While I admire people who are avid health club goers, diligent in their workouts, I am always amazed at how many people spend hundreds of dollars on health clubs, let their dogs out for a few minutes a day, and then complain that their dog has behavior issues when they come home.

Then they hire a behaviorist for even more money. You know the answer to this problem as much as I do: Your dog wants to be your fitness trainer and is sending you the message after you come home, nice and tired from your workout by jumping all over you, shredding your valuables and the like.

With four of my own, I have started listening to them. Actually, I used to choose my dog according to their ability to motivate me to run with them. I am pretty convinced that if it were not for my dogs, I’d be a couch potato.

But here is the trick: Not all dogs like the same exercise. Depending on the breed, the mix, the disposition, or even the coat (heavy coats are not ideal for jogging in warmer weather), dogs have different talents.

Now, I have seen a neighbor jog with his Pomeranian, but not all owners of small breeds are so lucky. Walking, however, is good for most breeds (except the bulldog, especially in the heat). My dachshund would be appalled at the thought of going for a long run, which is not to say she isn’t a great runner… just on her own terms.

Around Annapolis within a 45 minute radius, there are plenty of opportunities for trying out the type of exercise that works best for you and your four-legged fitness partner.

If your dog likes to stretch her legs and keep a steady pace, then of course, there are plenty of places to run or walk, as mentioned in last week’s blog. In fact, we tried out Kent Island and came home absolutely exhausted. The air was wonderful and refreshing. I highly recommend the hikes there.

Now, perhaps you don’t like to run, but just want to walk fast intermittently, or even sprint, but you have this jumpy or fearless dog. Or you have a fearful dog that needs to build self-confidence. I would recommend agility training.

The Canine Training Association holds agility classes in Beltsville. Check them out on their website: www.caninetrainingassociation.org/.

If you have a big yard, you may begin investing in some of the equipment to practice at home. My dachshund absolutely loves agility! None of this long-distance, boring straight line business, she thinks.

With my 9-year-old Doberman, who loves to have jobs, rally has become an exciting part of her life (but running works well for her too… still). Rally is a type of sport which makes obedience training look boring.

It uses surprise tactics (which, you may remember, I love) to keep your dog listening to you and doing interesting things with lots of praise allowed. Again, CTA holds classes both in Beltsville and in Davidsonville.

For the owner, you are constantly moving, walking, turning, using your arms, backing up. Wears me out after an hour!

For the out-doorsy, cross-country type with a dog that likes to find things with either nose to the ground or in the air (or even in water), tracking is a great sport. Your dog will lead you through the training terrain, which can be rough at times, to find whatever it is you are tracking.

If you get really good, the work can become a community service. Just think of the possibilities! For this, you’ll have to travel a bit farther. In Baltimore there is the Oriole Club: www.orioledogclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=413318

One final idea. If you have a herding dog and just want to watch him run himself ragged, I hear you can go to Keepstone Farms, out in Berryville, VA (quite a hike, but possibly worth it. For those of you who have hyper herding dogs, you know what I mean), and let your dog herd sheep!

Now there’s an idea! Never tried it myself, although my Aussie might get me to that point. If you have tried this or any other sport I may have neglected, let me know.