There are myriads of ways you keep yourself fit. You go jogging, running, hiking, swimming, you go to the gym, etc. Of course, this is important to keep your body strong and healthy.
The same is true for your canine. Are you a dog owner? If yes, then I’m sure you care for her, and you understand that keeping your dog in good shape is as necessary as keeping yourself in shape.
Exercising your dog does not have to feel like or be a chore. You can join in the fun and use the opportunity to spend quality time with your pup.
Oh yea! your dog needs your attention, and I’m going to be suggesting some healthy activities you can do with your dog to build friendship, trust and promote physical fitness.
The key to a good exercise is to work up the heart to a healthy amount so your dog can reach a good pant. Don’t overwork her and make sure to keep your dog hydrated.
But make sure to visit a vet to know for sure the amount of work your dog can endure. You don’t want to cause your dog any harm whatsoever.
Here are some fun activities you can do with your dog to get you both in good shape and boost your connection.
1. Get On A Treadmill
If you can’t go to the great outdoors, then, by all means, get your workout on the right in your home or a gym. The truth is, knowing how to walk or run on a treadmill might not come naturally to your dog.
So you either have to teach her or bribe her (Yep. with treats, that is). You definitely have to start slow, making sure she’s comfortable with the sound of the whirring machine first, then getting her to use it and rewarding her with some good ‘ol treats.
When your dog is comfy enough, you can get some work done yourself and use a treadmill too. Of course, if you can’t access a treadmill, and you have a staircase in your home, then running up and down the stairs will suffice.
2. Play Fetch
Playing fetch with your dog is an excellent idea for an exercise. It’s a unique way to keep your dog active, engaged and helps her release pent up energy.
Just pick a toy that your dog will like and is willing to put in her mouth. Allow your dog to sniff the toy or take it in her mouth and reward it for doing so.
Then you can further drop the ball on the ground and let her pick it up. After she does so, place your hand out under her mouth and wait for her to drop the toy on your hand. When she does that, you can give her some treats to applaud her correct behaviour.
After you’ve got that in the bag, you can proceed to throw the ball to a farther distance, increasing that distance gradually.
3. Let Your Dog Walk You
It is normal putting a leash on your dog and walking her up the desired route. Why not try letting your dog walk you?.
Wherever she goes, you go. Try to see her as your GPS that is taking you to a surprise destination.
You may just be amazed to find out where she will lead you.
4. Go Running
This is easy. Let your dog loose(Take off her lease) and go running through a marked path. It is incredibly significant for your dog to have the sun and some good breeze on her face.
Do that for a while and stop a few times to catch your breath.
Don’t overwork her, just know her limits. And remember to stop when your dog wants to stop, remember it’s her outing.
5. Arrange A Play Date/Visit A Dog Park
The most natural way to get your dog to exercise is to get her with another dog. Here, she can invent her own plays and have a good time with another Canine. So arrange for a buddy to bring their own dog.
And while you have a good time catching up with your friend, your dog has the same opportunity. If that is not an option, then, by all means, visit a dog park. You’ll be sure to find other dogs in the area that your dog can play with. Get socialising.
6. Go For A Swim
Pool exercise is a great way to increase your pup’s muscle strength, promote cardiovascular health and improve your dog’s metabolic rate.
Bring your dog to swimming pools that cater to dogs and get in the pool alongside it. You can throw a toy or ball into the pool and let your dog fetch it.
7. Tug of War
Playing tug of war with your dog is very enjoyable, but only if you know how to. Tug of war brings out the predator in your dog, and it can be somewhat risky is have not developed some kind of trust and respect between yourself and your dog.
You need to have control over your dog’s strength and instinct before you can play a healthy game of tug of war. Did you find this article informative and helpful? Give us feedback in the comment section below.
Thank you.
