What to Expect When Your Dog Turns 4

By the time your pooch reaches four, they don’t have the frenetic energy of a puppy. The days of them bouncing off the walls or tearing around in circles is over (phew!). This doesn’t mean your pup should be a couch potato, as exercise is still critical for their health. But just how much exercise does your pup need at this age? Well, this depends on their breed and energy level. Generally speaking, larger breeds and high energy dogs need as much as two hours of exercise a day. Older and smaller pups can do with around 20-30 minutes. To maximize the benefits, exercise needs to be paired with mental stimulation. Sticking your pup in the backyard for an hour isn’t the same as going for a stroll around the neighborhood. While walking around the block, your pup gets to take in dozens of new smells. On the other paw, they are probably pretty familiar with what’s in their own backyard.

Hopefully, your pup has been having yearly checkups and vaccinations. By now they are experts at visiting the vet and are as cool as a cucumber when they walk through the clinic door. Rabies vaccines are administered in one or three year increments. If your pup received the three year vaccine when they were a year old, it’s time for them to get another rabies shot. Since your pup is just a few years away from falling into the “senior” category, it’s the pawfect time to get them as healthy and fit as pawssible. Ask your vet to take some baseline blood tests so you know what your doggo’s "normal" looks like. The test results can help your vet detect, manage, and prevent illness. If pawssible, stick with one vet clinic and one veterinarian. Developing a relationship with their doctor, can help your pal deal with the stress of a vet visit.

Agility training is a pawsome way to keep your dog fit and mentally stimulated. Agility training is a set of obstacles that create a course. Obstacles include weave poles, dogwalk, standard jumps, pause table, tunnel, tire jump, and a teeter board. Like any other training, teaching your dog agility takes patience and perseverance. If your pup gets really into it and excels, consider entering competitions. It can also be just a hobby and a fun activity that you and your pup can bond over!