1. Check the dog’s readiness first?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the individual pet Age health

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next step easier It may

2. Match the activity to age and health?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next step easier It may

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation rather than several rushed

3. Read weather and ground conditions?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation rather than several rushed

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the individual pet Age health

4. Pack simple safety essentials?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the individual pet Age health

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next step easier It may

5. Warm up with calm observation?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next step easier It may

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation rather than several rushed

6. Choose a route with an exit plan?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 For this step choose one clear observation rather than several rushed

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the individual pet Age health

7. Review recovery after the activity?

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Next make the choice safe for the individual pet Age health

Good exercise begins before the leash clips on A brief readiness check can prevent a fun outing from becoming an overheated painful or frightening one Dogs vary in age breed traits coat fitness health conditions and confidence so distance and pace should be chosen for the individual Look at the weather ground water plan route and the dog’s current behavior before setting off A dog who is limping reluctant unusually tired coughing or distressed needs attention rather than a push to work through it Regular activity is valuable when it is gradual safe and enjoyable AVMA 2024 Finally decide what would make the next step easier It may

References

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Pet care resources.

. (2014). What to Do Before Exercising Your Dog.