Exercising Small Dogs

Exceptional Canine: Active Dog

By Stacey Brecher for Exceptional Canine

Just like you, your small dog needs exercise to stay healthy and happy. Small dogs are defined as those that weigh less than 22 pounds and who are shorter than 16 inches.

“Exercise helps to keep your pet physically fit, mentally secure, socially engaged and emotionally happy,” says Lori Morton-Feazell, Director of Animal Care and Education for Petco. “It also reduces stress and deters negative behaviors such as chewing, digging and barking.”

If you are considering an exercise plan because you believe your pooch is overweight, your veterinarian can examine your dog and let you know if he needs to lose a few pounds. If your dog has difficulty walking or playing, he could be overweight, and it will be important to start any exercise regime slowly to build up endurance and lung capacity.

Even if your small dog is the proper weight and is healthy, it is still important to check with your veterinarian to learn about any specific precautions you may need to be aware about for your dog’s breed, like breathing problems. Additionally, if it has been a while since your dog has exercised, start slow with short walks and play sessions.

 Always take your dog’s age, breed and health into account when starting any exercise routine.  “Begin with a 15-minute walk each day, and after the first week increase it by 5 minutes,” Morton-Feazell recommends. “Watch your dog for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or their tongue hanging out, and remember if it is a long walk, take water to give to your dog. If your dog is used to exercise, a 30-60 minute walk daily is enough to keep him physically fit and emotionally happy.”

Keep in mind that the amount of exercise your dog needs is not equivalent to his size, but rather to his breed. For example, a small Jack Russell Terrier requires more exercise than the much larger Great Dane. Conversely, a Labrador Retriever is a very active dog and would need more exercise than a tea cup Poodle. Ask your vet about how much exercise your particular breed of dog should be getting.

Of course going on walks isn’t the only way to exercise your pup. Other options include obedience training and agility training. “Try teaching him a new trick,” says Morton-Feazell. “Some simple ideas are give paw, high five, sit and stay. This can help keep your dog emotionally happy and social.”

As far as agility training goes, many small breeds are very agile, and doing agility training through simple obstacles is a great way to experience the human/animal bond with your dog, in addition to providing exercise.

The key to getting the most out of an exercise program is getting your dog’s heart rate up, which will cause her to have a good pant. “Be careful not to over-exercise your dog and cause heavy panting or heavy breathing,” explains Morton-Feazell. “Give your dog breaks to catch his or her breath and get a drink of water.”

The best way to encourage your small dog to exercise is by incorporating toys into the workout. Puppies in particular love to chase toys and put them in their mouths. Some options for older small dogs are balls, frisbees, Kongs or other toys that can be thrown for your dog to retrieve. Morton-Feazell advises that you pick the right size toy for your dog. Don’t give your small dog a large toy as they may not want to play with it. You also want to make sure that the toy is large enough to not get stuck in the dog’s throat and cause an injury.

Most of all, keep in mind that all small dogs are different and will receive the most benefit from different types of exercises. There are no exercises that are off limits for your small dog, although some modifications can be made to accommodate their size. While playing, walking or training your dog, notice if he is tired, panting excessively or thirsty. These are signs that you may be pushing him too hard and that he needs a break and/or water.

Stacey Brecher is an editor at Woman’s World magazine, and a contributor to Animal Fair magazine. Stacey's blogs have previously appeared on Exceptional Canine.

The Joys of Walking Your Dog

The Dog Daily: Health Care

By Liz Palika for The Dog Daily

Many dog owners seem to feel that walking their dog is something that must be done; a chore that goes along with dog ownership. But walking your dog doesn't have to be a chore—it can be so much more. When you're out walking your dog, you are spending time together, interacting with each other, and sharing the sights and sounds of the world around you.

