Border Collies are a breed that are intelligent and easy to train. They were initially developed for the rapid and nimble task of herding sheep. A Border Collie can run up to 30 miles per hour, which is faster than many other working dogs. They need a lot of daily exercise because they are such lively dogs. It’s crucial to provide Border Collies an active lifestyle, whether it’s fetching a ball or herding animals.
Why do herding dogs become agitated?
It’s not appealing. Any breed can be reactive, but herding breeds like border collies and cattle dogs are particularly prone to it. These dogs were bred to have laser-like attention and quick reactions to environmental changes.
How much exercise is required for a herding dog?
Having energy is important for a dog. Every dog, regardless of size, needs a physical outlet to burn off excess energy and keep themselves healthy and active. Regular exercise can help your dog’s mental health and lessen undesirable behaviors brought on by boredom or worry. Every animal is unique, therefore it’s crucial to keep that in mind when modifying your program. Age, injury, and environmental factors must all be taken into consideration, including extreme weather.
We may categorize dogs based on breeds and what they were bred to do for their owners as a general rule of thumb for exercise. But keep in mind to adjust your program to your dog’s requirements.
Herding group
Shepherds, sheepdogs, and collies are a few of these canines. They are comparable to a dog’s bouncing ball. They should engage in at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day due to their extremely high activity requirements. Make herding dogs use their brains—they were designed to have above-average intellect as well! To keep the regimen interesting and new for both you and your herder, alternate training sessions with physical exercises. If you are not cautious to focus these dogs’ physical and mental energies into appropriate pursuits, they are more likely to develop behavioral issues!
These dogs might like agility challenges, hide-and-seek games, and other activities that challenge both their body and mind, such as canine musical freestyle, a combination of tricks, obedience training, and dancing.
Sporting group
This group includes retrievers, spaniels, setters, and pointers; the Labrador retriever is possibly one of the most well-known breeds in this category. These energetic dogs were bred to work hard all day, and many have long been used as hunting partners. These breeds can benefit from frequent and energizing exercise methods because they are by nature quite active, energetic, and attentive.
These puppies should exercise for at least 1 to 2 hours per day at a minimum of a moderate intensity level. Such fetch-related games as Disc Dog and Dock Dog would be ideal for these canines. Using canine running gear can make the exercise more enjoyable for all parties. They also make excellent jogging or bike buddies.
Terrier group
These dogs, from the little Cairn to the larger Airedale, are often exuberant and charming canines. These canines are smaller than the herding and sports members and frequently get a considerable amount of daily exercise around the house, despite the fact that they have significant exercise needs. They should still go for a daily stroll of 30 to 60 minutes at a moderate pace.
These breeds are ideal candidates for Earthdog, a sport in which dogs search for their prey by going down underground tunnels, thanks to their innate digging inclinations.
Hound group
Sight hounds and scent hounds make up this extremely diversified category of canines. Greyhounds, wolfhounds, and deerhounds are examples of sighthounds with lower exercise requirements. Despite having incredibly muscular bodies, they are sprinters that expend their energy quickly. They only need a 20–30 minute walk each day, but you can give them a couple of harder sprint exercises each week. Like athletes, scent-seeking dogs like Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Coonhounds require more activity.
There dogs are the ideal hunting partners. Additionally, they are excellent in activities like lure chasing that involve “hunting.” When your puppy chases a mechanically drawn bait, they are acting on their innate hunting urges.
Toy group
This group includes a wide variety of breeds, such as Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Maltese. These adorable creatures nevertheless require exercise despite being smaller than the others. They tend to be overweight and frequently do not obtain the recommended amount of daily exercise. However, they may exercise significantly more in a much smaller space.
Due to their size, these dogs can exercise a great deal in the comfort of your house! The little puppies can get a wonderful aerobic exercise from a good game of fetch in the living room. These dogs would also do well in agility and obedience trials.
Important Points to Bear in Mind
Brachycephalic Dogs
Like the Pug and bulldog, these dogs with round faces weren’t bred to run marathons. Although a wrinkled face and a shorter muzzle may be appealing, they obstruct airflow, putting these dogs at danger for overheating and oxygen deprivation. When it’s hot or humid outside, avoid using these noisy breathers, and provide plenty of time for regular breaks to cool off.
