Dogs kept at home for a long time also need to go out for exercise to maintain their physical health. However, when taking dogs out for outdoor exercise, owners need to be fully prepared, because many unexpected situations can occur outdoors.

Dogs

　　First, there should be appropriate exercise every day. Owners should not be arbitrary with their preferences, exercising dogs several times a day sometimes and then exercising once every few days at other times. The amount of exercise depends on the dog’s breed, age, and individual differences. For small dogs, walking 3 to 4 kilometers daily is appropriate, while fast hounds should run about 16 kilometers a day. Some small dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, are small in size, and letting them walk long distances daily can often affect their hearts due to excessive exercise. Free movement at home daily is sufficient to meet their exercise needs. Before outdoor leash exercise, dogs should be allowed to move freely for several minutes to relieve themselves. During exercise, maintain a proper walking posture, keep an appropriate distance from the owner, and correct fixed walking habits such as walking ahead, behind, left, or right.
　　Second, dogs must be put on a leash when going out to exercise. Especially on city streets, never neglect the leash; do not let dogs roam freely to prevent being hit by cars, disturbing pedestrians, or fighting with other dogs. Pay special attention to preventing bites to people. The leash should not be too tight or too loose; too tight affects breathing, and too loose can cause it to slip off. A certain degree of freedom is appropriate.
　　Third, frequently change the exercise routes and avoid using the same fixed route every day. During exercise, prevent dogs from using their noses to sniff other dogs’ excrement or other objects, and do not let them come into contact with these. Also, avoid taking dogs to places where people or other dogs gather to prevent contracting certain diseases.
　　Fourth, in a safe environment, dogs can be given some rubber toys made of plastic to freely play or to lure them to run.
　　Fifth, for working dogs such as hounds or police dogs, swimming exercises in summer are excellent full-body workouts that promote balanced physical development. Fast exercises in open areas and jumping over obstacles can develop shoulder structure well and promote chest, especially forechest, development. To train back muscles and jumping power of the hind limbs, jumping over board walls, high obstacles, and continuous obstacles can be practiced. To train the dog’s stride speed, bicycle leash pulling exercises can be conducted, combined with directional changes in curves, which also help enhance joint flexibility and agility of the entire body.