I run my dogs as frequent as possible, but sometimes feel I am pushing them to hard. How long and how often should they be ran in order to stay in top condition.
Exercise is an extremly important part of our training program. In addtition to the conditioning it provides, it also calms annoying behaviors in the kennel. And experience has shown us that a well conditioned and exercised dog is a better student in the both the training yard and field.
Just as people have to ease themselves into condition, you must do so with your dog. Our conditioning program is based on a two day on, one day off cycle, and the use a horse or ATV to road our dogs. After a period of inactivity, start with twenty minute session running at about eight to ten miles per hour for the first two weeks. As you see his condition improve, ask for a little more by bumping the speed up just a little for a few minutes at a time. After a couple of weeks, extend the session to thirty minutes, and gradually ask a little more out of him until he is comfortable running for about an hour between ten and fifteen miles an hour.
A conditioned will greatly improve the hunting experience for both the dog and its owner, but there are some cautions that need to be exercised. Just beacause it is cool outside doesn't mean that a dog cannot overheat, and once a dog has overheated, his thermostat may never work properly again. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion, and take them seriously. Another important factor to consider is his nutritional requirements to put him in top shape. A dog on a regimented conditioning program will have special nutrional needs. Feed him a top tier dog food. Especially in the early stages, he will be rapidly depleting his glycogen stores. You should be aware of the symptoms of glycogen depletion as well.
Conditioning is a complex topic, and sometimes answering one question creates two more. I hope this helps you.
