The Gardens at Twin Hickory

At The Gardens at Twin Hickory we welcome dogs (no aggressive breeds please). However, for your dog to be happy in apartment life, it is important that they get enough exercise but not only that; they need the right kind of exercise.

If you have a smaller dog, do not assume that because they are small they get enough exercise running around your home. For a dog, your home is like a large cage. The key to keeping any dog in an apartment is providing enough exercise. Dogs are canine animals which retain the instinct to migrate. So, even small dogs need to be taken out for daily walks. High energy dogs can live in an apartment if the owner takes them out for long walks or jogs. Enough daily exercise is the key to keeping any dog stable and happy. But, be sure it is the right type of exercise. The right kind of exercise drains both the dogs physical and mental energy. Only providing excited exercise, such as playing with other dogs or tossing a ball, does not drain the dog’s mental energy. Dog park exercise is excited exercise and it is not recommended as the only source of exercise a dog receives. It keeps the dog in an excited state of mind.

Almost any dog can live in an apartment, if they get enough of the right kind of exercise. You have a wide range of non-aggressive breeds to choose from if you plan on jogging with your dog. However, your dog must learn how to heel on the jog so the dog is not worrying about being your leader and is instead relaxing as he is following you.

 If you plan to jog every day you could even get a higher energy dog even though you are in an apartment. But if you plan on only jogging 2 or 3 times a week and walking the dog the remaining days, you should go with a medium energy or lower energy dog.

Excluding aggressive breeds, the thing to remember is it’s not necessarily the breed you are looking for but the energy level of that particular dog. There are pups born within every litter that are higher energy then other pups within the same litter.

Glen Allen, VA is a beautiful area with both scenery and beautiful weather, so get outside. Getting fit, and staying healthy, doesn't have to be hard. There is an easy way to do it and almost anyone can. Go for a walk. Walking fits into any schedule, and it can be done alone or with a friend.
 
It isn't a miracle cure, but at times it can feel like it. Once you start walking you will become energized. Whether you are new to getting exercise through walking or if you are just starting out, there are numerous benefits from this simple exercise.

Of course there are many health benefits. Lack of physical activity is known to be a cause of heart disease. A fun and simple 2 mile a day walk can decrease this risk by up to 40%. Increased health and well being have been proven with any type of daily walking regimen.

But better yet, physical exercise has been proven to give a feeling of well-being. It gets our endorphins going and helps to better our mood. Who can argue with fresh air and sunshine? Getting outside for a 15 minute walk a day gets us our daily dose of vitamin D. When you feel happier you enjoy life more and others notice.
 
But the best benefit of all? When you walk, you can get to know your neighbors better. When you are outside you meet others who are outside. First smiles, then conversations begin. Start a walking group with a few of your neighbors. There will certainly be a few others that want to get outside, get walking and get fit. By walking you can better your health and enjoy the conversation you and your new friends will share.