The need for regular exercise to lead an active and healthy life is imperative, and this goes for your beloved dog as well. They need equal amounts of mental and physical stimulation to ensure their well-being.
Well, the benefits of regular exercise are well-established for humans and animals alike; however, the key is to make a workout schedule that works for both of you. In this blog, we’ll cover creative activities that allow you to include your dog in your workouts and get fit together. Participate in these fun activities to forge a stronger bond with your four-legged friend.
Let’s get started!
Best Ways to Exercise with Your Dog
The list includes activities that cater to the interests of different dogs, and you’ll definitely find something for your dog. Here you go:
Walking
Dogs love to walk, and it’s the classic exercise due to its low-intensity and suitability for all dog body types. Dogs love to explore the world with their noses, so give them time to sniff around and explore during the walk.
Go stroll on different streets every day and explore your neighborhood with your canine companion. You can also use roller skates to gradually increase the intensity of walking. It’ll be fun for you and your doggo.
Running
Best for dogs with high exercise needs, running or jogging is another great form of exercise for you and your dog. However, running is not suitable for puppies, overweight dogs, or dogs with joint problems as it exerts a great deal of stress on the joints.
Furthermore, jogging in hot weather is never a good idea, as it increases the chances of heat stroke in dogs. Thus, it’s best to wait until your puppy is at least a year old.
Hiking
Next on the list we have is going on a hike with your four-legged friend. It gives you a great opportunity to connect with nature deeply and explore the world. Furthermore, it’s great for your core, improves balance and strength, and helps combat stress and anxiety.
When introducing hiking to your dog, start with short hikes and easier terrain on a cool day. Steadily move to steep hills and uneven terrain when your dog seems comfortable. Moreover, make sure to bring plenty of water and consider taking a dog carrier in case they get tired.
Swimming
Swimming is a whole-body workout and is especially beneficial for senior dogs and dogs with arthritis, as it’s a low-impact sport and is easy on the joints. It works on various muscle groups and bears a number of benefits, such as improved endurance and a strong heart and lungs.
Not all dogs like swimming alike, so you need to give some time to get comfortable. Start slow and use toys or treats to encourage them, and make sure to provide them with a life jacket.
Doga
Yoga with your dog is another practice that is considered great to strengthen the bond with your dog. While it may not burn much energy, it’s good for your body and mind and has immense benefits, from good sleep to better management of stress and anxiety.
There are several poses like downward dog, happy baby pose, and upward-facing dog that come naturally to your dog, and they can join along.
Games and Dog Sports
Playing around in the park can also be great exercise for you and your dog. You can play with Frisbee, hide and seek, tug of war, and other games to make it fun.
If you want to take it to the next level, there are a lot of dog sports in which you can participate and strengthen your bond as a team. You can look into sports like dog agility, canine freestyle, or disc dog, which allow for moderate exercise and a great workout.
Parting Words
Exercising with your dog is a fun and enjoyable way to nurture your bond with them. The activities we covered in the article above are enjoyable and provide the mental and physical stimulation needed for your dog.
However, it’s crucial to take safety measures and allow them to find their pace with any activity you plan to involve them in. Be prepared and pay attention to the signs of exhaustion and injury. Keep these things in mind, have fun with your dog, make memories, and live a healthy life. Happy pet parenting!