Why Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle Exercise is a Must

There are many ways to keep your dog fit and happy.  One of the best is by exercising your Goldendoodle on a daily basis, which can go hand in hand with Golden Retriever training.

Just like in humans, exercise offers the same benefits: helps prevent (and reverse) obesity, may delay some age related conditions, improves temperment, andpromotes overall health, among other things. Exercise also provides for a better behaved dog — a dog that doesn’t have to channel his energy toward destructive behaviors.

How much exercise is enough?  When I’m putting my Golden throught his paces in the backyard, I generally let him decide when he’s had enough.  I’ll throw — and he’ll retrieve — rubber ball after rubber ball, and when he’s had enough he’ll lay down and rest for a while or become interested in something else entirely. 

However, how much exercise your Golden Retriever needs depends on many additional factors like age, size, weather, and how healthy the doy already is.  I know that for my three year old Golden, a nice 15 minute walk around the block would be a good start — but he needs something more vigorous each day. Another thing that will influence his needs is whether he is a purebred dog, or if it's a mix. A Goldendoodle might have different needs for example, because he might've inherited that side from his poodle parent.

As always, check with your veterinarian before instituting an exercise regimen, especially if your Golden is largely sedentary now.  Find out from your vet what exercise would be best suited to your particular Golden Retriever.

Use common sense: If it’s hot outside make sure your Goldendoodle has plenty of water available, and if he wants a rest, let him rest.  Be vigilant for overexertion.

Here are some quick exercise ideas:

Go Fetch.  Retrievers, as the name implies, excel at this type of activity.  With practice you can teach your dog to bring objects back to you and drop them at your feet.  Training a Golden Retriever to retrieve is relatively painless.

Your local dog park can be a great exercise outlet for your Golden Retriever, plus it works well for socialization training, but only if your Golden gets along well with most dogs. 

Swimming is great exercise for Golden Retrievers.  Look for safe spots for your dog to play in the water, including ponds and lakes with public access that allow pets.  Swimming is easy on the joints and is a great cardiovascular workout — for both dog and owner!