The Leonberger is a large breed that is incredibly loving to its owners. However, they grow better and thrive when you offer lots of exercise. That is why it is crucial to understand the exercise needs of your Leonberger.
The Leonberger requires at least two long walks daily. Besides that, you must include other high-energy activities to keep them active throughout the day. For example, if you hike or run, you can take your Leonberger with you. Keep in mind that high-impact or strenuous exercises can lead to joint pain for the breed.
How Much Exercise Does A Leonberger Need Per Day?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed is not ideal for people with apartments or small houses. That is because Leonberger needs at least two hours of exercise a day.
These can include walks and other strengthening exercises, and free play.
Besides that, Leonbergers are water dogs, which is why it is also ideal to have a dog pool in your home. It will allow them to have the opportunity to swim whenever they like.
Finally, you must also offer mental stimulation to this breed, or they will get bored and even lethargic.
How Much Walking Does A Leonberger Need?
A daily walk is an essential need for the Leonberger. It allows them to release energy and stimulate the mind with sounds, smells, and sights.
A healthy adult Leonberger requires a walk-time of half an hour to forty-five minutes daily. The walk’s pace must be comfortable for them.
If your Leonberger has excellent recall skills, then off-leash running or walking at the park is an ideal exercise choice.
You can also opt for a retractable leash to allow your Leonberger to have more freedom while walking, and you have control too. Generally, if you train the Leonberger right, they will have good recall skills.
How Far Can A Leonberger Puppy Walk?
While you may not want to give too much exercise to a Leonberger puppy because of its age, they are still highly energetic and active.
That is why it is crucial to offer them thirty-minute strolls daily. You can divide this into two fifteen-minute strolls.
Too much exercise for a Leonberger puppy can lead to joint pain. That is because, at their age, their joints are still developing, which is why it is best to let them take it easy while still giving them enough exercise.
Can You Run With A Leonberger?
You can easily run with a Leonberger. For this purpose, you can use a retractable leash so they can have more freedom over the pace.
Leonbergers love active exercises, such as running, which is why you will enjoy it with them.
The best part is that you can even take your Leonberger hiking if you lead an active lifestyle.
That is because they love the outdoors, hiking trails, and exploring the woods. So, be sure to indulge in many active activities with your Leonberger dog.
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How Do You Exercise A Leonberger?
1. Swimming
Swimming is one of the best activities for Leonberger because they are water dogs and they love to swim. It is a high-intensity exercise for them that will tire them out in no time. For example, ten minutes of swimming for them is equivalent to a half-hour run.
Another great aspect of swimming is that it doesn’t burden the joints too much. That is why your Leonberger will not have any joint pain or issues after swimming.
2. Walking And Running
Taking your Leonberger out for a walk or run is an excellent exercise for their physical needs. It allows them to release any built energy inside and explore the outdoors.
After all, almost all dogs love it when you take them outside the home.
So, no matter what other exercises you are doing, be sure to always include walking and running daily. It is the most important component of an exercise routine for your Leonberger.
3. Stair Climbing
Finally, walking up and down the stairs is also a good exercise for your Leonberger.
It makes them use their muscles when going up and strengthens their core and balance as they come down. Keep in mind that you must control the pace to avoid injury to your Leonberger.
You can go to the nearest park with stairs and make them go up and down. It will provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay healthy and fit.
What Are The Benefits Of Exercising My Leonberger?
1. Optimal Health
It is no doubt that exercise improves overall health. That is why exercising your Leonberger is an important aspect of your responsibility. It will ensure that your dog always stays fit and does not incur many health problems in the future.
Giving them their daily walks and exercises is essential for maintaining their health in the long run. So, whether you have a Leonberger puppy or an adult, you must exercise them daily for the best health.
2. Weight Maintenance
Overweight dogs have many health issues that cause them a lot of pain. For example, overweight dogs are lethargic, lazy and their bowel movements are abnormal.
Regular exercise allows the breed to maintain their weight so their health can also stay excellent. You must check the weight of your Leonberger from time to time.
It will enable you to ensure that their weight remains healthy and balanced.
3. Energy Channelling
Dogs are active animals, and they need to move around to channel the energy that they have inside them.
If a Leonberger does not have the right outlet to channel its energy, it can become destructive and aggressive. That is because the energy will be channeled negatively.
So, if you want your Leonberger to remain happy, you must offer them enough exercise. The right energy channels are one of the top benefits that will keep your dog happy, no matter what.
You must also offer them mental stimulation so they can also channel their mental energy in an appropriate manner.
How Much Exercise Is Too Much For My Leonberger?
Leonbergers are prone to joint issues, which is why you must ensure that they don’t overwork their muscles. Two hours of exercise is the maximum limit for Leonbergers.
Anything longer than that will cause them joint pain and issues.
Here are the recommendations for exercise times depending on their age:
- Up to six months old: Fifteen minutes
- Six to twelve months: Thirty minutes:
- Twelve to eighteen months: Forty minutes
- Over eighteen months: One to two hours
Be sure to follow these recommendations to ensure you don’t exercise your Leonberger too much.
You must also avoid any high-impact activity on hard surfaces as it will cause joint problems for the Leonberger.
Tips For Exercising Your Leonberger
1. Eating
Don’t feed your Leonberger before or after exercise. That is because the breed is prone to issues such as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) and bloat.
You must wait an hour or two before and after exercise to feed this breed. Finally, you can feed the breed from a raised bowl or elevated surface to prevent GDV and bloat.
2. Temperature
Leonbergers have a heavy and thick coat and because of this, they can easily overheat when the weather is hot. They are susceptible to heatstrokes and heat stress.
That is why it is best to exercise your Leonberger during the evening or early morning when the temperature is cooler.
Avoid exercising them during the hottest time of the day as it can lead to many issues.
3. Mental Exercise Is As Important As Physical
For Leonberger, mental stimulation is as important as physical stimulation. That is why you must offer them exercises to stimulate the mind. These include puzzle toys, teaching new commands and tricks, and chew toys to keep them mentally active and stimulated.
Final thoughts
That was your complete guide to understanding how much exercise a Leonberger needs. If you have a Leonberger as your furry companion, you must stay mindful of their exercise needs.
Once you do, they will remain in optimal health and have a positive outlet to channel their immense energy.
Take your Leonberger for walks daily, and don’t forget to offer them mental stimulation along with their regular exercises. It will keep their minds sharp, and they will remain mentally, physically, and emotionally fit for a long time to come.
