The Calgary Humane Society


Careers at the Calgary Humane Society Overview Cats
	Adopting a Cat Cat Body Language Cat Housesoiling Checklist Cat Run Instructions Cat Toys and How To Use Them Cat Types Controlling Undesirable Behaviours in Cats Destructive Scratching Detering Cats From Specific Areas Developmental Stages of Kitten Behaviour Excessive Nocturnal Activity In Cats Exercise For Cats Feline Aggression Types and Suggestions Feline Marking Behaviours Feline Redirected Aggression Introducing Your New Cat to Your Other Pets Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play Play Aggression In Cats Play With Your Cat Preventing Litter Box Issues Solving Litter Box Problems The Inside Story Your Cat: Indoors or Out? Your Talkative Cat
Dogs
	Aggressive Behaviour, Part 1 Aggressive Behaviour, Part 2 And Baby Makes Four... Barking Calming Signals Children and Dogs Cognitive Dysfunction Controlling Jumping Controlling Pulling and Lunging Crate Games Crate Training Your Dog Deaf Dog Training Destructive Chewing Developmental Stages of Puppy Behaviour Digging Dogs Dog Interactions Dog Toys and How to Use Them Dog Training Classes Dog Training Equipment Excitable and Disobedient Dogs Exercise For Dogs Fearful or Shy Dogs Food Bowl Exercises Head Collars Housetraining Your Adult Dog How To Handle a Dog Fight Inside or Out? Introducing Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog Kong Recipes and Information Leash Induced Aggression Microwaved Beef Liver Training Treats Muzzles Nothing In Life Is Free Puppy Nipping and Rough Play Relationship Building Separation Anxiety Step In Harness and Double Ended Leash Submissive and Excitement Urination The Best Dog For You Training Tether Understanding Dog Aggression
General
	Bibliography Fears, Phobias and Anxieties Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet Helpful Websites and Calgary Contacts Plants That Are Dangerous To Your Pet Preparing Your Pet for Baby's Arrival Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains Unusual Eating Habits in Dogs and Cats

Exercise (Dogs)

Exercise is a significant part of a dog’s physical and mental well-being. Every dog has different exercise requirements depending on their energy level, age and size. Exercise helps to reduce stress and physically tire the dog.

All breeds of dogs were bred with an intended purpose in mind. In our current society many dogs have lost the opportunity to do these specific jobs but they still have the need to do something; therefore activities/exercise help fulfill this need.

A common and effective way of exercising your dog is by walking him/her. It allows them to experience many stimulus including smells. Dogs find using their noses to be very calming and relaxing. Walking with your dog on leash at a brisk pace can be good for both of you and your dog will view you as the leader, which has many relationship benefits. For some dogs, a walk with no other stimulation (i.e. dogs, toys, balls, etc) can result in a quiet and relaxed companion.

Many dogs enjoy fetch games with balls, Kongs, etc. These games can be fun for both people and dogs. Games of fetch and fast movement increase a dog’s adrenaline but it is important to monitor your dog’s energy level after fast games to note if there is an increase or decrease. Successful exercise is gauged by the way the dog responds to the activity and their reaction after it is over. If your dog cannot settle down after being exercised, he may be too stimulated. In which case, trying a long leash walk with your dog may be more suitable.

A mixture of different types of exercise is mentally stimulating for your dog. Taking your dog to different parks, playing with different dogs, playing ball and leash walks can vary the experiences. When you and your dog are at home you can do many fun games in the house that give a work out to your dog both mentally and physically. Look at our Canine Indoor Exercise Tips handout for more information.