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Dog Breeding: Make Sure Your Female Dog Is In Shape Before Breeding
Your dog should be in good shape prior to breeding. The ideal time to begin an exercise program is prior to a breeding. However, a mild program may safely be initiated any time prior to the seventh week of your matron's pregnancy. The best exercise program is daily walks. During the walks you have the opportunity of developing a closer bond between you. No special, extraordinary equipment or training is necessary. Just put on a pair of shoes, get her lead and go.
If your exercising routine has been neglected, do not begin with an overzealous effort. Moderation is the best approach for both of you. If walking or jogging daily with your dog has not been part of your regimen, conceptualize your walks now as a training program. You are training her muscles to be in good tone.
Small dogs may be toned with a half mile daily, and the larger matrons by one mile, minimum. Besides toning her up, the companionship developed will bring your relationship to an even closer bonding. Beyond building and toning her physique, the sharing of a common recreation is good for her psyche, emotional development and worldly socialization.
Although jogging is great for some people and their dogs, it is not for everyone. It is not necessary to incorporate jogging into your exercise program. Walking alone is sufficient. Start your daily walks during the cooler hours of the warmer months, the warmer hours of the colder months. Each time of year has its own special dangers - and advantages. Begin your walks at a half-mile level.
One-quarter mile out, one-quarter mile back. Increase the distance the following week to a half mile out and a half mile back. Once you have reached the half-mile level you may jog with your matron for brief periods, a few minutes at a time. Then walk again before jogging an equal amount of time. Continue on this program until you are walking at least one mile daily.
Hot weather poses special problems for dogs. Dogs' bodies are closer to heat reflected from paved surfaces, having a greater surface area exposed to the ground. Dogs, like small children and infants, are incapable of regulating their body temperatures beyond a certain point. Care and forethought must be given to exercising during any periods of hot weather.
Dogs "sweat" through their pads and tongue. If your dog appears too hot visually with heaving sides, glazed eyes and a lolling tongue, she could be in serious physical endangerment. Dogs literally will die to please their owners. Thermometer' 'tapes'' are now commonly available, inexpensive to purchase and fit easily into the smallest pocket. When placed on a dog's groin, the temperature readout is almost instantaneous.
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