In order to keep your dog happy and healthy, a regular daily exercise period is essential. Hunting and working dogs normally receive this vital exercise as a natural part of their existence, however, the house pet is all too often neglected in this area of care. A good brisk walk in the fresh air at least once a day is a minimum standard. Ideally, a one-hour walk is good for keeping the body toned, appetite stimulated, and weight down. Two half-hour walks are also suitable. Unfortunately, there are occasions when neither time nor weather will permit this type of activity. So, some substitutions should be made a vigorous game of catch, a brief romp in the snow, etc.

The activity must be suitable to the weather since dogs cannot tolerate extremes of temperature. Excess heat can result in heat prostration and undue cold may lead to frostbite. Never leave your dog confined in a car on a hot day because many dogs die needlessly when they are thoughtlessly left in a parked car. The sun beats down on the roof creating a stifling situation and with no escape possible, heat prostration and death can occur rapidly. On a hot day, a dog is best off left at home with adequate ventilation or outside if there is shade and water available. If your dog lives outdoors in a dog house, make certain that it is so situated that it is protected by shade.

Only those animals born and bred for extremely cold weather and outdoor living can be left outside on sub-zero days. Large, heavy-coated dogs prefer living outside in their own house, but even these breeds must have protection during very inclement conditions. All other dogs cannot tolerate extreme cold and should only be allowed out to relieve themselves. Ideally, an outdoor living setup should provide a means to protect the dog from rain, sun, cold, or danger from theft and injury.

Dogs allowed to exercise independently should have a fenced area such as a yard or dog run of adequate dimensions. If this isn't feasible, a long, non-tangle chain device should be used. These special chains can be purchased at pet stores or even made by the "do it yourselfer."
It is generally agreed that any dog of value, be it either monetary or personal, should not be left outside even in a fenced enclosure without any type of supervision available. Our society today contains many "sick" individuals who have been known to maliciously harm unprotected animals or to steal them for monetary gain. Don't invite trouble, always insure your dog's safety by taking all necessary precautions.

How often should a dog be taken out for the purpose of elimination? During puppyhood, even after being housebroken, the pup is not physiologically able to concentrate its urine and will therefore need to go out more frequently than the adult animal. Once a dog is mature enough to concentrate its urine it will have to go out only about three times each day. It is certainly most convenient and pleasurable for our canine friend to be able to come and go at will. Since this is not always possible, training is necessary. Have regular times for these bodily functions and within the short period of a few weeks your dog will have adjusted to this routine. Once in the morning, during the afternoon, and before bed make a good minimum schedule. There is usually no reason why your dog should disturb you at an unreasonable early morning hour. Poor training is often the cause for such an irritating habit. Naturally, illness, certain medication, a change in diet, the female's "heat" period, and other such logical reasons can change even the best habits; thus, flexibility is essential.