The time spent walking your dog is also a great time to refresh training skills. Obviously, walking your dog is no fun if she is dragging you down the street, so teaching her to walk nicely on the leash is a good skill to emphasize. Have a few treats in one pocket, or if your dog isn't really motivated by treats, take a favorite small toy. When your dog begins to surge forward on the leash (before she is pulling hard), show her the treat or toy, tell her "Sweetie, watch me!" and make a 180-degree turn. Use the treat or toy to make sure she turns with you, and praise her, "Good girl! Super!" Give her the treat or let her play with her toy for a few moments. After a few surprising turns, she will begin to keep an eye on you when you're out walking. When she does, praise her.

Walking your dog is a wonderful time to meet and greet your neighbors. To protect your neighbors from your dog's enthusiastic greetings and dirty paws, teach your dog to sit when people greet her by holding her collar with one hand and tucking her hips under her with the other hand. Don't let your neighbors pet her while she's misbehaving; that would reward her bad behavior. However, once she's sitting (even if you have to help her do it), your neighbors can greet her and make a fuss over her.

You can also give your dog a job to do while walking. You might be amazed at how much satisfaction your dog will get from something as simply as carrying some of your junk mail home from the mailbox! Put a rubber band or two around several pieces of junk mail or advertisements, making the mail into a tube shape. Hand it to your dog and tell her, "Take it!" and encourage her to follow you with it. Praise her, "Good girl to take it! Super!" Begin by having her carry it just a few steps and make a big deal over her efforts. With praise and encouragement, she will be able to carry it longer, or even to carry a small bag home from the grocery store.

Walking your dog is so much more than just a chore. While walking your dog you are outside in the fresh air, you're getting some exercise, you're meeting people and you're practicing your dog's social and training skills. All these things are wonderful ways to strengthen your relationship with your dog.

—Liz Palika

Small Dogs vs. Big Dogs

Some dogs are small and some are big. The end.

Just kidding.

Today’s post is less about actual size and more about how small dogs are treated compared to their larger canine friends because how we treat small dogs has, in many ways, facilitated the widespread notion that all small dogs bark a lot and are aggressive.

As a TAGS volunteer, I have met many fantastic dogs who are up for adoption. When I’m in pet stores doing outreach, I often hear families who are looking for a dog say that they don’t want a small dog because they are known to be aggressive and therefore not good with kids. While it’s true that we have dogs up for adoption who we would not recommend to a family with small children, this is not a blanket statement for all of our small dogs. Some of our larger dogs are also not suited for a life with kids, and some of our small dogs would be great with anyone and everyone.

Every small dog I have ever met is yappy, and you want me to believe that it’s just a stereotype?

It’s a common assumption that because these dogs are little, they bark more and act tough as compensation when they feel the need to defend themselves against strangers and larger animals. Being defensive is unfortunately common for some dogs depending on what they have experienced in their lives, but that said, it’s not all about size. Dogs probably don’t even know that size means anything in the human world. Big or little, a dog who is taught or encouraged to be defensive, protective or dominant is going to display that behaviour. Moreover, any dog, regardless of size, can feel intimidated by another dog or animal or human. Why else have so many large dogs been put in their place by a cat? Why do I know a Lab who is afraid of pugs?

Sheldon is a small breed, and yet he didn't make a peep
when he visited students at UOIT and Durham College. 

But I trained both of my dogs and my terrier barks all the time, while my husky is quiet. 

Whether you are aware of it or not, the way humans treat small dogs compared to large dogs is a major factor in the way that smaller breeds conduct themselves. Even if they were trained in the same obedience class as a large breed, their “yappy and aggressive” behaviour can emerge over time based on day-to-day interactions. For example, when a small dog growls or tries to “act tough,” it is common for people to think this behaviour is not a concern because the dog is small. Some people even think it is cute that the dog is trying to “act like a big dog.” If your German shepherd were to bare his teeth and growl at your guest, too, would it be so cute? I doubt it.

 Other ways we treat small dogs differently than large dogs

At the TAGS dog park, all dogs wait nicely
for a treat, no matter what their size is! 

