We all know dogs need exercise, but is one walk around the block enough? For most dogs, the answer is no! Even small breed dogs often need more than just a walk! How much exercise an individual dog needs depends on their age, breed, health and energy level! In most cases, many dogs are getting "just enough" to keep them out of trouble. However, the right about of exercise can be highly beneficial in terms of your dogs health, weight and happiness.
So what are the best forms of exercise for dogs? There are a lot of things you can do that are fun and beneficial for both human and dog! It is important to let dogs finish growing (between 2 - 3 years of age) before starting intensive exercise routines (such as running, bicycling or sledding with your dog) to prevent any damage to growing joints.
It is equally important to build your dogs endurance and provide exercise that is appropriate for their current fitness level.
So what are the best forms of exercise for dogs? There are a lot of things you can do that are fun and beneficial for both human and dog! It is important to let dogs finish growing (between 2 - 3 years of age) before starting intensive exercise routines (such as running, bicycling or sledding with your dog) to prevent any damage to growing joints.
It is equally important to build your dogs endurance and provide exercise that is appropriate for their current fitness level.
Taking your dog for a walk is a very enjoyable, sometimes therapeutic activity for you and your dog. Your dog will gain physical and mental exercise out on a walk as they investigate smells, stretch their legs, watch people and dogs pass by, and simply enjoy being outside with you.
Adding some obedience training in your daily walks can improve the quality of the experience. Ask your dog to sit at the street before crossing, to down on the sidelines as another dog passes, or to heel for several minutes at random intervals. Including rewards (toy, food, praise) for success will satisfy your dog's desire to do things that make you both happy!
Adding some obedience training in your daily walks can improve the quality of the experience. Ask your dog to sit at the street before crossing, to down on the sidelines as another dog passes, or to heel for several minutes at random intervals. Including rewards (toy, food, praise) for success will satisfy your dog's desire to do things that make you both happy!
Hiking is a very rewarding activity to enjoy with your dog! Long distance hikes, especially in natural areas, is exactly what your dog loves to experience! The vast array of sights, sounds and smells will provide excellent mental stimulation. Long distance walking, trotting or running is exactly what a dog is designed to do, so it is no surprise that hiking fulfills exercise requirements for more dogs.
Off leash hiking for dogs who have a good foundation in obedience (recall, sit, down, stay, etc) is even more rewarding and enjoyable.
Off leash hiking for dogs who have a good foundation in obedience (recall, sit, down, stay, etc) is even more rewarding and enjoyable.
Dogs love to run, they are built for it! Running is a great way to get their hearts working, stretch their muscles and burn energy! Whether they are free running in an open space with their canine friends, or joining you for your daily exercise routine, running is one of the best forms of exercise for dogs.
Dogs make excellent running partners, just make sure you build your dog up to your distance and duration slowly to prevent injury! You'll have to be cautious of what they are running on as well, since dogs need to build their resistance to running on various surfaces. Remember, your dog doesn't wear shoes like you do! Be cautious of hot pavement, too!
Dogs make excellent running partners, just make sure you build your dog up to your distance and duration slowly to prevent injury! You'll have to be cautious of what they are running on as well, since dogs need to build their resistance to running on various surfaces. Remember, your dog doesn't wear shoes like you do! Be cautious of hot pavement, too!
Dogs typically loves to retrieve or chase moving objects, making fetch a great activity for you and your dog. Throw a toy, let your dog chase it and bring it back, then repeat! Fetch is a good way to let your dog run at its own pace, while encouraging the heart to beat faster and improve circulation and endurance. There are a wide variety of toys you can use like balls, frisbees and other throw-able toys!
Two ball is a fast-paced game for high energy dogs, and it involves throwing one ball and throwing a second ball immediately when you dog returns to you with the first ball.
Two ball is a fast-paced game for high energy dogs, and it involves throwing one ball and throwing a second ball immediately when you dog returns to you with the first ball.
Similar to running, of course, bicycling with your dog is an alternative for those who aren't runners. Dogs are built for trotting long distance for long periods of time, which is why taking your dog for a bike ride is a great form of exercise and mental stimulation! There are different harnesses and bicycle attachments you can purchase to make riding your bicycle with your dog more safe, care free and enjoyable!
Much like with running, your dog should be physically mature and of sound orthopedics and health prior to becoming a bike ride companion. This kind of intensive exercise is suitable only for dogs that are fully physically developed.
Much like with running, your dog should be physically mature and of sound orthopedics and health prior to becoming a bike ride companion. This kind of intensive exercise is suitable only for dogs that are fully physically developed.
Swimming is an excellent form of low impact exercise for any water loving dog. Swimming is a great way to safely tire out your dog, build muscle and tone, improve endurance and provide fun and enjoyment to your dog. Swimming is especially ideal for senior dogs, dogs with joint issues or dogs that have trouble getting good exercise in when the weather is too hot.
While dogs are athletic creatures, you should be wary of very cold water and potentially dangerous currents and undertows. Dogs with short (or even lack of) coats may not do well swimming in frigid lake water.
While dogs are athletic creatures, you should be wary of very cold water and potentially dangerous currents and undertows. Dogs with short (or even lack of) coats may not do well swimming in frigid lake water.
There are a lot of great exercises and things you can do with your dogs, the list I have provided for this article just discusses the basics! The possibilities really are endless. Consider things like dog sports (scent detection, flyball, lure coursing, obedience, etc) to exercise the mind AND body. Activities like sledding, ski-joring, camping and socializing with other dogs are just a few more options for you and your dog!
Just like us, dogs need physical AND mental stimulation to be happy and healthy!
Can you think of anymore good activities to do with your dog? Tell us about them in the comments section!
Need some ideas for rainy days when you can't get out with your dog? Here is an article about mental stimulation indoors!
If you enjoy K9 Instinct's articles, you will love getting our weekly Newsletter! It's totally free, and you will get lots of great exclusive content delivered directly to your inbox! You won't want to miss out on all the free advice and recipes!
Just like us, dogs need physical AND mental stimulation to be happy and healthy!
Can you think of anymore good activities to do with your dog? Tell us about them in the comments section!
Need some ideas for rainy days when you can't get out with your dog? Here is an article about mental stimulation indoors!
If you enjoy K9 Instinct's articles, you will love getting our weekly Newsletter! It's totally free, and you will get lots of great exclusive content delivered directly to your inbox! You won't want to miss out on all the free advice and recipes!
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