S.P.C.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 229, 27 August 1932, Page 9

S.P.C.A.

EXERCISE FOR DOGS. If you are really a true dog lover and have your canine friend’s interest at heart, you will see that it has plenty of exercise to keep it happy and in good condition. Very often one reads of a dog which for no apparent reason has attacked a person, and this is very often due to the animal being kept in a very restricted area, and with very little opportunity for exercise, resulting in a rush of wild spirits when liberated. Keeping a dog entails a certain amount of responsibility, and as dogs are naturally active creatures wo must, even if it means denying ourselves some special form of recreation, take them for an outing every day. Large dogs especially need several miles daily, and it is most unwise to make a pet of a large typo of dog unless you are prepared to do this. It is most essential to have a daily walk in the case of dogs which are kept in an enclosed run; failure to do this would be most cruel;

even in the case of dogs which are allowed to roam in the neighbourhood of their home. One only has to see their joy at the prospect of a walk to realise what happiness it brings them. Country walks are by far the best, wherever possiblo. To be able to go for a tramp with their beloved master, or to go off hunting for adventure, ise the greatest delight of all dogs, and is amply repaid by seeing them look fit and well, muscular and strong, instead of fat and lazy. Even town dwellers soon reach the outskirts of the town where their dogs may have greater freedom, providing of course that they are always within call so that they may not trespass into paddocks containing sheep. A welltrained dog must be well taught from the beginning the error of interfering with tliese animals, otherwise his master will find himself in hot water. Try and let it accompany you whenever possible; even though on short distances they are always eager to be companionable. Have a game with it when you can and it will understand more and more every day the kindness he receives at your hands, and you will soon find yourself enjoying in the same full measure as it does your daily walk with it.