Giving attention/Greeting new people: When small dogs are looking for attention or for a treat, they might go up on their hind legs and rest their front paws on their owner’s legs, some even jump up into this position until they are told to sit for their treat. However, it’s likely that you trained your large breed to go straight into the sitting position or else risk being knocked over.

Going on a walk: While on a walk, large dogs who are considered to be good at walking on a leash are not allowed to pull and generally walk beside or behind their owner. Smaller breeds pull, too, but because they are small and easy to scoop up or otherwise control, owners do not worry as much about their little dog leading up front.

Playing: If you wouldn't feel comfortable letting a large dog  nibble on your hand during playtime, then don't let the little one do it either!

So what does all this have to do with small dogs being yappy or aggressive? 

While pulling on a walk is not necessarily a sign of aggression, it is similar in the mind of the dog. If your Chihuahua is allowed to jump up, pull on a walk and otherwise do anything he wants, then why isn’t he allowed to bark at everyone? Why can’t he growl in the dog park when he’s allowed to growl at home? These are all types of dominant behaviour, but “yappy” and “aggressive” have become the buzz words for small breeds because these are the habits that are most noticeable to others.

Help break the cycle!

Rocky at PetSmart a few months ago.
Rocky has since been adopted! 

Dogs bark, it's true, but learning how our actions can affect our dog's behaviour is key, especially if they are little and often allowed to get away with negative behaviour. Take note of when you might be treating your little dog differently, and work on correcting your own habits. In time, the dog's habits will improve, too, and people will notice: During a PetSmart shift with Rocky, a customer commented on how quiet he was "for a little dog." While the ultimate goal is to not have it be assumed in the first place that Rocky would be loud just because he's part Chihuahua, part miniature pinscher, maybe that woman has a slightly different perspective on small dogs now.

Paws for Mental Health: Ontario Shores 2k Paws-a-Thon Dog Walk

                                     

On Sunday, May 26, 2013, all are welcome to attend the Paws for Mental Health 2k Paws-a-Thon Dog Walk!

Where/When
Sunday, May 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
700 Gordon Street, Whitby

Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness severe enough to affect their daily activities? The sad reality is that even more than that will become affected by mental illness or affected by the mental illness of someone close to them. 

Did you know that dogs are effective in helping to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and and other aspects of mental illness?

This event will showcase the therapeutic benefits and joys that dogs bring!

When you support Ontario Shores, you are providing patients with specialized, recovery-focused mental health care and the benefits of a broad range of innovative research. You also join the important and growing public conversation about mental health. This walk-a-thon event will support the building of a new Family Resource Centre and Staff Health and Wellness programs at Ontario Shores. 

Also, The Animal Guardian Society (that's us!) will be joining dog lovers, owners and those supporting Ontario Shores in what should be a lovely afternoon! We will have a booth, staffed by our knowledgeable volunteers. Purchase some of our exciting gift items, including TAGS T-shirts, doggy jackets, magnets, stickers and toys.

Me and My Shadow

The following adoption tale came to us from Nomi Berger, a TAGS volunteer.

"May I pat your dog?"

It was a question I posed to many of the dog owners I met on my early morning, fall walks around the Rosedale reservoir.

If the answer was "yes," I'd smile gratefully and bend to stroke the top of yet another warm and furry head.

"Do you have a dog?" I'd invariably be asked.

"No," I'd reply. "I'm just living vicariously."

Was it my imagination, or were the looks I'd receive slightly sad, almost pitying?

As a child growing up in a highly allergic family, I'd never owned a pet. As a woman with a successful career and an active social and cultural life, having a pet had never crossed my mind.

Then, in late middle age, I'd found myself with no family, no career (due to the diagnosis of a chronic neuromuscular disease) and a life of increasing pain and decreasing mobility.

In an effort to stay limber, I'd begun taking long walks through the city. But as time passed, and my body grew stiffer and more resistant to the concrete sidewalks, I'd turned instead to the softer earth paths of the reservoir.

It was there that I'd discovered a delightful and unexpected diversion: dog watching.

Photo courtesy of Gareth Williams.

