Dog Exercise with Super Fit Fido Club
Get Your Trot On! Trotting Your Dog for Exercise

If you are serious about getting your dog in better physical condition you’ve come to the right place. This two-part video series will explain what a trot is, the benefits of trotting your dog and the importance of knowing your dog’s proper trotting pace for maximum benefit and minimal risk of injury.

Once you have the green light from your vet to begin an exercise program, trotting is a great starting point. It is one of the easiest ways to give your dog an all-over workout. It builds strength, endurance and heart health by utilizing all muscles in the body equally.

This exercise is also know as 'roadworking a dog' or 'running a dog' but since the gait is so important for the maximum fitness benefit, I call it trotting your dog. It's important to know the correct pace of trot for your specific dog to gain the greatest benefit. There are several ways of trotting your dog for exercise. You can jog with them, go on a brisk walk, rollerblade or bicycle. Keep in mind, the best pace for him may not align with the pace you like to run for exercise.

The video "Segment 1: What is Trotting?" reviews the four basic gaits in dog movement and discusses why it is an important part of an overall fitness plan. In the coming video "Segment 2: Perfect Trotting Pace" we will discuss the correct pace for fitness training and safety issues to consider when trotting a dog for exercise.

A common mistake when people and dogs try to run together for exercise, is that the pacing for the dog is incorrect which can over tax the pet, cause a serious injury or life-threatening condition. I’m all for taking your dog on a run with you but you need to know what speed is correct for that specific dog. This will be discussed further in "Segment 2: Perfect Trotting Pace."

Can’t run with your dog?

If you cannot run with your dog you should consider hiring a dog runner or getting a bike with a "springer" to safely give him trotting exercise. Some people also use treadmills to trot their dogs. I prefer trotting my own dogs for the following reasons:

A) The dogs prefer to be with me.

B) Dogs prefer to be running outside vs. indoors on a boring treadmill.

C) I know my dogs better than anyone else and will be able to notice signs of distress immediately.

For those considering getting a dog make sure you have the capability and means to give him the proper exercise so your pet can live a Healthy Canine Lifestyle. He is depending on you.

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