In this section I wanted to talk a little about keeping dogs in top condition. Unfortunately it has come commonplace within our society to see overweight, out of condition and unhealthy dogs. From lapdogs and toy breeds all the way up to the powerful mastiffs too many dogs suffer significantly shorter lives due to receiving excessive treats such as chocolate digestives, leftovers, sausages and general junk food, and not receiving adequate exercise. We have all seen the fat sausage like Labradors, rottweilers and bullmastiffs that have been over fed and under exercised to the extent that they waddle lazily behind their often equally fat and unhealthy owners. Perhaps my views are a pinch strong, though I consider this to be an act of cruelty where owners are not acting in their pet's best interests. I make it very clear to all owners of a Hunter Kennel dog that considering the dogs that I breed give 100% to guard and protect them, the very least that they owe to their dogs is to do the same in return and guard and protect their best interests. A fit and healthy dog is infinitely happier than an overweight lump, and it is very evident when you look at them. A fit dog will have a healthy shiny coat, sparkling eyes, great muscle condition and when at exercise a happy and enthusiastic expression. A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to see at least the last two ribs of their ribcage (or be able to feel them in the case of long haired breeds).
Here is an example of a 120lb American bulldog and the same dog after conditioning, down to a ripped 80lbs. Now obviously the 80lb dog is in peak condition, and even at 95lbs the dog would look fit and healthy. The photos beautifully show the difference good exercise makes, one can see the sparkle in the 80lb dog's eyes, the proud and alert stance and the healthy shine to the coat.
A mistake many people make is that they believe that the bigger the dog is the more impressive it is, and thus they "feed up" their dog. One only has to glance at the above photo's to instantly realise that this is not the case. It is infinitely better to have a fit, rugged and powerful 130lb neapolitan than a 170lb lump that can barely lift its fat behind into the back of a car let alone perform its role as an able protector.
Leash Exercise
Walking/running is a vastly underrated exercise, and can be performed almost anywhere. Whilst out the key is to cover a variety of different terrain and it is always preferable to exercise on soft surfaces like grass rather than concrete so that there is minimal joint impact. The more you vary your walk the more the dog will enjoy it and you can enjoy great pleasure in tackling various obstacles with your dog. A fallen tree, boulders, fences, hedges, hills, sand dunes or pits can all be used as obstacles to overcome and are as much exercise for the handler as the dog. Whilst out the dogs can use their full senses to enjoy the scents, sights and sounds providing additional mental stimuli. In certain environments the dogs can enjoy off leash training to improve their distance obedience and speed training such as sprinting through woodland.
All you need for this type of exercise is a good quality collar and leash. All too often I see mastiff breeds sporting inadequate collars and leashes, mastiffs are powerful dog breeds and need sufficient hardware with breaking strain that well exceeds their maximum power potential. The excuse that a dog is well behaved and doesn't pull and therefore a crap £8 pet store collar will suffice is absolute nonsense in my eyes. Cheap quality collars and leashes always snap when it is most inconvenient and often owners learn the hard way. Having said this, quality equipment needn't cost the earth and when you know what you are looking for it is possible to find quality gear at high reasonable prices. One has to bear in mind that a collar suitable for a Labrador or such like will not suffice, it needs to be made of heavy-duty material or leather and preferably be several ply thick. Furthermore it is useless if it is made of the strongest material in the world if the stitching work holding it together, the buckle or the D-ring are of inferior quality; so one has to pay special attention to the build quality and hardware. Cheap nickel-plated buckles, d-rings and bull-snaps will eventually corrode and flake off irritating the dog, so it is important to get solid metal gear. The strain that the collar must endure is not the pulling weight of the dog, but the high impact of a dog lunging to the extent of a leash, which momentarily exerts extreme force. I have witnessed my own dogs breaking steel chains, and on one occasion a 5 tonne towrope in the middle of an agitation exercise - If it weren't for the extra leash on the dog for added security, the agitator would have had a very bad day. After a great deal of time and expense I have two suppliers of quality gear for my dogs.
For leatherwear I highly recommend Can-am K9 based in Canada. Pierre's craftsmanship is second to none, the prices are very sensible and he delivers swift and professional service every time. In the case of unusual dogs, he will custom make the gear specifically for your K9 and he will do so in very good time. He is a true craftsman who genuinely listens to your requirements and will recommend the best solution rather than the most costly solution, as some less reputable companies will. I have had a great deal of equipment custom made for my mastiffs and have yet to be unimpressed
http://www.dhart.com/canam-k9
For fabric collars by far the best that I have come across are made here in the UK by a chap called Aaron, who is swiftly gaining an impressive reputation for quality gear. I have only just started using his products (after very high recommendation by various others) though I have been bowled over by the quality of the craftsmanship and quality of the goods used. Aaron takes the time to understand exactly what is required and produces beyond the quality that you expect for such sensible prices. He has commented to me that he would rather make things too strong rather than just strong enough, which I think is a very sensible mindset: http://strong-stuff.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
For general supplies such as prong collars / tug toys / boomer balls /grooming / bowls and bedding I use Gappay: http://www.k9pds.com/onlineshop_main.htm They only sell quality goods and they sell a wide variety of specialist working dog goods ranging from bitework gear such as bitework suits and scratch pants, to search and tracking equipment.
