We have heard it repeatedly: most people do not get enough exercise. Yet when we look at our dogs, we say we do not give them enough exercise either. Do dogs enjoy exercise? Of course they do. Just ask people who have asked their dog if he wants to go for a walk. What has happened from then on whenever they have said the word walk? Dogs usually get so excited about going for a walk. The biggest issue about an exercise program for our dogs is getting them started. Never begin taking your under-exercised dog for extremely long walks all of a sudden. Dogs, just like people, need to warm up before they start to exercise and they should start a program slowly. Walking is a great exercise for you and your dog alike. What is important is that the walking becomes a routine and is done on a regular basis. Regular means twice a day or more if it is all right with you. If you are tired of walking and your dog still wants to continue, then playing a game with your dog or letting your dog go after a toy can finish the program for a dog. To reduce any possible health risk, consider the following do’s and don’t for exercising your dog: Do warm your dog up with a gentle walk before starting any exercises. Do have water available, but do not let him drink too much directly after a long walk. Do make the exercise a routine event. Don’t over do it. Don’t feed your dog immediately before or after exercise. Don’t exercise your dog outside on the hottest part of a summer day or in very cold winter weather.