Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Dog

Since you need exercise and your dog needs exercise, why not look for ways to exercise with your dog? It’s easier than you think! As man’s best friend, your dog will be a great fitness partner. “In a recent survey, […] 65% of dog parents claimed they’re more active with a dog than without and over half (57%) said they’re likely to do this exercise with their pup. 43% of dog owners even said their dog is their accountability partner. An impressive 75% went on to say that being active alongside their pup improves their bond!” “Up to 50% of dogs in the U.S. weigh too much. Like people, overweight dogs are at risk for health problems, from arthritis to heart disease. This is one challenge you and your pet can face together.” Whether you or your dog need to lose weight or simply want to improve your health, you’ll find it is fun and enjoyable to exercise with your dog. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health condition, speak with your veterinarian before you begin to exercise with your dog. Even if your dog seems physically fit, it is wise to build up your exercise regimen slowly. It is also important to pay attention to your dog during and after a workout for any signs of heat exhaustion or other illness. With that being said, here are fun-ways to exercise with your dog. Hiking Leash up your dog and take a hike. One of the best things about hiking with your dog is that you can go at the pace that works best for both of you. Plus, you can stop and take breaks as needed. Just be sure to pack a portable water dish. Swimming Dogs love the water, take advantage of swimming as a way to exercise with your dog. This type of exercise is great for humans and dogs because it is easy on their joints. Fetch Dogs love to play fetch, but you’ll need to make effort to turn this into a physical activity for yourself. One way to do so is to play tennis with your dog. As you hit your tennis ball, your dog will run to get it and bring it back. And you can do it over and over again. Tug of War Work your muscles by playing a game of tug of war with your dog. Ideally, for this to count as exercise with your dog, your dog needs to be big enough to challenge you. Running Many dog owners love to run with their dogs. Not only is it fun, but it also makes them feel safer to have their canine companion with them.Slowly build up the length of your runs. Walking Easiest way to exercise with your dog is to take it with you. Walking is a great exercise for all dogs – even those with health conditions. Dancing Turn on the music and dance around the house. Your dog will love the energy and likely will move around with you without any encouragement. Agility Training Obstacle courses provide more than training for the dog – they are also a great exercise for both of you. For many dog owners, agility training quickly becomes more than just a workout.” Cycling Many dog owners have success taking their dogs with them while cycling. However, for this to work, you need to make sure you train your dog to stay on the leash on the correct side of your bicycle. Frisbee Tossing a frisbee for your dog to catch midair is fun, but it can be even more fun and athletic. You’ll both have fun exercising and bonding as you compete.