Excersise Problems

iEpiQ · 06-19-2009, 12:29 AM

Sorry if this is in the wrong sub-forum

I have an Australian Terrier. He is about 2 months old. He's very energetic. The problem is, my parents are usually very busy and I am too sometimes gone and busy as well. We take him on a long hike not daily but when we can. I feel good when I do, cause I know my dog is happy. Sadly, the days we don't go, it's hard to get the exercise he needs. I take him outside to play fetch, but I don't feel it's enough. I was wondering if any of you guys know how to quickly burn off all that "Hyperness" that he gets when he is just laying around. This may sound like a "Cheat" for excerise, but I want something that will be healthy for the dog as well. THANKS!

- Yong

rosemaryninja · 06-19-2009, 04:56 AM

I don't know what else to tell you other than you need to walk your dog. Walks are essential for a dog's physical and mental health. He is gonna get even more energetic in the next few months than he is right now... so start making room in your schedule for a 40 minute walk every day at a minimum.

If you absolutely can't spare the time, look into hiring a dog walker.

pugmom · 06-19-2009, 06:34 AM

Try doing a search for "Flirt Pole"...its a great way to expend some energy.

FourIsCompany · 06-19-2009, 07:54 AM

If this is a 2 month old puppy, as the OP states, he shouldn't be leaving the yard or going on hikes or even walks... and definitely shouldn't be playing on a flirt pole.

An important element is mental exercise, though. If you spend 5 minutes in training sessions a day, you might find that helps.

If he is older than 4 months, and has had all his shots, then find the time to take him for walks. Make it a priority in your life. Playing fetch is great to wear him out, but walking provides bonding and roaming that the dog needs. That's the only advice I can give about that.

pugmom · 06-19-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourIsCompany

If this is a 2 month old puppy, as the OP states, he shouldn't be leaving the yard or going on hikes or even walks... and definitely shouldn't be playing on a flirt pole.

An important element is mental exercise, though. If you spend 5 minutes in training sessions a day, you might find that helps.

If he is older than 4 months, and has had all his shots, then find the time to take him for walks. Make it a priority in your life. Playing fetch is great to wear him out, but walking provides bonding and roaming that the dog needs. That's the only advice I can give about that.

I will admit that I did not see how old the puppy was.....but why on earth could a puppy not play w/a flirt pole?...as long as they are not being jerked around or repeatedly jumping....I don't see any difference then playing w/any other toy

are you sure you know what a flirt pole is?....you don't play ON it...the puppy plays WITH it

while I don't recommend that the flirt pole be used instead of daily walks .....it can be used to add to play or training time...or on the days you just cant take that long walk you normally do.

cshellenberger · 06-19-2009, 08:52 AM

The flirt pole is an excellent idea as long as there is no jumping involved, far better at this age than walking. I agree with the training as well of course, 5 minute sessions 3-4 times a day to wear him out mentally as well as a puppy class for socialization. Go to the training forum and search the sticky's, I suggest Doggy Zen, Rev Up/Cool Down and Targeting AKA "Touch"

FourIsCompany · 06-19-2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugmom

are you sure you know what a flirt pole is?....

Yes, I know what it is. I have one. And it usually involves jumping and running, changing direction at high speed and much stress on the joints. A tug toy would be much more the speed of a 2 month old puppy.

I am always very cautious when suggesting a flirt pole because there are cautions that (IMO) should go with the recommendation, one being that the puppy's limbs and joints should be fully developed.

- Start SLOW with short sessions (I started with 5 minutes)
- Do a warm up ahead of time and a nice walk afterward to cool down.
- Don't jump the dogs high.
- Work on a soft surface like lawn or tilled dirt

pugmom · 06-19-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourIsCompany

Yes, I know what it is. I have one. And it usually involves jumping and running, changing direction at high speed and much stress on the joints. A tug toy would be much more the speed of a 2 month old puppy.

I am always very cautious when suggesting a flirt pole because there are cautions that (IMO) should go with the recommendation, one being that the puppy's limbs and joints should be fully developed.

- Start SLOW with short sessions (I started with 5 minutes)
- Do a warm up ahead of time and a nice walk afterward to cool down.
- Don't jump the dogs high.
- Work on a soft surface like lawn or tilled dirt

Since a flirt pole is manually operated ...you chose the speed, the direction and the height.....so if you don't want to change directions at high speeds...then don't...if you don't want the puppy jumping...then keep it at a low level or on the ground..

Obviously any recommendations for tools...ie..crates, toys, collars, harnesses... all have cautions...and Like any tool a flirt pole needs to be used in moderation appropriate for each animal.

You should always IMO do your research before implementing any of the above

which is why I said "do a search on flirt poles".....not "run out and start using a flirt pole today with reckless abandon"...

and with regard to a tug toy being more "the speed of a 2 mo old puppy" then a flirt pole....well thats your opinion and you are in-tilted to it...but it should be stated as such and not fact.

IMO a tug toy has just as much risk of being used improperly.

iEpiQ · 06-19-2009, 12:09 PM

Wow! Thanks you guys! There is a lot of information that really answers my question, thank you all!!!!!!!!!1

-Yong