Gun Dog Breeders: Fitness Tips for Keeping Chesapeake Bay Retrievers in Shape for Hunting Season

Chesapeake Bay retrievers are fantastic gun dogs for hunting waterfowl, but like any other species, need to be kept in peak fitness to do their best work.

The breed, which became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 when the first Chessie was registered, typically stand 23 to 26 inches and weigh anywhere from 65 to 80 pounds for males, or between 21 to 24 inches with a weight of 55 to 70 pounds for females.

To keep a Chesapeake Bay retriever in its prime, this rough and tough dog should work out by being taken into nature through hiking or biking often. Jogging is also a great way to keep up your pup’s stamina, according to Your Purebred Puppy. The site also suggested taking your dog swimming frequently, which makes a lot of sense because this breed was built for the water, what with their webbed feet and thick coat.

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Because Chesapeake Bay retrievers are such hard workers, simply going for a walk around the neighborhood, which may be plenty of exercise for other breeds, won’t cut it with these laborers.

So how much of this demanding exercise does the breed require?

Dogtime said at least 20 minutes of serious work each day (meaning water retrieves, extensive play or training) should keep them happy. The website also noted that if you’re going to have your Chesapeake Bay retriever jog alongside of you, make sure the dog is at least a year old before doing so, and even then start with just a mile run before upping the distance.

Whether you’re training your Chesapeake Bay retriever or giving it a solid workout, remember to offer up positive reinforcements. This breed of gun dog is known to be stubborn when treated with a negative tone and will become less inclined to do what you ask in the future.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue suggests another reason you’ll want to make sure your dog gets the exercise it needs: they’re inclined to get a bit impish when left to their own devices with excess energy to burn.

So it’s up to you – offer them 20 minutes of water retrieves or potentially find yourself on the receiving end of some unsolicited alterations to your home. The choice is ultimately yours.

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