Exercising Young Dogs
You should exercise your puppy carefully, advises Dr. Brenton Gwinn of Palmetto Veterinary and Medicine. Moderation is essential. Until your dog is at least 18 months old, when their growth plates have had a chance to close, leave your leash and running shoes at home. Repetitive exercise with a young puppy is the number one cause of growth plate and soft tissue injuries. Be ready to leave your dogs at home for lengthy treks (unless you’re willing to stuff them in a backpack!) Short, strolling, and rambling stop and sniff walks are fantastic for puppies and great for socializing.
About Weather
Not just Brachycephalic dogs, but all canines must take the weather into account. Like their owners, pets can get heat stroke or frostbite. If you reside in a cold, snowy climate, be sure to wipe your dog’s paws after an outing to get rid of any accumulation of snow and salt that can harm the pads. In the winter months, dogs with thin hair coats may benefit from wearing a stylish dog coat or hoodie. Paws can become damaged in the summer on hot asphalt or abrasive surfaces like the beach. It’s crucial to keep your dog hydrated in any conditions. Bring a small dog travel bowl, and fill it with water from your own bottle.
How is a herding dog kept active?
For the majority of herding dogs, working on a farm with lots of cattle is their ideal setting. In order to keep your high-energy herding dog entertained, you will need to think outside the box if you reside in an urban area. These advice will assist you in succeeding:
Outdoor Activities for Herding Dogs
Giving your herding dog a lot of outside exercise will help them burn off their excess energy and stop undesirable tendencies. These dogs require at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity each day. Herding dogs require a lot of running and playtime when they are not out in the field with the animals.
Take your herding dog on extended walks, runs, bike rides, and treks to help them burn off energy. Taking them as frequently as you can to an off-leash dog park will allow them to run about and play with other canines.
Sheepdog exercises like retrieve, tug of war, and backyard football are also great. Just remember to explain the game’s rules to them, and only only give them praise when they win.
Consider enrolling your herding dog in an agility, rally obedience, or flyball class to give them the best workout possible. Another excellent choice that helps dogs reroute their herding tendency is the Treibball. These activities are ideal for herding breeds because they are quick learners and like playing.
Indoor Activities for Herding Dogs
You keep their mind and body engaged, make sure to give your herding dog lots of indoor activities. It’s your responsibility to keep these hyperactive puppies entertained at all times, even if you’re cooped up indoors.
Your herding dog may have a lot of fun with interactive toys and activities. For herding dogs, who have a ravenous appetite and like working for their food, treat-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders are ideal.
Herding dogs also benefit greatly from indoor pursuits like scent work and obedience training. Why not set up a treat treasure hunt or teach some new instructions in your home? To keep your dog friend engaged, you may even teach them some new tricks.
Finally, try engaging your herding dog in some entertaining indoor games like tug of war or hide-and-seek. These witty, energetic dogs are quick to pick up new games and enjoy to show off their abilities.
What causes herding dogs to bite ankles?
When new puppy owners visited the clinic for their puppies’ health checkups, I frequently overheard them inquire about ankle biting. We would discuss herding with them and how natural it is for particular breeds or hybrids.
The majority of herding dogs, including those in the list above, will occasionally bite at a person’s heels or feet. They are attempting to herd you in a manner similar to the cattle herding behavior for which they were originally bred. Anyone playing or running around vigorously is likely to be the target. For instance, hearing about a corgi biting at their owner’s heels shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Although puppies naturally engage in these behaviors, it’s crucial to divert them.
Indoor
Despite having a waterproof coat, cattle dogs should reside indoors. This breed develops strong bonds with their families and does not do well when separated from them for an extended period of time. Seasonal shedding means that there are times when there isn’t much fur in the house, and other times when you’ll want to cover your bed and furniture.
Outdoor
ACDs should spend a lot of time outdoors, whether at work or for recreation, because they have a lot of energy and a desire for mental stimulation. Make sure you have high-quality winter and rain clothing so you can take them outside in inclement weather. Cattle Dogs can become restless if kept inside for an extended period of time despite having a hardy, waterproof coat.
Exercise
A few relaxing walks a day won’t suffice for the Australian Cattle Dog. Physical activity and frequent mental stimulation are essential for this breed. ACDs are happiest when they have a task to do, whether it’s wrangling balls in the yard or herding cattle.
