Dog owners often think of ways to keep their pets fit and healthy. It is crucial for both dogs and humans to have an exercise routine to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Although dogs are very enthusiastic when it comes to playing or walking, sometimes it may be necessary to push your little dog to get some exercise. Dogs generally need to be trained to go for a brisk walk or play and therefore it becomes crucial for all pet owners to know how to do it. There are many ways to exercise your dog, I am going to share ten ideas that work according to our experience and above all, they are easy for most beginners.
1. Walking, jogging and running
The first easy exercise you can train your dog for is a walk or hike. Keep walks short to about 20 minutes at first, then gradually increase the time. Once your dog is comfortable with the walk, try changing the routine by jogging or running with them. Make sure they walk for at least 45 to 60 minutes a day if they aren’t doing any other physical activity.
2. Follow him as he walks
For a change, you can also allow your dog to take you and instead of walking him, you can follow him wherever he goes. This will be fun for your pet too and you will also get a break from the usual routine. Make sure to stop when your dog wants to stop to keep him motivated to walk for a while.
3. Obedience training
The best way to help your pets exercise and follow your instructions is to train them to do so. You can make them learn the most common tricks. Teach them the command to fetch a ball, sit, and other commands that can help you in future indoor games or outdoor sports. Apart from that, it is always good to spend time with your dogs since it is what they want the most. Little cuddles after each achievement will keep them happy and encourage them to keep doing it.
4. Play the fetch game
The next way to get your little one to work up a sweat is to play fetch. Since you can play this sport literally anywhere, it’s easy to train your dog for it. Get a ball or a stick, throw it and ask your pet to fetch it for you. You may have to train your dog to do what you ask at first, but once he learns the skill and listens to your command, it will become a fun game for him too. You can also play Frisbee with them in a similar way by training them to bring the Frisbee to you.
5. Make them go up the stairs
If you are looking for some indoor exercise, then there is no better sport than having them climb the stairs. You can ask your dogs to follow you up the stairs or you can also throw a ball or stuffed animal upstairs for them to pick up the same for you. Always show your appreciation when they go upstairs or get them something to keep them motivated.
6. Sniffing games
The fun sport of scent games is popular with dog owners to help their dogs develop and improve their olfactory skills. It stimulates their mental abilities, as well as keeps them physically active. You can store treats in the boxes and leave a scent trail on the boxes. This way, you can make your own “fetch games” at home when you can’t get your pets out. Don’t forget to praise them and give them a treat when they manage to follow the trail and find the boxes.
7. Take them to the parks
You can also let your little one play with your neighbor’s or friend’s dog and watch them have a lot of fun. Owners can also bring balls and other toys to play with their dogs in case there are no other pets in the parks.
8. Hide and seek fun
Another fun way to exercise your dog is to play hide and seek with them. For this first game, find a spot in your house and then hide in the spot after giving the “Come” command. Dogs generally like to find their owners by following their natural scent trail. Not only does this get them working out, but it also stimulates their cognitive abilities in their brain. Our pets know how we smell and that’s exactly how they get to know when we come home or are around them.
9. Swimming
One of the easiest ways for your dog to get plenty of exercises and end up tired for the rest of the day. Certain breeds such as Labradors, water dogs, are innately great swimmers and you will have no problem swimming not only in lakes or pools but also on any beach with waves. Throw them a buoyant ball and try. Other dogs that are not so given, you can go step by step, little by little, but try to avoid waves. Bathing with them will help give them security and motivation in the water, too.
10. Agility classes for super active dogs
If your dog needs much more, these classes are a great solution that will make you and your dog get in shape, meet other dogs and owners who are passionate about this sport, and enjoy it together. Some breeds are very agile and need this type of exercise to keep them physically and mentally fit.
Do you know that there are also yoga classes for dogs, which are known as doga classes? Yes, there are some agility classes and doga centers where your pet can exercise. So now, you can also enroll your pet in these classes and help them stay fit along with exercising with them.
