Are Golden Retrievers Really Active?
Are Golden Retrievers Really Active?
When most people think of a dog, golden retrievers are the first ones that come to mind. Intelligent, obedient, and friendly, they make the perfect family pet.
These dogs have a lot of energy, so they need daily exercise to help them stay healthy and happy. A good workout can include jogging, playing fetch, or even swimming.
Walking
Golden retrievers are very athletic dogs that enjoy going for long walks or jogs. They can even run alongside you as you ride a bike, so these activities are great ways to get your pooch involved in exercise while still spending quality time together.
They also like to play, so training them how to play fetch and tug of war is a good idea. This will help them to develop their obedience skills and become a well-behaved pet.
In general, a healthy adult golden retriever needs about an hour of exercise a day. Younger goldens or ones that come from hunting lines will need more.
Walking is the simplest form of exercise, but it can be very effective in a dog’s overall health. It helps them to stand up against gravity, which increases bone density and muscle tone. It also increases their overall sense of well being by bringing them closer to nature and fresh air.
Hiking
Golden retrievers were originally bred to hunt, so they are strong and built for strenuous activity. This makes them a great companion for hiking, as they’re used to rough terrain and will enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Hiking is a long, vigorous walk on trails or footpaths in the countryside. It’s ideal for the fit adult retriever who can hike about 5-10 miles per day, but a senior dog or one with health issues should not go on a hiking trip until they are in good condition.
When hiking, it’s important to hydrate your dog properly, which means giving them water and stopping frequently for them to take a break. Also, keep an eye out for heat strokes as they can occur quickly.
You’ll want to pack a collapsible water bowl, food, and an extra leash for your hike so you can keep an eye on your dog. Additionally, make sure to have some sort of balm for your dog’s paws so that they don’t develop cracking pads on their paws after being outside for long periods of time.
Playing
Playing is a great way to engage with your dog and bond. You can also use games to help with training and obedience.
Fetch is one of the best games to play with your Golden retrievers, as it combines exercise and fun. It’s an easy and inexpensive game that’s perfect for both outdoor and indoor play.
You can play fetch with a tennis ball, frisbee, or anything your Golden retriever can carry. This is a great activity for young dogs and adults alike.
Another great game is to blow bubbles and have your dog chase them. Older dogs may be more able to keep up with the action, but young pups love the fun!
You can also hide treats around the house and have your dog search for them. This is a game that uses your Golden’s excellent sense of smell, and it’s easy to teach.
Training
Golden retrievers are one of the smartest breeds in America and are easy to train due to their people-pleasing nature. But they are also very energetic and need ample exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Walks are an excellent way to provide mental stimulation and allow your dog to investigate the world around him. You can mix up your walks between fast walking for exercise and longer ones that let your dog smell and investigate his surroundings.
The goal is to keep your dog mentally engaged, which helps with obedience training and can also improve his sociability. You can also add new commands like sit and down to your routine.
The best training is done with positive reinforcement, which means rewarding your dog for good behavior. Avoid harsh corrections and dominating your dog when training, which can result in them becoming aggressive.
