puppy can be one of the best ways to exercise your puppy. Fetch and tug can be options if played within certain guidelines. Not only does play with your puppy provide a way to meet your puppys exercise needs, play can serve as a bonding experience between you and your puppy.

    Whether you are playing tug or fetch or just running around with your puppy, there are a couple of rules that need to be followed. First of all, you need to be the one initiating the game and second of all, you need to teach your puppy an off switch.

    In other words, if your puppy comes up to you demanding that you play with him in an inappropriate way, dont oblige him. Instead, ignore him. For instance, if he starts pulling on your pants legs or barking at you, dont begin the play session. Wait until your puppy is behaving. Then, once you begin playing with your puppy, periodically, stop the game and make him gain control of himself before resuming the game. Ask him to do a simple behavior such as a sit or a down. Then start playing again.

    A Lack Of Exercise Can Lead To Destruction

    How Much Exercise Does A Golden Retriever Need

    Golden retrievers require plenty of exercise because of their breeding. Their genetics means these dogs need a lot of physical activity.

    If your golden retriever doesnt wind up getting the exercise it needs, that unused energy and boredom can drive them to find a release that could be destructive.

    When golden retrievers dont get the physical activity they need, they wind up, destroying just about everything around them. An unhappy golden retriever will dig, run around destructively, and do just about anything to get rid of that pent-up energy.

    If your golden retriever doesnt get enough physical activity, it wont be able to behave because it cant concentrate. It may even try to escape your house and yard, which means your dog could wind up experiencing an injury, accident, or also get lost if it escapes.

    When people complain about their golden retrievers being out of control, those people probably havent exercised their dogs enough and are at fault for their dogs actions.

    Golden retrievers have basic needs, and exercise is one of them. So, activity is an integral part of keeping your golden retriever healthy and happy.

    Recommended Reading: The Best Puppy Food For Golden Retrievers

    How Long You Should Walk Your Golden Retriever

    Regular walking is crucial for the health of the golden retriever. A long walk helps a retriever to relax its energetic mind and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells they experience along the way.

    A golden retriever could literally walk all day long and cover dozens of miles. Fortunately for us, that much walking is not required. Ideally, a good walk for a golden can be 30 to 60 minutes in length. The daily walk with your golden retriever can be done all at once, or it can be done for shorter periods of time, multiple times a day.

    The speed of the walk should be pretty fast. A brisk walk is necessary because golden retrievers are difficult to fully tire out. If youre a runner, youre in luck, because there is no better jogging partner than a golden retriever. Running with your golden, however, is not a requirement.

    Exercise For Your Puppy

    In addition to giving your puppy short, daily walks, here are some other options of exercise that your pup will enjoy.

    Swimming

    Swimming is a great exercise for all dogs as it helps strengthen and tone muscles. Its a low impact exercise that doesnt put strain on joints.

    Get your puppy familiar with water first after they are 3 months old. Let them wade into the water in a small pond, or a dog paddling pool. But its not safe to let them loose into deep water.

    Fetch

    Golden Retrievers are meant for retrieving, so a good game of fetch will come naturally to them. Just make sure to watch for any signs of tiring.

    Dog toys that move

    There is a wide variety of interactive toys for puppies that are highly stimulating and can help with exercise.

    Play with other dogs

    Having your puppy be around other dogs is a good way to give them an exercise buddy while they work on important social skills.

    Catch

    If youve heard that Golden Retrievers cant catch, were here to provide a different opinion. Whist Golden Retrievers instinctively know how to retrieve, they need to be trained from a very young age to catch.

    Recommended Reading: How To Make My Golden Retriever Gain Weight

    Hiding Favorite Treats & Puzzle Toys

    You can be sure that your Golden needs such an exercise in order to maintain its overall physical shape and improve its training. This is mainly an exercise that will stimulate your canine mentally.

    You already know that your pooch loves getting treats, so this can be used to your own benefit. Get a few of its favorite treats and try to hide them in various areas of your house.

    Then try to make your dog find its favorite treat. Sometimes it might be able to find it quickly, other times it may get tired until finding its treats.

    Your Golden Retriever might also get enough exercise with a device which dispenses treats when solving a puzzle. Do you think your Goldie is smart enough for a puzzle-solver toy?

    Note: Keep in mind not to give too many treats to your little friend!

    Do Golden Retrievers Need A Lot Of Attention

    How Much Exercise Does a Golden Retriever Need?  Golden ...

    If your thinking of getting a Golden Retriever then youre probably wondering whether or not they require a lot of attention.

    So, do Golden Retrievers need a lot of attention? Yes, Golden Retrievers need a lot of attention compared to other breeds. They need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated and vets will normally recommend that they get at least;1 hour of exercise per day.

