Fun Ways To Exercise With Your Dog

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Fun Ways To Exercise With Your Dog

We get dogs and pets for many reasons, and all of them good, but did you know that Dogs make the best exercise and workout buddies?

Well as a pet parent you know that every day at least once, and sometimes a few times your best four legged friend wants to go walkies. They do need some exercise every day, if for no other reason than to take care of “when nature calls’

So I would suggest that the number one exercise that all pet parents partake of in is,

Dog Walking

A dog’s energy can be boundless and contagious, getting even the laziest minded of us off the couch and walking, if even around the block a few times a day. Recent research from Michigan State University found that pet parents and especially dog owners were 34% more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week than folks who didn't have a dog. For those of you mindful of calorie intake and fat burning, then move at a brisk clip and you can burn as many as 170 calories in half an hour. But there are lots of other activities you and your dog can do together -- all while strengthening your bond and all of them within reach and fun.

Playing Catch and Fetch at The Park

Nothing beats a fun day at the park with your dog. And who ever said that you can’t get in a bit of exercise as well? You throw the ball and your pup goes bounding after it. But who says you have to just stand there? While he's retrieving it back to you as fast as his legs can travel, drop and bust out some moves like crunches, lunges, squats, and more – no need for you to not get in some aerobics and vascular as well. Better yet, race him for the ball and squeeze in some sprints, this is going to be even more fun for your dog also. Try this tip also: To give you dog a longer run, then one of our tennis ball launchers is just the trick. With a simple action you can launch a standard size tennis ball farther and longer, thereby giving you more time to get in those extra exercises, before he returns with the ball.  

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Fetch can be a game you play at the park with your dog that both of you can tremendously benefit from the exercise that it can bring to the both of you.

Running

Dogs love routine, it gives them purpose and so dogs are creatures of habit. Dogs love to run more than anything else in life. It is in their nature to want to run and run, for just about any reason. You can utilize this natural instinct in your dog, and combine it with your love of running, so that you both can get a super activity together that you both will enjoy.

Of course to enhance the experience, a well designed running leash that is hands free is recommended.

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A dog can help you keep up your daily or weekly mileage: Once your pup gets into the routine of a morning run or an afternoon or evening run, then no matter what the weather is outside, it won't let you wimp out if it's drizzling or too cold, or you're just feeling tired or unmotivated. It will be anxious and waiting, maybe even by where you keep your runners, panting excitably and raring to go.

It does not really matter what breed of dog, or size of dog that you have, all dogs have the ability to run. Just be aware of heat, or extremely hot days. Plus in our urban streetscapes, “Heat Island Effect” occurs after an extremely hot day, where the pavements and building have been absorbing the heat during the day, then at night the reverse occurs, the building and pavements start to release that trapped heat. So as a responsible pet parent, as long as the conditions are right, then enjoy a good run with your dog.

If you have a flat faced dog breed like a Pug or an Boston Terrier or English Bull-dog, then because of the nasal passages of these breeds, they do find it harder to suck in enough air when under exercise, so shorter runs are recommended for these breeds, perhaps less than five miles. Regardless of breed, of course you be the best judge, if the dog is laboring too hard, then you should slow down to a fast walk and monitor it, as soon as it recovers, then you can pick up the pace to get the maximum aerobic benefit possible for both of you. And with to-days well designed leashes for safely running with your dog, then nothing but an excuse is keeping you from this wonderful daily exercise routine.

Swimming

Dogs are born natural swimmers but not all dogs love to swim. One of the rudimentary mistakes that new dog parents make when it comes to their dog and water is: that they take it to the pool, lake, ocean or river, and when they see their dog being unsure of the water, they think that it just needs a little shove.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. If being thrown into water is your pup’s first experience of this new wet world, then it may become fearful of the water, and just will refuse to go near it.

When you have a puppy or younger dog for the first time near water, then let them get their feet wet….literally! Let them sniff at the water, and let them paddle in at their own pace. With you being in the water, and with a little encouragement like having their favorite floaty, and just throwing it out of reach for the dog, in no time at all the dog will associate the water with extreme wet fun.

Swimming is one of the best exercises for humans and dogs alike. When your dog gets accustomed to this new wet world, then what better exercise than racing laps with it. How about the exercise of throwing a brightly colored floaty into the far end of the pool, and you both diving in and playing whom can fetch it first. The beach can offer even more possibilities, with both a sandy area for you both to run and play fetch games, and then transferring this action to the ocean, with you also swimming out and back with the dog.

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Dog life vests have been developed to help the dog to float, but also when the dog gets fatigued, it will also safely float without drowning.

Stand-up Paddle-boarding

Stand-up paddle-boarding has exploded in recent years as both a great way to enjoy the water, but in addition a fantastic way to get a calorie burning exercise, and its year round. How many times when you go to the ocean, or lake, or pond do you see some paddle-boarders gliding along enjoying the activity?

