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Boxer Exercise
Overview
Consider the Elements
A Boxer needs plenty of exercise. This medium breed dog is naturally strong and sturdy; one of the physical qualities that makes this breed so popular. However, a lack of proper exercise over an extended amount of time will lead to muscle loss and weakness. To keep your Boxer healthy, daily exercise must be provided. Owners must be aware that allowing their dog to roam the yard is not considered exercise.
Consider the Elements
While it is important to exercise your Boxer, keep the weather conditions in mind. The Boxer, along with other Mastiff breeds have shorter, flatter faces than other dogs. This physical quality is one that sets the breed apart from others, but also can make breathing difficult in very hot or very cold weather. The shorter hair on a Boxer also makes this breed a bit sensitive to outside elements such as extreme heat or cold and rain. When you walk/jog/play in warm to hot weather, be sure to offer plenty of water, but in small amounts at a time.
How Much Exercise is Needed?
How Much Exercise is Needed?
Exercise should begin slow and increase at a steady pace as your dog grows older and becomes accustomed. A Boxer should have a brisk, 20 -30 minute walk each day, given that the temperatures and weather are not extreme. On very hot or cold days, walks can be kept much shorter. Having 2 walks a day is even better. If you keep your Boxer inside and the living quarters are rather small, exercising outside twice per day is best for this breed.
The Boxer breed should be given an opportunity to actually run around for exercise 2-3 times a week. This can be done in a large, fenced yard. If you do not have a yard, finding a large open field is great, as is a controlled environment at a dog park. If at all possible, allow your Boxer to run free in a safe environment. Naturally athletic, this breed will love to run after a tennis ball and enjoy letting loose to use all of their muscles.
You can be creative in the type of exercise that you provide to your Boxer. This dog can be taught to catch a Frisbee, always fun for both owner and dog. You can train him or her to run along side you as you bicycle, jog or inline skate. Swimming can also be a great way to exercise muscles for both of you!
When Should Exercise be Done?
Care should be taken to not allow extensive exercise right after the Boxer eats. Exercising your dog immediately after they have eaten a large amount of food can cause digestive problems or Killer Bloat (also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus). This is a health condition that can occur from several causes, one being strenuous exercise right after eating. The symptoms are vomiting (usually dry heaving), a very tight abdomen and restlessness. This condition needs immediate treatment at an animal hospital or veterinarian. In some cases, a dog can die from this.
Your Boxer will be ready for exercise 30 minutes after eating and just about any time of the day. If you will be leaving the home for quite a few hours, your dog will behave better if you offer a good burst of exercise before you leave.
The Boxer breed should be given an opportunity to actually run around for exercise 2-3 times a week. This can be done in a large, fenced yard. If you do not have a yard, finding a large open field is great, as is a controlled environment at a dog park. If at all possible, allow your Boxer to run free in a safe environment. Naturally athletic, this breed will love to run after a tennis ball and enjoy letting loose to use all of their muscles.
You can be creative in the type of exercise that you provide to your Boxer. This dog can be taught to catch a Frisbee, always fun for both owner and dog. You can train him or her to run along side you as you bicycle, jog or inline skate. Swimming can also be a great way to exercise muscles for both of you!
When Should Exercise be Done?
Care should be taken to not allow extensive exercise right after the Boxer eats. Exercising your dog immediately after they have eaten a large amount of food can cause digestive problems or Killer Bloat (also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus). This is a health condition that can occur from several causes, one being strenuous exercise right after eating. The symptoms are vomiting (usually dry heaving), a very tight abdomen and restlessness. This condition needs immediate treatment at an animal hospital or veterinarian. In some cases, a dog can die from this.
Your Boxer will be ready for exercise 30 minutes after eating and just about any time of the day. If you will be leaving the home for quite a few hours, your dog will behave better if you offer a good burst of exercise before you leave.
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