Activity distance rating
- Running Distance: A healthy Australian Cattle Dog makes a willing running partner and will take pleasure in runs of up to five kilometers.
- Miles hiked: ACDs can handle half-day hikes or full-day hikes with a few rest stops with ease.
Food
Australian Cattle dogs need between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 cups of premium dry dog food day, divided into two meals. The optimal amount of food for your Cattle Dog should be discussed with your veterinarian because activity levels can vary greatly amongst dogs.
Alone Time
When left alone at home, Cattle Dogs get restless quickly and resort to disruptive activity to pass the time. It might also involve damaging gnawing and obnoxious barking. Your ACD’s damage can be reduced by crate training her, but she shouldn’t be left alone for more than an hour or two.
What manifests as herding behavior?
Inherent predatory behavior and learnt orders in dogs are all included in herding behavior. This could entail following closely on someone else’s heels or attempting to herd a herd of animals away. As perplexing and annoying as this behavior may be to modern humans, it is because of these characteristics that the dog has evolved to be so successful throughout history.
How do I overcome my herding behavior?
Methods for Preventing Your Dog From Herding People
- First tip: When your dog starts shoving you around, keep your composure.
- Tip #2: Use a leash when walking your dog until you’re sure you have his herding tendency under control.
- Encourage obedience training so you can manage your dog’s behavior.
Which breed of dog need the most exercise?
by Susan Breslow, the author of the children’s book “I Really Want a Dog” and a former director of publications for the ASPCA.
Puppies appear to be formed of fur and frenetic energy, while older dogs slow down and establish routines. However, dogs of all ages and sizes require exercise to lower anxiety, fight boredom, and maintain good mental and physical health.
Any exercise program should take into account the age and health of your dog. Additionally, remember to bring a portable bowl and water for your dog to drink.
When exercising your dog, the weather should be taken into consideration. Canines are prone to both heat stroke and frostbite, just like humans, when the outside temperature and humidity surge. In the winter, short-haired dogs do better with a coat. Paws should also be checked for wounds, poor nail health, and winter-related salt damage after every outing.
Consider your dog’s breed while choosing the appropriate form of exercise for her (if yours is a mix, focus on her dominant breeds). Choose a dog that will receive the appropriate amount of exercise because not all dogs are created equal.
Sporting and Herding Dogs
These groups have the highest demand for a regular workout because they were created for jobs that require endurance. They consist of German Shepherds, Collies, Pointers, Retrievers, and Spaniels. To maintain these strong canines’ interest, combine training with exercise and change up the programs.
Sporting dogs of smaller and medium sizes, like Border Collies, Shelties, and Australian Shepherds, excel at exercises like agility that test both their mental and physical stamina.
Terriers
Small Westies to large Schnauzers, all members of the energetic terrier breed, require almost as much exercise as athletic or herding dogs. Fun exercise for two hours a day will keep children in shape. Toys and interactions that are mentally active are also beneficial to them.
Hounds
This category includes loping Bassets, chirpy Beagles, and powerful Greyhounds. Due to the wide variety of dogs in this class, each dog’s exercise requirements are determined by their size, age, and degree of general fitness. Asking your veterinarian about the kind and amount of exercise that is appropriate for your dog is a good idea regardless of breed.
Don’t Overexert These Breeds
Flat-faced dogs, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are more likely to develop respiratory issues and obesity; they still require exercise, but not too much of it. These breeds are susceptible to overheating because of the way they are built. In hot weather, their activities should be restricted to a confined space. Similar to humans, dogs with thick coats such as Komondors, Old English Sheepdogs, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes thrive in the chilly winter months.
What’s Your Own Energy Level?
It’s best to have a dog whose energy level corresponds to your own. Active pet parents should look for dogs that like long hours of running and playing. Boxers, German Shorthaired Pointers, English Setters, Brittany Spaniels, Vizslas, Dalmatians, and even the tiny Jack Russell Terriers are breeds that do well with joggers.
Senior Dogs & People
Dogs who are older might no longer be able to sprint as far, jump as high, or balance as well as they did when they were younger. For those who aren’t particularly active, they make good companions because of their lower activity requirements. Toy breeds, senior dogs, and lap dogs may be ideal matches for them. Even while senior dogs don’t need as much movement, they still need a good walk every day and some gentle exercise. Consult your vet to ensure that your senior dog is getting the right amount of activity for their age and state of health.
