Just like us, aging dogs slow down. They often develop health conditions like arthritis or heart disease that can impact the type of exercise they can tolerate or need. Paying close attention to these requirements can result in a healthier, happier dog. In some cases, it may even help extend their lives. Here are some important things to consider when exercising your senior dog.

Amount and intensity of exercise for older dogs

Exercise is just as important for older dogs as it is for puppies. The amount and type of exercise they need will change as they get older, however. For instance, rather than taking your nine-year-old Golden Retriever on a two-mile run each morning, you may need to opt for shorter, less intense workouts throughout the day. A brisk walk around the block three times a day may be a better and healthier option.

Low impact exercises

Many breeds are prone to developing joint issues as they age. Just like us, low impact exercise that puts less

Adding a new dog to your home is an exciting time for everyone involved, including the dog. As much fun as it is to spoil your new furry friend, it's also important to start forming some healthy habits right away. This is a list of 10 habits you should work on establishing for your new pet that can help both of you to live a healthier lifestyle.

1. Set a strict feeding schedule

Setting a feeding schedule will not only help you remember to feed your new friend, but it will also help you keep track of how much they are eating. My dog eats one and a fourth cups of dry food spread over three meals each day.

2. Don't share food

I swore I wouldn't feed my dog table food when we first brought her home. It wasn't long before I ditched that plan, and my dog suffered for it. She was extremely obese, and she also suffered other medical issues. Make a habit of tell your dog no, and he/she will be healthier for it.

3. Always walk your dog on a leash

This is one very

Agility is a great way to keep your dog's mind and body in great condition and build a bond through training. But it can be intimidating to start, figuring out which equipment to buy or what commands to teach. We have never competed with our dog, but we still do agility just for fun and exercise. Here's how we got started.

Obedience Commands

The big four are come, sit, stay, and down. Basic obedience is crucial to doing agility. Your dog will be off leash, and will need to be paying attention to you to successfully navigate the course. If your dog isn't already proficient in basic obedience, this is a perfect place to start.

Directional Commands

These commands let your dog know how to approach the obstacles they will encounter during the course. Examples include left and right, follow, and "get out" which tells the dog to move away from the trainer. A great list of directional commands can be found here.

Table or Box

One of the first behaviors to teach a

In an ideal world, we would all live on huge parcels of land with plenty of space for our four-legged family members to run and play. For those of us who live in reality, however, it is sometimes necessary to find indoor activities that will keep our dogs active and healthy.

I, for example, live in Houston, Texas, where searing heat keeps us indoors several months out of the year. While we might spend a few minutes at a time in the yard, it just isn't practical to throw the Frisbee for hours under the glare of the Texas sun. For others, frigid winter air keeps pups indoors for much of the winter.

Hallway Fetch

In my experience, hallways are excellent places for indoor activities with dogs. Hallways usually feature no accessible windows and fewer places for balls or discs to roll beyond easy reach. They keep the game to a confined area, which makes it easier on both canines and humans.

For the best results, stand at one end of the hallway with all doors closed.

We love our dogs, and would do anything to keep them healthy. But those vet bills can be expensive! There are things we can do to keep our dogs at their peak (and out of our wallets!) This checklist is a great starting point for your dog's preventative health!

Regular Vet Checkups

It might seem to expensive to see the vet when your dog is perfectly healthy, but routine vet check-ups are the single most important way to prevent canine health problems. Not only will your vet do a thorough exam, but they'll also take the time to discuss the other preventative health measures on this checklist!

Spay and Neuter

Fixing your pet before sexual maturity can help prevent health problems such as uterine or testicular cancer. Younger dogs also recover faster from anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications due to surgery.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are usually divided into "core" and "non-core". Core vaccines are those such as distemper and rabies, and are generally

What can you do to help your beloved companion live a healthy, happy life? Just like people, dogs need to maintain a healthy weight. Follow these five simple, yet important, steps to ensure your pup doesn't pack on the pounds and you'll be able to enjoy many years together.

1. Feed high quality foods

The foundation of your dog's weight control revolves around a high quality food with a good protein in the base. Purchase the best you can afford and read the labels. Avoid products with fillers and opt for healthy proteins like chicken that helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. Just as in humans, the more muscle, the faster fat burns and the easier it is to maintain a healthy weight in your dog.

2. Offer limited weight control treats

Dogs love their treats and owners just love to dole them out. The key is to select a treat that is specially formulated for weight control and offer them on a limited basis. Yes, your dog may look adorable when they beg and bop

Families come in all shapes, sizes and personalities, and so do dogs. So when it's time to think about adding a dog to your family, you need to consider more than just size. Active families that routinely jog, ride bikes or go hiking need to find a dog that can keep up with their physical lifestyle. Certain breeds are an ideal fit. Check out these breed profiles to help find the perfect dog for your active family.

Australian Shepherd - Aussies are herding dogs that are loving and loyal. They are very energetic and require mental stimulation as well as physical. They're known for their agility and ability to settle down quickly when the fun is over.

Miniature Schnauzer - In addition to being energetic and loyal, Mini Schnauzers are hypoallergenic. Originally bred to hunt vermin, they are tenacious and protective. Their small size makes them a good apartment dog, but be aware that they require frequent grooming and daily brushing.

Boxer - Boxers are great family

Most small dogs have a ton of energy to burn. Whether you own a teacup or terrier canine companion, the best exercise for your pup is one that fits their stature and ability. With a few minor adjustments to almost any routine, you can create the perfect regimen to keep your furry friend happy, healthy and in good shape.

Just a Little Jog

For years I owned medium to large-sized dogs. They were my constant companions. If I ran, they ran with me. If I swam, they took the plunge, too. But, the first time I tried to embark on a three-mile jog with my little Shih Tzu, I was in for a rude awakening. As much as she wanted to go with me, at about the 1.5 mile marker, she was done. She planted herself on the pavement and refused to go any further - even after a water break. So, on that hot, sweaty summer morning, I ended up walking back home with my pup in my arms.

Lesson learned: small dogs need smaller routes to run - it's that simple. Their little legs have to go twice