Exercise Options

A tired puppy is a happy puppy. This is certainly an expression Terrier owners use on a regular occasion! They are energetic little dogs and we have noticed that without exercise, they get a little yappy.

So we began the search for activities to tire them out:

• Walking: We find a 2 hrs walk makes them tired. Minimum per day is a 40 min walk.
• Fetch: Playing ball or Frisbee for 30 minute seems to do the trick
• Swim: Pearl learned to Swim @ the Cottage. To teach: Throw Stick. Repeat.

But, I’ve got one last suggestion that is a little unorthodox. I picked this idea up from the Norfolk Fun day in August 2009. The game was called Lure Coursing. The dogs would chase a white cloth attached to a pulley system. We noticed Eva was pooped after this event and we searched for a way to replicate this game without the entire infrastructure.

So I went and bought myself a remote control car. The car does 50mph and has 4 wheel drive with independent suspension. My Toyota Camry Hybrid was jealous of this thing when I brought it home. Anyway – as it turns out Pearl and Eva adore this little machine and chase it around the park. They think it is a squirrel.  It accomplishes in 15 minutes what a 2 hrs walk does in relation to exercise. Now – we take breaks and bring water on our little adventures. In addition, we make sure not to do this activity in extreme heat. With those precautions, they absolutely love chasing the car.

Anyways, regardless of the method of getting the dogs exercised, make sure to check out ntcc.ca under Breed, Norfolk Activities for ideas. A good exercise regiment leads to a happy and healthier life for our little puppies.

About the Author: Jeff and his wife Tania live in Kitchener, Ontario with Eva The Norwich and Pearl The Norfolk. Jeff is an outdoor enthusiast and gives back to his community through his work and extra involvement. For more information on Jeff, please visit his website at: www.jeffnesbitt.ca