Dog Bike work
A fun way to exercise dogs is to bike them. You can buy special attachments that you can fit to your mountain bike so that you can safely exercise your dog when you are out. The benefits are that if you are not fit enough to jog with your dog for a sufficient distance you can still take them out for a run. Here is a link to a popular producer in the States, though Gappay mentioned above sell a similar model in the UK: http://www.springerusa.com
Spring Pole
A spring pole is basically a piece of hide leather or tug toy attached to a rope that is attached to a spring. The hide should be just high enough that to grip it the dogs front legs are off the ground. The springing action creates resistance for the dog and he can have a playful workout for a set amount of time. The fact that the dog has to stretch for the tug means that he is working not only his jaw, but his neck, back and rear also. Once can allow a dog a set amount of exercise with this toy per day so that they do not become exhausted or bored with the game. There are a few people selling springpole springs on the Internet, though I have yet to see of a quality product that will stand to the rigours of a mastiff. I advise using something like a garage door spring, which can be picked up for a reasonable price. Here is a simple description of one you can make: http://www.muskelhunde.dk/springpool.html
Alternatively a similar design can be made with bungee cords/adding extra cords for additional resistance: http://members.aol.com/radogz/springpole.html
Flirt Pole
A flirt pole is a piece of strong yet flexible piping with a length of cord running through with a piece of hide tied to the end. The flirt pole is used to make the dog chase the lure and jump to try to catch it, in a similar manner as you would play with a cat with a feather on the end of a fishing rod instead of hook (great fun by the way). With a spring pole the aim is for the dog to tug and get a workout, with the flirt pole however the exercise comes from chasing the lure in a zigzag motion and jumping acrobatically. This type of exercise improves explosive movement and agility, and aside from the great conditioning it provides - dogs just enjoy the fun of it. Don't try searching the net of someone who sells them, I advise you get down to your local DIY store and cheaply make your own so that you can customise the design to suit the dog. Here's an explanation of how to use one: http://www.angelfire.com/extreme3/heartoftheapbt/Flirtpole.html
Weight Pull
Weightpull is a fast growing sport in the dog world and is a superb fun way to exercise your dog. Before you start you will need to buy a quality harness - Aaron or Pierre from the links above will be able to provide you with the appropriate gear. Weightpull will increase your dog's musculature, general fitness, and satisfy dogs that need to work. Working together strengthens the bond between handler and dog, and the dogs find the whole event very satisfying.
Preparing a dog for weightpull: http://www.pulldoggies.com/101.htm
Carts & equipment: http://www.alaskandream.org/weightpullcartdrags.html
Weightpull rules: http://www.weightpull.com/info/rules.asp
British weightpull association: http://www.americanbulldogs.co.uk/weight_pull_club.htm
Swimming
If you have your own pool, live near to a beach, river or large pond then swimming is a superb low impact cardio exercise for dogs and provides all of the benefits that we humans get from swimming. It is surprising how much muscle development dogs can gain from such exercise, though one only has to look at the physique of people who swim regularly to realise the power of this zero impact low resistance training. It is superb for toning muscle and recovering from injury. An alternative option is to visit a dog spa where dogs can exercise in hydrotherapy pools, where dogs can exercise in absolute safety: http://www.doggypaddle.co.uk/index.htm Frankly however, the best exercise is simply at the beach for free getting your dog to fetch a stick from the sea.
Agility
There are a wide variety of agility exercises that will further your handling skills, improve your bond with your dog, and improve your dog's condition. There are clubs up and down the country that you can join and for a minimal fee enjoy working your dog and if you so wish, develop the skills to perform competitively. The best supplier that I have found of is: http://www.agilitywarehouse.com they stock quality gear and have fast delivery.
Hunting
For some quarry, hunting with dogs is the most humane method at controlling numbers. Whilst this is a sensitive subject for some, there is no getting away from the fact that poisoning is often a cruel way to kill vermin such as rats, and shooting often injures rather than instantly killing vermin such as rabbits. I am a keen hunter and a good shot, though I am well aware that sometimes-unforeseen circumstances such as a change in wind or debris in the way of a shot such as branches will result in an injured animal that gets away to die later. Also in many countries due to terrain hunting with dogs is the only viable method of keeping down numbers of pests such as wild boar. The dogs will quickly catch the boar and hold it whilst the hunter will swiftly despatch it with a knife. Whilst I am against barbaric sports such as hunting with dogs purely for the fun of it regardless of if it is the most humane method, I am pro hunting in cases where it is the most ethical solution A superb site for hunting related information is: http://www.thehuntinglife.com When done so in an ethical manner, and with respect to the animals I am a firm believer that dogs worked in this manner live vastly enriched and healthier lives than their sofa snoozing relatives.
Protection Training
Protection work should only ever be undertaken under trained professionals though for those who wish to work their dogs in Schutzhund, KNPV, Mondio Ring, or Street work it is superb exercise and agility for your dog. For further information I would advise finding where your nearest working dog club is and to arrange a visit. Don't expect to be given the time of day however if you are anything less than professional in manner or want to join for the wrong reasons. For protection training we can put owners of Hunter Kennel dogs in contact with professional trainers who will come to your home and train anything from a simple bark on command all the way up to a fully trained protection dog suitable for VIP clients.
