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Taking your dog for a walk or run is great motivation to start sharing healthy, physical activity. Be aware though, that a sofa dog can't become an athlete overnight: as with humans, animals need time and common sense to ensure a happy beginning for any training program.
Here are some suggestions that need to be considered when starting an exercise program together with your fuzzy, four-legged companion:
1) Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water before and after the workout.
2) Don't exercise right after a large meal.
3) Set specific goals for how long and at what pace you and your dog will walk/run based on the size and breed of your dog.
4) Allow your dog to relieve itself and then warm up with a walk before trotting or running. Finish with a cool-down walk.
5) Increase the training load day by day.
6) Be mindful of the age, physical issues, and pathologies suffered by your dog (cardiopathies, respiratory and/or locomotive pathologies).
7) Avoid running in polluted environments: a dog's nose is closer to the ground.
8) Consider appropriate seasons and hours of the day to avoid colds or heat-strokes.
9) Consult a veterinarian before starting a training program.
10) Enjoy your playtime together!
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