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Australian Cattle Dog exercise requirements

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Australian Cattle Dog exercise requirements

Australian Cattle Dog exercise requirements depend on the age of the dog. They need a variety of activities throughout their lives to stay happy and healthy.

Australian Cattle Dogs are a very energetic dog breed and the amount of activity required will vary according to the dog’s stage of life: puppy, young adult or senior.

Why should you exercise your Australian Cattle Dog?

Exercise is essential for: 

  • Physical well-being
  • Mental health
  • Bonding with the family

How much physical activity do Australian Cattle Dog Puppies require?

Exercise is crucial for Australian Cattle Dog puppies’ physical and mental development. It guarantees that the Australian Cattle Dog develops into a robust and healthy adult. The level of exercise they require will vary according to their age. 

Less exercise for puppies

Australian Cattle Dog puppies require less exercise than other breeds as their bones are still developing. As a result, you don’t want to over-exercise them. You run the danger of harming their development if you do.

Five minute walks

If you’re going to take them on a walk, keep it brief. They frequently grow tired quickly. As a result, you’ll frequently only require a five-minute walk twice daily.

You’ll be able to increase the amount of activity they receive as they age. 

Increase walking time each month

Each month, you can increase your walking time by five minutes. For instance, a two-month-old puppy needs ten minutes, whereas a three-month-old requires fifteen minutes. It’s also critical to observe the dog’s movement. If they are slowing down or panting, this may indicate that the stroll is too long.

How much exercise does an adult Australian Cattle Dog need?

When fully matured, adult Australian Cattle Dogs will possess an abundance of energy.

One to two hours

As a result, they will frequently require one to two hours of exercise per day.

In adulthood, the Australian Cattle Dog maintains an astonishing high activity level and will have an infinite supply of energy.

It would help if you took them for long walks to keep them mentally and physically fit. It is best to walk or hike for between one and two hours each day.

Focus on your dog’s ability

Again, you should adjust exercise requirements to your dog’s capabilities. For instance, if they are out of shape, you may need to increase the walk duration gradually. They should be exhausted at the end of the walk.

How much exercise does a senior Australian Cattle Dog require?

As dogs age, they no longer require a vigorous exercise regimen.

30 to 60 minutes of activity

Senior Australian Cattle Dogs do not require rigorous daily walks. Around 30 minutes to an hour of daily movement is sufficient to tire out and keep your senior Australian Cattle Dog healthy.

You’ll need to provide sufficient exercise to maintain their muscle strength and prevent excessive weight gain.

Watch for health issues

Additionally, when exercising an older dog, you should watch for indicators of potential health problems. For instance, near the end of the session, if your dog shows signs of discomfort or pain, it could be an indication of rheumatoid arthritis or a potential injury.

Which exercise is the best for an Australian Cattle Dog?

Australian Cattle Dog (Blue heeler) walking in water outdoors

There are a few different ways to meet your Australian Cattle Dog’s activity requirements.

Long walks

To begin, you might take them on lengthy walks.

Intense play or training

You can also incorporate exercise through intense play or training. You can include activities such as:

  • Fetch and frisbee catch
  • You can help your dog gain physical strength by engaging them in an indoor friendly tug-of-war
  • Chuckit ball launcher for a long-distance challenge
  • Games that appeal to the Australian Cattle Dog’s herding nature, such as the Jolly ball treibball
  • Indoor games such as treat toys, brain puzzles, and hide-and-seek

Owners have to work

Owners of Australian Cattle Dogs have to put in a good deal of work to meet the exercise needs of their pets. As a result, these dogs will do best with individuals who lead a healthy lifestyle.

Going on a long walk is the best method to burn off an Australian Cattle Dog’s tremendous energy. Instead of one lengthy walk, try two 45-minute walks daily.

What is the best exercise for Australian Cattle Dog puppies?

Toy play

Australian Cattle Dog puppy exercise should consist mainly of toy play as it is less strenuous than taking a walk.

Socializing

Additionally, socializing with other puppies can help them burn off some of their energy. This will consume a significant amount of energy. Additionally, this will ensure that you do not encounter any aggressiveness issues as they mature.

Avoid over exertion

While Cattle Dog puppies have a lot of energy, you don’t want to over-exert them.

Excessive exercise might damage a puppy’s bones, hindering its growth.

It would help if you concentrated on playing with toys such as brain puzzles or chew bones. This ensures they receive adequate mental stimulation and rest between more rigorous tasks.

Read our article Australian Cattle Dog: Discover what’s good and bad to learn more about the Australian Cattle Dog.

