Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog

Regular exercise is a lifestyle that you have to opt for if you plan on staying healthy. Dogs are no exception. You need to keep them moving or they’ll turn into couch potatoes. Plus, the mental stimulation and social contact can be a wonderful part of their day and allow you to bond with your pets. We’re bringing you some easy ways you can exercise your dog, whilst highlighting a few matters you cannot compromise on. Let’s begin.

The Most Effective and Easiest Exercises for Your Dog

Games

One of the easiest ways to bond with your dog while keeping them active is through games! Some of the most common games for dogs are:

Fetch

The world-famous fetch can be played both with a frisbee and ball. But if you’ve got a dog who has more energy than you, it’ll quickly get exhausting for you. Throwing the ball over and again can fatigue your arm — consider investing in a dog ball launcher that does the work for you. Automatic dog ball launchers will allow you to rest your arm while giving your fur baby the workout they need! 

Tug-of-war

Playing tug with your pooch is an excellent way to keep them busy and at the same time a great way to work on your dog’s impulses. For instance, ‘the game stops if your teeth or tongue touches my hand’. Stay cautious when playing tug with your dog, however, as many tug toys may be breakable and some puppies may yet have to learn basic bite inhibition. 

Nose-work games

The nose-work games could be as simple as you chopping up a few carrots and hiding them in your house, followed by a ‘go find them’ call to your dog.

Hide-and-seek

Not only do dogs love playing hide-and-seek, but it is one of the most fun and easiest games for humans as well! Just watch a video or two of dogs playing hide-and-seek with their owners, you’ll start by giggling on your couch and end up playing it with your own pooch in no time!

Running

If you have a thing for jogging and running yourself, doing it with your dog is only going to be more fun! Just make sure you keep a leash on your dog for safety measures. Also, if your dog begins to pant or breath heavily, know that it’s time to take a break.

Swimming

Although not everybody has access to it, swimming is a fun and effective exercise for your dog. Give them a ball or frisbee to play with and it’ll help them work all their muscles. 

Hiking

If you happen to live in a hilly area, a quick walk or run to the nearest hill station with your pooch just once a week could do wonders for their physique. It’s important that your dog has a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle for the rest of the week or the hike will easily exhaust them.

Have a Safety-First Approach

Whichever exercise arrangement you plan to go forward with, always take precautions and be mindful of the safety of your pooch. Never go for a run or a walk without a leash. Avoid playing games like tug of war if your dog has behavioral problems and hasn’t yet been trained to not bite. If you’re unsure, a game like fetch or hide-and-seek should do the trick! Automatic dog ball launchers have made games like fetch extremely safe and easy to play — that’s probably why it’s one of the most famous dog games.

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

Just like humans, dogs need at least an hour or two of exercise daily. Depending on the age, size, and breed of your dog, your pooch may need more or less. Do your diligence beforehand and always prioritize your dog’s health and safety.