    Golden Retrievers;are a breed that w as bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily;basis. This means that they require a lot of daily exercise;in order to be properly stimulated.

    If you are thinking of getting a Golden Retriever then you should be prepared to spend a lot of time giving it attention and exercise. If you dont then youll often find that they can become hyperactive and hard to manage and it will look for ways to get attention from you.

    There are actually many ways that you can give your Golden Retriever attention and exercise. A number of them are also very effective ways to wear them out very quickly.

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    Dog Parks And Playing With Friends Dogs

    If your puppy is on a play-date with a dog outside of your family, limit the time to 20 minutes and supervise closely. Limit your play-dates to dogs that you know well and are confident that the experience will be a good one, especially during your puppys first year.

    I dont recommend a dog park for puppies unless you are absolutely sure that every single dog that will be interacting with your puppy is friendly and gentle and will provide a good experience for your puppy. Ive heard too many stories of dogs having one bad experience with a strange dog and then becoming fearful for life. Strange dogs are not worth the risk.

    Exercise Limits For Your Golden Retriever Puppy

    Trainers who run agility classes wont let puppies compete until they are at the age of at least one-year-old. But they will let puppies get familiar with the equipment and start some basics in foundation classes, like learning to walk through an agility tunnel. Training a puppy to walk through an agility tunnel will help them instill confidence and provides some basic skills.;

    Any type of high-impact exercise like jumping for frisbee or jogging on a solid surface can cause a puppys bone to stop growing or grow incorrectly.;

    Puppies shouldnt be forced to exercise, and the amount of time spent exercising should be limited to the required amount per puppys age.

    Also Check: How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Dog

    Should You Own A Golden

    Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right?; Well then, of course everyone should have one.; Actually no they arent suitable for every family.; Its important to consider some key qualities of a golden before deciding to own one.; For some people, these qualities are features.; For others, they are bugs.; Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you.; And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever.; If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have!; They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes.; Once you have a golden, youre usually hooked for life.

    Here are a few things to consider:

    Size

    Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from 65-75 pounds. Females stand around 21.5 22.5 inches and weigh 55-65 pounds. They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must!

    Exercise

    Velcro Dog

    Leashes

    You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach.; As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off.

    Shedding

    Health

    Care

    Will A Golden Retriever Chew Up My Shoes

    How much exercise does a Golden Retriever Really Needs?

    Like many dogs, Golden Retrievers like to chew. They also like to hold things in their mouthsremember they were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Chewing is a healthy activity for dogs since it helps clean the teeth and strengthen the jawbone. The trick is to make sure you offer plenty of safe chew toys, so they wont be as tempted to nosh on your shoes. Its also useful to keep your favorite pair secure in your closet.

    Keep in mind that a dogs natural urge to chew can lead to swallowed objects, like rocks, pieces of clothing, or bits of toys. This can cause choking or obstructions that require surgery.

    Also Check: How To Draw A Golden Retriever Face

    Over Exercised Dog Symptoms

    Golden Retrievers can go hard and keep going, often not knowing when to stop. With any dog, it is possible to over-exercise them, especially in hot weather. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a dog that has overdone it. Read Overexercised dog symptoms; and Dog exercise in hot weather to learn more.

    Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Need Exercise

  • Golden Retriever is a high energy working breed.
  • A Golden Retrievers body craves for a lot of physical activity.
  • Goldens dont like sitting in the home. They are not couch potatoes.
  • Lack of exercise can cause weight gain and other health and behaviour related problems.
  • Their bodies are designed in that way.
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    Tips On How To Create Enough Space For Your Golden Retriever

    Your golden retriever needs love and attention, but it also needs enough space to play. Because dogs are territorial animals, its important that they have areas in your home for them to play, hide, and sleep. Below are some creative ways on how to create more space for your golden:

    Give Your Dog Their Own Room

    You may have heard of people crating their dogs and how great crates are? If you dont have experience with crates and dogs you may think it sounds mean or cruel to crate your dog. Dogs have a natural denning instinct, and they prefer a safe and enclosed place for their naps. Therefore, its important to crate train your pup.

    However, before you crate your dog, you need to first exercise them and take them potty. This is why dogs need some room to play and exercise before you can crate them. Parents often have a playroom in the house for their kids, so why not have a play area for your dog?

    As an example, maybe you live in a small house with a basement? You can turn your basement into a dog room. Put your dogs crate and toys down there so that they can have a space to feel safe and comfortable when youre not available.

    Using your basement as a doggie playroom will keep your dog stimulated enough, and they wont destroy your home when left alone. This can come in handy to keep your dog occupied even when youre at home, but youre unable to give your golden your full attention.

    Get a dog exercise pen or playpen

    Consider the outdoors

    Use wall shelves

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