Some of the dogs were on leashes, bouncing or plodding, sprinting or chugging, alongside their owners. Others were off leash, barking as they chased after squirrels or raced to catch bright rubber balls and frayed plastic Frisbees.

Their owners chatted easily among themselves as they strode together in pairs and in groups, calling out a cheerful "’morning" to everyone they passed—even solitary figures like me.

Oh, how I'd envied them.

Dogs and owners alike.

I'd envied their closeness. Their unique relationships. Their shared experiences. They were like privileged members of an exclusive club, bound by mutual love and loyalty and respect.

Suddenly, I wanted to be part of that club.

Throughout the winter, as my pain grew worse and my walks grew shorter, I immersed myself in all things dog. I watched every dog program on TV, even the reruns. I memorized the names of every dog breed recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club. I wept for every dog on every online rescue site.

By spring, I’d made up my mind.

I would adopt a dog.

One Saturday morning in early May, I found her.

Half maltese, half yorkshire terrier, her pert, whiskered face with  impossibly long eyelashes, gazed out at me from the computer screen.

And I fell in love.

We met in the flesh that same afternoon. And on Sunday—her third birthday—she was officially mine.

I renamed her Shadow. Because of her smoky, black and gray colouring and because, within hours of entering my world, she literally became my shadow.

In the days that followed, I was stunned by the depth of my love for her. It was a love unlike anything I'd ever felt before. Fierce and protective. So intense that it made my chest ache and brought tears to my eyes.

With her came a new routine, a broadening of my narrow world. Each morning, I'd open the baby gate to the empty storage closet I'd turned into her bedroom (complete with wallpaper, a shelf lined with dog care products and whimsical china dogs, and assorted plush toys propped up on the floor), and there she'd be.

Shadow

My reason for getting up every day. The perky, welcoming presence that dulled my pain for a while. The tender, wriggling bundle of warmth that allowed me some temporary peace.

We were equal partners, Shadow and I, starting together from scratch.

Just as I'd never walked a dog before, she'd never been walked before. Her original owners had simply opened the back door of their house and let her out into their yard.

I bought a harness and leash and began our mutual training by walking her up and down the corridor outside my apartment. We then progressed to the large, landscaped garden with its stone pathways off the third floor of the apartment building itself.

I ignored the new, gnawing pain in my right shoulder and focused solely on Shadow. My goal: to become an expert dog walker while making her an expert at being walked.

Finally, after weeks of practice, I felt secure enough to attempt our first trip to the reservoir two blocks away.

My heart was pounding as I led her across a busy street for the first time. I held my breath, then slowly released it, as we crossed the second street without incident.

This was it.

I straightened my back, tightened my grip on the leash and gave it a gentle tug. Then, woman and dog moved forward in perfect synch onto the grounds of the reservoir.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Shadow marching along next to me on her short, slender legs. As if sensing my gaze, she turned her head and glanced up at me. I mouthed a flurry of proud, happy kisses her way, then returned my attention to the path ahead.

A woman I'd seen on many of my walks was coming toward us, her brown standard poodle, Eli, prancing regally beside her.

Once again, I held my breath.

"’Morning," she said as she drew closer.

"’Morning," I replied.

And then I waited. For her to notice.

Without breaking stride, she called back over her shoulder, "You finally got a dog! Good for you."

I could actually feel my smile as it stretched across my face.

"Y-e-s!" My free fist pumped the air. "We did it, little dog, we did it!"

Shadow's reward: not one but three of her favourite liver treats and a series of tight, ecstatic hugs.

After that, my spirits soared with every step we took along the reservoir's wide path.

"’Morning" came the usual greeting, as dogs and owners passed us, in pairs and in groups.

"’Morning," I echoed, nearly giddy with excitement now.

I was oblivious to my body as I walked, longer and faster than I'd been able to walk in months.

I felt a space opening up around me, like a pair of welcoming arms, granting me access, at last, to that exclusive club, and issuing me a lifetime membership.

For as long as I had my Shadow.

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