Health Benefits
Dog
Dogs who don’t exercise are usually overweight, and have more health problems such as weak bones, and emotional problems. Taking your dog out to exercise may benefit them and help improve their bone health, as well as their heart, organs, and lung function. The mental stimulation dogs receive when exercising with their owners are also great. Exercising will also tire them out, leaving them less aggressive against others, preventing dog bites with strangers.
You
There are many health benefits you can receive when exercising with your dog, but the main one is companionship to motivate while working out. Your muscular strength, body circulation, memory and sleep will improve. You will also have more energy as well as reduced stress and depression. You may also have the chance to be more social, as there are dog exercise classes you can take as well as meet other owners who exercise with their dog. Overall you will be happier and healthier.
Stay Safe While Exercising
All dogs are different and need different levels of exercise each day. Age, breed, size, as well as other health considerations will determine how much exercise your dog should be doing each day.
Before going out to exercise, check the weather to ensure that it is not too hot outside for your dog, as their paws may burn or they may get easily dehydrated and overheated from their fur coat. If it is too hot out, choose cooler times to work out and shorten the time spent exercising. Make sure to bring water for the both of you.
Here are some signs that you dog exercised more than enough for the day:
- Excessive panting
- Tongue hanging out a long way
- Abnormally pale or bright red gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lagging behind you
- Seems unwilling to go out, or to continue the workout
- Soreness in the day(s) following the workout
Use a leash that is non retractable for more control, as well as a harness so your dog’s neck won’t get pulled on during your exercises together. Make sure your dog is also up top date on its medications, as you are going outside.
1. Walking
Walking is a good low-impact exercise for those slowly getting into exercising or can’t do anything intense yet. This way, you can work out at your own pace together, and enjoy the sights and smells the world has to offer. Walking is suitable for all types of dogs.
2. Running
Jogging or running is great for those active dogs who need high amounts of exercise. Depending on your dog’s breed, they may prefer short sprints or long jogs.
Running puts strain on your joints, so if your dog is still young and hasn’t fully developed their joints, or has weak joints, do not take them running yet. Stick to other forms of exercise on this list. Allow your dog to set the pace of the run and check in on them every once in a while and make sure they are ok to continue on.
3. Hiking
Hiking is good for dogs with stamina. It helps build your core, balance and muscle strength. The beauty of nature when hiking is also an added bonus, which improves mood and lessens stress and anxiety.
Start on easier shorter hikes with flat terrain, and then as they improve, slowly introduce them to harder hikes with steeper and rockier terrain. Make sure to read up on the hike you go to, as some are not suitable or safe for dogs.
4. Swimming
For dogs who enjoy the water, swimming is a fun exercise. Because it’s in the water, their joints have no weight, but they are able to get a full body workout to swim around. Before your dog is comfortable swimming, start them off with a doggy life vest.
Bring lot a of water so they don’t drink the water they swim in which may be chlorinated or salty. Check the location of the swim to make sure it is safe for dogs, such as avoiding lakes with blue-green toxic algae and beaches with big waves.
Keep an eye on your dog and keep swim sessions around 10-15 minutes long. If they like toys while swimming, stick to smaller flat toys such as frisbees to avoid water ingestion while retrieving it.
5. Yoga
Doing yoga with your dog is good for those who are on the calmer side. While it doesn’t burn off much energy for your dog, it gives them time to spend bonding with their owner. Have your dog stay close to you and see if they can copy your poses. Some poses that are easier for them to imitate are downward dog, upward-facing dog, compass pose, happy baby, supine twist, and supported fetal pose.
6. Frisbee
If your dog loves to play fetch, playing frisbee is a great way to exercise. You run and throw the frisbee, and they catch and retrieve, giving you both an ample amount of exercise. If your dog is good at long distance catches, there are competitions they can enter.
7. Obstacle Course (Agility Training)
Agility is really popular for highly intelligent active dogs. They usually run through an obstacle course that has seesaws, tunnels, weave poles and jumps. Under your guidance, they try to navigate the course as quickly as possible. This gives you both an exercise, as you need to be able to follow them around the course.
8. Cardio Circuit
Mix exercise with tricks and commands. Between each rep of your cardio circuit sets, have your dog do a trick. For example, have them give you a paw everytime you lunge forward. You may even use your dog as a weight if they are small enough.
This allows your dog for more mental stimulation rather than physical, which also spends their energy. Mental stimulation will improve your dog’s mood and command training.
9. Dancing
Dogs who love learning tricks are perfect for dancing. During “canine freestyle,” dogs will usually perform a trick routine alongside their owner, incorporating tricks and actions with music, making it seem like you are dancing partners.
10. Tug Of War
Not only is tug of war a good exercise to tire them out, it draws upon their natural predatory nature. It helps them learn impulse control, boundaries, and is a great mental stimulate. It also helps their teeth and muscles.
When playing tug of war with your dog, be gentle with your dog and match their energy, moving the proper tug toy side to side. Tug for 10-20 seconds and then let them win, teaching them to share their property.
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