11 Simple & Fun Exercises to Keep Your Dog Fit
Dogs are like people in a lot of ways, including that they need exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Key takeaways:
Dogs and puppies need different levels of exercise, and the amount varies by breed.
Fun warmup exercises like figure eights or “puppy push-ups” help with your dog’s conditioning.
Use several outdoor exercises such as fetch, hiking, or swimming for variety.
Indoor exercises such as going up and downstairs or tug of war great for rainy days.
Include games and activities like hide and seek for mental stimulation.
Remember safety tips when exercising and always talk to your vet if you have concerns.
It’s easy to forget dogs need exercise until you see your pup racing crazily through your house for seemingly no reason. The truth is that that behavior typically means they have a lot of pent up energy they need to let out!
When you make sure your dog has enough physical activity, you’re ensuring he or she has a healthy heart and will live a long, full life. Exercising with your dog has even more benefits: You will not only get your own physical activity, but will also strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend.
This article will outline some simple warmup exercises for your pooch, then cover outdoor activities, indoor exercises, and safety tips you shouldn’t ignore.
How much dog exercise is enough?
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on several factors. Some of these can be determined by answering the following questions:
How old is your dog?
What breed is your dog?
How is his or her health?
Let’s start with your dog’s age. A puppy’s body is still developing, so a puppy does better with several short bursts of activity throughout the day. Has your puppy ever sped through the house like a crazy dog for no apparent reason, then flopped down for an immediate nap? If so, you have an idea of the kind of activity level and length your pup needs.
Because a puppy is still growing, long walks or runs may not be appropriate or advised until they’re older. Long walks are better for adult dogs in good health. This is where consulting with your vet comes into play. Your vet can examine your dog and make sure he or she can handle a long walk.
3 simple dog exercise warmups
You don’t want to just jump into heavy physical activity with your dog. The sudden change in activity could be harmful to their joints and other parts of their bodies. They need to warm up, just like people do! Here are some simple activities to make sure your pup gets a proper warmup before the heavy stuff:
Puppy push-ups – This simple activity is a great way to work on your dog’s commands while warming up. It involves getting your dog into a sitting position, then having them lay down. To start over, guide your dog back to a sitting position and run through the steps again. Want to add some complexity? Add a standing command to the fun, making this a three-step task.
Stretching – Encourage your dog to stretch to keep their muscles limber and to cool off after strenuous play. You can train them to do it on command, although you’ll have to be observant and quick with your reflexes! Watch for your dog to stretch naturally after a nap or some other leisure activity. As soon as you see the stretch, use a command word (such as “stretch”). Then praise them and reward them with a treat.
Figure eights – These movements are great for increasing your dog’s spinal flexibility. All you need are two upright objects, like two garbage cans or cones. Using a treat, lead your dog in a figure-eight pattern through the two objects.
As with any activity you do with your dog, keep the experience positive. Your pup will be more receptive to learning these new skills with plenty of positive reinforcement. Remember, your dog wants to please you and spend time with you, so keep the interactions fun and playful!
5 outdoor activities to exercise your dog
The options for outdoor exercises come with the bonus of outside sniffing opportunities. Providing various outdoor activities helps stimulate their mind, as well. Try these exercises to see which ones your pup enjoys the most.
Walking – This is the standard dog exercise. It gives pups ample opportunities to sniff new and interesting smells while outside, too, which means walks are physically and mentally stimulating.
Running – Many dogs find running exhilarating, but you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian to determine how much time or distance is appropriate for your dog’s breed and age.
Swimming – Not all dogs enjoy swimming. For dogs who do, swimming is a great low-impact way to get exercise. They might like chasing a ball or a stick into a body of water and retrieving it, for example. If your dog doesn’t want to swim, though, don’t push the issue.
Cycling – Be extremely careful when cycling with your dog. They may inadvertently run toward your bike’s tires if they get spooked, and that might mean they get hurt. Also, it’s best to stick to designated bike paths (rather than roads) for safety.
Fetch – This classic game can be varied by tossing the object up a hill, into water (providing your dog likes water), and using different types of toys.
Remember to keep your dog’s safety in mind. Exercising outside when it’s extremely hot or cold can be just as dangerous for them as for humans. Outside activities also mean encountering pests or allergens, so keep your pup up to date on vaccinations and flea and tick medications.
3 fun indoor exercises for rainy days
If the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outside plans, there are plenty of fun things you can do indoors! As with outdoor fun, try a variety of inside games to see what your dog prefers. Also, be sure to change up your routines to keep him or her mentally stimulated. Dogs tend to get bored easily.
Climbing the stairs – A few trips up and down your stairs can give your dog a nice little workout. You may need a handful of small training treats to get your pup to follow you.
Hide and seek – This game is perfect for dogs who can’t do intense physical activity and is great for mental stimulation. Hide toys, treats, or yourself!
Tug – When you play tug of war with your dog, you build the human/dog bond while providing a fun bit of exercise that doesn’t rely on a lot of cardio.
Indoor exercises can serve as wonderful compliments to an outdoor exercise regimen. Be sure to move any breakables away from your activity area. Watch your dog for signs of fatigue, like excessive panting, and stop play immediately if you have concerns.
Take a holistic approach to your pup’s health and wellness
Dogs need and benefit from exercise just like people. Like us, it’s important to know your dog’s physical limits. It’s also important to ensure you stay up with their overall health and wellness.
Are you interested in making sure your dog is as healthy as possible? Add a monthly dog care routine to ensure your pup’s skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth are healthy and properly cared for. By taking the time to make sure your dog is physically clean, healthy and fit, you’ll be a better pup parent to your furry companion.