Fun Ways To Exercise With Your Dog!

Dogs, like humans, require regular exercise, and developing a daily exercise routine is essential for keeping our dogs physically and mentally fit. Your dog, whether young or old, should be kept as active as possible. Your dog's breed, age, and energy levels will determine how intense the exercise should be, and it's critical to avoid injuring or exhausting them by overdoing it. 

Taking your dog for a walk is the most common way to integrate activity into your daily routine, but there are numerous ways to make their exercise more enjoyable. 

1. Fetch

Fetch does not have to be monotonous. Make your dog's fetch routine more interesting by making her run uphill to retrieve a ball or tossing a ball into the water. To keep your dog interested, alternate between balls, frisbees, and other prized toys.

2. Hiking 

Take a walk with your dog on a leash. One of the most enjoyable parts of hiking with your dog is that you can go at your own pace. You can also stop and take breaks as needed. Just remember to carry a portable water bowl.

3. Swimming 

Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise for dogs. It increases endurance while also strengthening the heart and lungs. Some breeds enjoy swimming, while others dislike it. If your dog belongs to the latter group, begin the exercise slowly and patiently. You can add toys to encourage your dog to jump into the water.

4. Training in obedience 

The best way to get your pets to exercise and follow your commands is to train them. For a little fun, teach them the classic bow or handshake. Teach them how to fetch you a ball, sit down, and other commands that will come in handy for future indoor or outdoor sports. Aside from that, it is always a good idea to spend time with your pups because they enjoy it the most. Little cuddles after each accomplishment will keep them happy and encourage them to keep going.

5. Play hide and seek together. 

With your dog, play hide and seek. Tell your dog to sit in a room and go hide. Then call your dog and tell them where you are. With more players, the game becomes even more exciting. The goal here, of course, is to have fun with your dog and keep them active.

6. Treadmill 

Dogs can use treadmills, preferably those specifically designed for pets. They do, however, require some training; first, get your dog used to a  treadmill when it is turned off. Then, gradually turn it on. When exercising, don't leash your dog; instead, keep an eye on them and give them treats from the front end of the treadmill.

7. Playing Tug of War 

Playing tug of war with your dog is one of the most physically and mentally demanding games you can play. Tug of war with your dog is a great way to give your dog both physical and mental exercise. And because it's a game based on manners, it's a great way to work on your dog's impulse control; for example, the game ends if your teeth touch my hand.

8. Puzzles for the mind 

Dogs become very active when faced with a mental challenge, so puzzle games for dogs are very entertaining. A wide variety of dog puzzles and games are available, so you can buy several and rotate them every couple of days.

Ultimately, each dog is unique, and the more time you spend with your dog, the more you'll learn about how much exercise they require to keep them happy and you sane! Consult your veterinarian about how much daily activity is appropriate for your dog, and remember that exercise is an excellent way to keep both you and your dog happy and healthy.