Dog Exercise with Super Fit Fido Club
Getting Your Dog Ready for Fitness Training

Hello dog fitness enthusiasts! After 30+ years of getting dogs into top physical condition it is my pleasure to launch the Super Fit Fido Club. My fitness training classes are starting this spring in NYC but since there are more dog lovers out there who want to make sure their pets live longer, healthier lives the SFFC Blog has begun. The purpose is to educate people about the importance of regular exercise and how to exercise your pet properly. Both of these will lead to my goal of helping dog’s living longer, healthier lives.

As more indoor pet facilities pop up with dog exercise equipment in them, it is important to remember that you don’t have to live near a facility or buy expensive equipment to get your dog in top physical condition. This SFFC Blog will offer tips that anyone can use whether at the park, in your backyard or indoors. The lifestyle choices we make for our dogs, affect our dogs. By choosing to give your dog regular exercise you are already on your way to living a Healthy Canine Lifestyle.^TM After making this decision, it’s time to get your dog ready.

Getting Your Dog Ready For Fitness Training

Be sure to first visit your veterinarian to make sure your dog is healthy enough to begin a regular fitness training program. It is important to speak with your vet about the ideal weight and body shape for your dog so you can work towards that goal.

Things your vet will consider when examining your pet: ·

• Heart murmur
• Collapsing Trachea·
• Luxating patellas
• Palpable hip and elbow abnormalities
• Clinical evidence of arthritis
• Nail length

Other considerations before beginning an exercise program include:

Short Nails Make Healthy Toes: This is a must for a dog about to begin an exercise program. If your dog’s toenails are too long, exercising could injure feet. Be sure to have your dog's nails clipped before beginning and then regular exercise will help keep them short.

Brush Up On Your Obedience: It’s always good to brush up on basic commands such as sit, stay, wait, come, down, heel, etc. These commands can be integrated into your workout routine once your dog has adjusted to going out with you on a regular basis.

Gear Up: For a controlled workout your dog should be no more than three feet away from you and you should have complete control of his head. I recommend a basic buckle collar, snap collar or obedience chain and a 5’ or 6 ‘ leash. Remember this time is for controlled exercise, not free wandering or social time. If your dog is already collar trained, then feel free to use a harness as long as the fit is correct and it doesn’t rub on the dog’s body when trotting.

You will need to carry water and a collapsible bowl (if there aren't any doggie watering holes on your route), poop bags and your cell phone.

For safety, you should make sure your dog has identification such as a collar tag and registered microchip number in case he gets away from you and if exercising before or after the sun is bright be sure to wear reflective materials so drivers can see you and your dog.

www.superfitfidoclub.com