Owning a dog is a major commitment that will last, on average, 10 to 15 years. A dog requires at least 1-2 hours of dedicated attention a day including any form of a walk, playtime, enrichment activities, training or cuddle time. Exercise is one of the most important items that a dog requires.  If a dog gets bored, or has lack of exercise they are more apt to misbehave. They need to burn energy, and if you aren’t providing that for them, they will find their own entertainment which might not be a good choice.

It doesn’t matter if your dog is young, old, three-legged, or one that isn’t a fan of being outside – it is important to get your dog out for exercise! Exercise helps keep a dog’s heart healthy, joints strong, and weight under control. Veterinarians say that more than half of the dogs they see are overweight.                                                                                                                                                     Which Naughty Puppy Wore

                                                                                                                                                                            the Sparkles Better?

There are several breeds of dogs and many require different types of activity. When you decide how much time you have to offer a pet, you should research the various breeds and find one that will match your wants and needs. Border collies and Australian shepherds are two examples of dog breeds with high activity needs. Bulldogs and chow chows are two breeds with minimal fitness requirements. These breeds do best with brief daily walks.

Getting a dog is a life-changing decision, and the commitment can be intimidating at first. But in exchange for your time, care, and attention, your dog will give you a lifetime of love and companionship.