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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, the dog's diet plays an immensely important role for his Health. It is important that the diet is high quality on the one hand and on the other individually tailored to the needs of the dog. 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
In addition to an adapted 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 condition.
It doesn't always have to be the classic walk to get your four-legged friend out and about. There are endless possibilities to keep your dog - and as a great side effect yourself - fit.
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?
No matter whether young or old, big or small - there is a suitable suitable sport. 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 stopped. 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 taken into consideration before embarking on (more demanding) sporting tasks:
| To be considered | Brief description |
|---|---|
| Breed | The breed plays a role in the choice of sport. With short-legged or short-headed dogs, special care should be taken with demanding sporting activities. |
| Age | Be careful with puppies and senior dogs and avoid overstraining them. |
| Health | The be-all and end-all of dog sports is the dog's general physical and health
condition. A consultation and an examination by a vet in advance will provide certainty and 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 is strengthened. Tackling a task together usually creates a lasting bond between the partners. You get to know each other even better and react to the smallest signals and and refine their ability to read each other's body language. In addition, exercise releases the happiness hormones endorphins in both humans and dogs Happiness hormones endorphin are released.
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. |
| Cani-cross * | The 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. |
| Obe-dience | 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. |
| Dog-dancing | 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. |
| Man trailing | In mantrailing, the dog orientates itself on the individual scent of the person on the trail and not, as in classic tracking work, on the ground injury. Hunting dogs naturally take a great liking to this |
| Drift ball | The dog has to 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. |
| Walking | The steady upward movement is a great endurance and muscle-building exercise. |
| Cycling | A great endurance and cardio workout at a speed adapted to the dog. Suitable cycling accessories make cycling together easier |
| 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) |
