Exercises for an Active Dog Lifestyle

PEOPLE AND DOGS

Walking at a fast pace with breaks

Take your dog for a walk on a leash. While walking, combine jogging, regular running, and leg raises to boost your heart rate and burn calories.

Salki

Just like when you were a child with your friends, play tag with your pet in the dog park, in the backyard or even in the house. Both of you will get a great cardio workout, as the dog will constantly follow you.

“Aport”

The good old game takes a new turn. When you’re at the dog park or in your backyard, pick up your dog’s favorite toy and toss it… Only this time, chase the dog while he picks it up! If you can’t visit the dog park or don’t have a backyard, you can throw a stuffed animal in the hallway.

“Bring” for the press

Another modification of the classic fetch game. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and pretend you’re about to throw it when you raise your hand. Do as many repetitions as possible until the dog realizes that the toy is still in your hands. It’s the perfect backyard game, dog park, and even at home.

Squat

Make a squat stance with feet shoulder-width apart. Sit down and lure the animal with your favorite toy. Stand up, lift the toy over your head so that the dog starts jumping after it. This exercise can be done at home or outside.

Obstacle course for dogs

Place a step platform in your backyard. Put the leash on your dog and quickly walk across the platform. With each step, do exercises for yourself, such as forward bends, bench presses, or squats, to also get a good workout. Your dog will be in constant motion and will enjoy spending time with you. If you do not have a step platform, adapt something else for this purpose. If you live in an apartment, you can do similar exercises at the dog park.

Stairs

Climbing stairs is a great way to tone your leg muscles and strengthen your pet’s paws. Put the leash on the dog, go up and down the stairs. Don’t forget to add a high step and side steps to work different muscle groups.

Regular walk

Take your dog for a walk in the dog park or just outside.

Walk with resistance

Walk on different surfaces such as sand, shallow water, leaf litter, snow, or uneven ground.

Walking on high surfaces

Use obstacles such as benches, trees, ditches, and logs to help your dog jump, crawl, or balance.

Just “bring”

Throw a ball or toy to give your pet a good exercise. You can add stress if you play on a mountainside or stairs. Do not drop the stick as it may break and cause injury to the animal.

Hide and Seek

Hide a toy or treat for your dog to look for.

Swimming or hydrotherapy

Ideal for animals suffering from arthritis or back problems. Ask your veterinarian about hydrotherapy.

Overcoming obstacles

Set up a low bar (put a long stick on top of two other objects), a tunnel (can be bought at a pet store or made from cardboard boxes) and a slalom course (objects 1 meter apart) to train the dog.