What are the best exercises for Australian Cattle Dogs living in apartments?

If confined to a limited place, such as an apartment, an Australian Cattle Dog will require extensive physical and mental stimulation.

The seemingly boundless activity of a Heeler can make apartment life difficult. Often, they thrive in a large backyard where they may run around.

If you wish to keep them in an apartment, you’ll need to take a few steps.

  • To begin, you’ll want to take them on lengthy walks. This will cause energy to be used up. Vary the route to keep them mentally stimulated.
  • Taking them to the dog park several times a week is also a good idea to provide opportunity to run around and develop much-needed social skills.

Is it possible to exercise an Australian Cattle Dog indoors?

There are a few indoor exercise options for Australian Cattle Dogs.

  • To begin, you may like to engage in a tug-of-war. This will result in increased strength.
  • Additionally, you can make your dog jump to retrieve a bone.
  • Another excellent way is for them to run up and down the stairs.
  • Certain Heelers have been trained to walk on treadmills, but very slowly and safely.

Exercises for dogs living in apartments

If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to devise methods for expelling Heeler energy. This will keep them from becoming disruptive and chewing on your furniture. Any of the above-mentioned indoor games will help keep your Cattle Dog physically fit and will help you strengthen your bond.

Additionally, training your older dog to jump and catch a toy is a smart idea. It is recommended that you wait until the dog is at least a year old before engaging in this activity. If your building has a staircase, you can play fetch up and down the staircase. These workouts soon wear them out.

The daily stroll

Daily walks are necessary for all high-energy breeds, such as the Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog. This is not solely to release pent-up energy. The stroll provides stimulation for your dog’s brains through the sights, sounds, and smells they encounter.

The length of the walk is limited only by your time and energy, as this type of working dog can work all day. It is ideal if you can walk your dog for a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes everyday. This can be done once a day or twice a day if your schedule permits. A stroll around the block will not be sufficient.

If your Blue Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog has an excellent recall and comes when called, off-leash park walks are wonderful. Using a retractable leash can provide your dog with additional freedom while allowing you to retain control. 

Dogs also thrive on consistency, so schedule the walk at approximately the same time each day.

Daily walks are better than no walks during the week or a long walk on the weekend.

Increase difficulty of walk

You can increase the difficulty of the walk by getting your dog to wear a weighted vest dog backpack. Don’t add more than 10% of your dog’s body weight. This is more than enough to exhaust them and strengthen their muscles without exerting them excessively. Additionally, you can increase the resistance on the walk by walking on sand or including steep areas.

Dangers of excessive exercise 

Is it possible for your Australian Cattle Dog to over-exercise? Excessive exercise in any dog can result in severe muscle, tendon, joint injury, excessive heat, and heat stroke, and even collapse. A dog owner must be aware of the warning symptoms of excessive exercise to avoid their dog from becoming overexercised.

Symptoms of excessive exercise in Dogs

If your dog is overworked, it will begin to exhibit several symptoms. It would help if you watched for potential symptoms, as many dogs will push through exhaustion and pain to keep going.

1. Muscle ache and stiffness

If your dog becomes stiff during or after activity, or if they struggle to climb steps or jump, they have probably had a bit too much exercise. You’ll need to make sure they get softer walks and activity over the next few days until the pain goes away.

2. Exhaustion following exercise

While it is not uncommon for a dog to take a nap after exercise, your dog may be getting too much exercise if they sleep all day long after an exercise session. 

3. Slowness or lagging during physical activity

If your dog is lagging or moving at a slower pace during exercise, it could be a clue that they are having difficulty, especially if they are generally out in front. If this occurs on a stroll, take a stop and offer them some food and fresh water (always have some on hand), then return home through the shortest and simplest path.

4. Exhaustion from the heat

Heat exhaustion is one of the most severe and occasionally fatal side effects of excessive exercise. All dogs are vulnerable, especially if the weather is warm or humid and/or they have just engaged in strenuous exercise. 

Watch for the following warning signs:

  • Panting excessively
  • Confusion or a lack of concentration
  • Glazed eyes
  • Drooling excessively
  • Inadequate coordination
  • Consciousness loss
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Gums or tongue that turn a vivid red or blue color

If you notice heat exhaustion symptoms in your dog:

  • Take them to a cool, shaded place,
  • Give them fresh water (but never ice cubes),
  • Cover them with damp cloths or allow them to cool off in a body of fresh water

It is crucial to get them to a veterinarian as quickly as possible, especially if they display severe symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Interested to learn more about Australian Cattle Dogs? Read our article Australian Cattle Dog: Discover what’s good and bad