Well it's almost as if stand-up paddleboards were designed for dog co-pilots. Dogs of all sizes and breeds can ride on the nose of to-days well designed boards. And with a lifejacket for your dog, then you both can enjoy this activity together.  Pick a very calm day on a lake or bay or harbor, or pond for your first few excursions together, so your pup can develop his sea legs, and get used to the motion. If you're new to the sport yourself and are struggling to balance the board, try paddling on your knees, which lowers your center of gravity, until your dog is comfortable. Even the best boarders will get wet so more than likely the odds are you'll both take a dunk, but with the life vest, he will float safely, and with the grab handle you can easily lift your dog back on the board. You can increase the fun and enjoyment of boarding if you bring some of his favorite float balls or throws. Toss them well out ahead of you, he will dive in and swim to get them, while you can get in a calorie burning row to the spot where it lands, pick the dog back up onto the board, then repeat the fun. You both will have an exhausting but exhilarating day on the water.

Kayaking

Kayaks have developed tremendously over the years. Before you were limited to very simple utilitarian designs good for just putting around a lake or harbor. Today we have many different models to suit just about any use. Sit on tops are one of these great innovations. Because of the open design of the kayak, a smaller dog can perch up front, while a larger dog might feel safer closer to your feet.

Teach your buddy to get in and out of the kayak on land first; then practice in the shallow water close to shore first. Even though the sit on top is a safe platform that is stable on the water, do not forget to have your dog wear a life vest for safety.

If the dogs seems nervous after getting on the sit on top, perhaps its feet cannot get traction on the slippery surface, then you could lay down a small mat or piece of carpet so his paws can get some grip. It is important at the start to get your dog both used to the sit on top and the motion of gliding through the water. Best practice is to start off on a calm dry day on a lake, or safe harbor. Just encourage the dog to sit or lay down. When he gets more used to both the motion and to the surroundings, you can start to have some fun by throwing some brightly colored float balls for him to fetch. The health and exercise benefit to you is the burn that you are getting when rowing, which will help to also burn lots and lots of calories.

If your dog is a swimmer, and just loves to do this then you can attach a leash to his life vest and let him swim behind you at his pace.

And best of all, kayaking is a year round sport!

Cycling

Some dogs will try and walk you, rather than the opposite way around. Like people, dogs can fit a certain personality profile. Some can be slow plod along don’t bother me mutt’s, while others can be exuberant and very excited on walks with what seems like boundless energy.

If you have a dog that fits the profile that he is likely to pull your arms off when walking, then Biking with your dog may offer the perfect solution.

If your dog has tons of energy then the best way to burn this off, is by making it as tired as possible, so it will mostly sleep when you get home. Biking is perfect for dogs with tons of energy. In the past, it was so that the best you could do was to tie your dog’s leash to the down tube of the bike, or worse, the handlebars, but this led to many accidents, and is unsafe. With modern innovation, bike leash attachments designed to safely attach to the bike post, while also keeping the dog at a safe distance for riding have opened up a world of possibilities, especially for quality exercise for the both of you, cycling can burn 500-plus calories per hour.

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You do not need any special bike neither to enjoy this wonderful exercise. That old bike that has laid unused in the garage will do the trick, just dust it off and oil it up. Dogs that love to run will be ecstatic safely trotting or running along next to you as you are cycling and burning the calories.

Biking with your dog may actually help with any behavioral issues as well. Veterinarians at Tufts University's Animal Behavior Clinic say aerobic exercise stimulates the brain to make serotonin, a hormone that helps dogs, especially those who are anxious or aggressive, to relax.

And cycling with your dog can be a year round activity, and can get the whole family involved.

Rollerblading

We all see those movies from the eighties craze where rollerblading at the beach or at the roller-dome were always popular. Although having lost some popularity lately, Rollerblading as a activity can burn some calories, while also giving your dog a great exercise.

Rollerblade design today is safer with advancements in design and technology. As long as you have good balance then there should be no reason to get out there blading around the neighborhood, at the park, or beach. And with innovative designs in leash attachments than allow you a hands free operation, then today, blading with your dog is safer too.

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If you have not been up on the skates for a while, then start slow, and in a less trafficked area like your local park. Your dog needs to get used to the sound of the wheels on pavement, and also needs to get used to the activity. But in no time at all you will be blading like a pro, burning off those excess calories, plus giving your dog an aerobic experience second to none.

As in all things exercise, pace yourself to your own ability, and your dog’s ability and build up from there.

Soccer

Dogs and playing ball go hand in hand with cats playing with spools of thread. The iconic image of a dog having fun is chasing a ball. And believe it or not, some dogs love soccer -- especially herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.

Of course the old soccer ball which was long laid to rest in the bottom of your closet is probably not suitable for playing soccer ball with your dog. To-days balls designed for dogs are bite resistant and are non-toxic.

The idea is to emulate the best moves of your favorite soccer stars, and to teach your four legged friend to "kick" or "dribble" with his nose or paws. Even with a young Beagle puppy like I have, "that has a mind of his own", and would rather pick up the ball and run with it for me to chase, over time learned the rules and game. As he grew a little larger I upgraded him to a full size soccer ball, which he can now nose dribble with the best of them at the park.  

Kicking the ball up the field and chasing after it with your dog, will give you the burn that you need and will get your heart rate up burning those calories, while all the time having immense fun with the dog at the park. All types of balls can be used. The idea is the chase and fetch activity that will help burn the calories.

Bringing throw toys like Frisbees and tennis ball launchers can add to the day.

Ropes can also be used for tugging play, while depending on the strength of the dog, can also help burn some calories.

And best of all, this is a year round activity.

Happy Exercising With Your Four Legged Best Friends.

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