Diet and exercise as the key to success

Most dog owners are keen to keep their dogs healthy and fit for as long as possible. The foundation of a long, healthy dog's life is a healthy lifestyle, just as it is for us humans. And unsurprisingly, this also consists of a balanced diet and regular exercise for dogs.

Needs-based nutrition

Of course, a dog's diet plays an immensely important role in its health. It is important that the diet is both of high quality and as personalised as possible to the dog's needs. This depends on various factors:

Age (puppy, adult, senior)

Breed or size (small to xxl)

General condition (weight, state of health, condition of skin and coat, dental health...)

Intolerances, allergies, illnesses or other known problems

Preferences

Activity level

We are happy to help you choose the right diet for your dog with our free veterinary advice.

Regular exercise

<pIn addition to an appropriate diet, daily exercise plays a role in keeping dogs healthy. Important: This must also be adapted to the age and general condition of the dog.

It doesn't always have to be the classic walk that gives your four-legged friend a run. There are endless ways to keep your dog - and as a great side effect, yourself - fit.

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Try something new

It's worth trying something new, thinking outside the box and bringing some variety into your everyday life. We have collected a fewinspirations for sports and activities with your dog here.

But first and foremost, one thing is important: having fun together! Find something that both you and your furry partner will enjoy.

Sport from puppy to old age?

Whether young or old, big or small - there is a suitable sport for every dog. When choosing , however, it is particularly important to be prudent and sensible with puppies and seniors:

Puppies: With puppies, there is a danger of wanting/doing too much too quickly, as they are usually full of energy and zest for action and can hardly be slowed down. However, it is important to bear in mind that the joints of young dogs should be spared while they are still growing in order to achieve their full functionality later on. However, a playful introduction makes sense.
Seniors: For seniors, take: time and consideration and look closely. Slowly and cautiously build up training and see a vet immediately if there are any abnormalities.

Starting out in dog sports - what do I need to consider first?

Exercise is essential for dogs. However, a few factors should be considered before starting (more demanding) sporting tasks:

To be considered	Brief description
Breed	The breed plays a role in the choice of sport. Particular care should be taken with short-legged or short-headed dogs during demanding sporting activities.
Age	Be careful with puppies and seniors and avoid overstraining them.
Health	The be-all and end-all of dog sports is the dog's general physical condition and state of health. A consultation and an examination by a vet in advance will provide certainty about the status quo and the training possibilities with the dog.

Once these points have been clarified, nothing should stand in the way of sporting fun!

Strong bond

In addition to physical fitness, the intensive activity with the dog also strengthens the relationship between humans and animals. Tackling a task together usually creates a lasting bond between the partners. They get to know each other even better, react to the smallest signals and refine their ability to read each other's body language. In addition, exercise releases the happiness hormone endorphins in both humans and dogs.

Inspiration: sports for dogs

We have compiled a list of ideas for dog sports:

Type of sport	Short description
Pulling sport*	The dog pulls something behind it alone or with other dogs. This includes dog sports such as dog sledding, bikejoring or skijoring
Agility*	Speed, dexterity and coordination skills as well as obedience are required in the agility course consisting of slalom, tunnels etc
Canicross*	This cross-country course is perfect for sporty dogs and owners who love to run. The dog is connected to its owner by an elasticated lead attached to the belly strap and pulls the owner both on flat terrain and uphill
Dog Frisbee*	Available in mini and long distance versions. The aim is to catch the discs and collect points
Obedience	The focus here is on harmonious communication between two and four-legged friends. The dog must retrieve objects and also obey commands at a distance
Rally obedience	Rally obedience combines elements of agility and obedience
Dogdancing	The development of a joint choreography (two- and four-legged friends) consisting of basic obedience, tricks and tricks to suitable music are the core elements of dancing
Mantrailing	In mantrailing, the dog orientates itself on the individual scent of the person on the track and not, as in classic tracking work, on the ground injury. Hunting dogs naturally find this a great favourite
Drift ball	The dog must follow the handler's instructions and drive 8 exercise balls (the sheep) of different sizes into a gate (the pasture) one after the other within 15 minutes
Dummy training	Dummy training utilises and activates the play instinct, hunting instinct, the joy of chasing after, tracking down and retrieving.
Hiking	The steady uphill movement is a great endurance and muscle-building workout
Cycling	A great endurance and cardio workout at a speed adapted to the dog. Suitable cycling accessories make it easier to cycle together.
Jogging	Good endurance and cardio training for humans and animals. Tip: Start training slowly and increase steadily (e.g. 5 min jogging, 5 min walking)