Exercise.Exercise.Exercise

From pbrc.net

A healthy pit bull needs exercise! How much exercise each individual dog needs depends on his/her personality, metabolism, and fitness level. Some pit bulls seem to retain almost puppy-like energy even well into adult years, while others can be mellow ‘couch potato’ types. In general, these smart, athletic dogs enjoy a challenge both mentally and physically. Without the proper amount of exercise, dogs may engage in other, sometimes inappropriate or destructive, behaviors out of boredom or frustration. Exercise should include physical and mental stimulation. A tired dog makes for a happy, well behaved dog and a happy owner. A daily 20-minute walk may not tire out your dog. Unstructured off leash time in the yard may also not be effective in meeting your dog’s mental and physical stimulation needs.As a general rule, each dog should get a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Here are some ways that many of our PBRC volunteers exercise their dogs. Many of these options can also incorporate obedience training into the exercise program, giving your dog the best of both worlds.
• Recall practice up and down a flight of stairs http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/Activities/RecallGame.html
• Biking with your dog with a safe bike attachment such as the K9 Cruiser
• Jogging with your dog
• Teaching your dog to run or jog on a treadmill. This can be a lifesaver in the winter months!
• Treadmill video (carpet mill): http://www.colbypitbull.com/treadmillside2.asfTreadmill
• Treadmill Training: http://www.squidoo.com/dogtreadmill
• Playing fetch in a fenced area
• A flirt pole or The Chase It Dog Toy. This toy is an ideal toy to incorporate training and self-control while your dog has fun. Requiring a sit or down before allowing play, is just one way to add training to fun time.
• Push-ups for dogs: Have your dog sit, then down, then sit, and then down… you get the point!
• Tug of War. There is some controversy over this game. However, we believe that most dogs enjoy playing tug and it can be played safely and correctly, given some ground rules. Add obedience work into this fun game, so that your dog learns to say, “please” with his behavior to earn what he wants. You can incorporate cues such as ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘wait,’ ‘take it,’ and ‘drop’ into the game.
• Provide mental stimulation for your dog with interactive, ‘stuffable’ food toys such as Kongs. These toys are durable and a wonderful way to make crate time enjoyable. Remember that in a multi-dog household, Kongs and other chew items or food toys can be viewed as high value. You may need to separate your dogs when they have such treats to avoid conflict.
• Is your dog a retriever? Playing fetch or Frisbee is a great exercise activity!
If your dog doesn't know how to retrieve, now's a good time to teach it!
• Long walks or if you are a jogger, take the dog running with you!
• Consider purchasing a K-9 cruiser and taking your dog bicycling you!
Mental exercise can also tire a dog out while giving him/her something to do, a chance to learn, and also have positive interactions with the owner. Consider doing short training sessions with your dog(s). Practice some obedience or teach a new trick or task. Remember that dogs learn best if the sessions are short (5-10 minutes) and upbeat

More exercise articles and resource links:
3 Quick Tips to Keep Your Pit Bull Out of Trouble and Healthy Too By Jason Mann
http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Quick-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Pit-Bull-Out-of-Trouble-and-Healthy-Too&id=80398

Activities For You and Your Pit Bull
http://www.pitbulllovers.com/sports-for-your-american-pit-bull-terrier.html

Cool Activity links:Dock Dog competions! http://www.dockdogs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=45&Itemid=364

FlyBall video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X64NC0oQdPI&feature=related

Pit Bulls and Agility: http://www.pitbulllovers.com/training-articles/pit-bull-activities-agility.html