Exercising your dog is essential for their overall health and well-being. However, coming up with new and exciting ways to do so can sometimes be difficult. Keep reading to find some fun exercises to try.
Dog Exercise Ideas
Capture the flag
If your dog has a high prey drive, they’ll love the ‘capture the flag’ game from SwiftPaws. This interactive dog toy prompts your dog to chase a flag around a track (up to 200ft). The speed and direction of the flag can be adjusted by remote control which keeps your dog on their toes. This is a great way to exercise high-energy dogs as they will cover a lot of ground by chasing the flag.
Running
Outside
Not only does running provide physical benefits for dogs, such as strengthening muscles, increasing endurance, and improving coordination, but it can also include enriching activities such as new smells and sounds. It’s recommended to start slow by jogging before gradually working up to a running pace that is comfortable for both you and your dog.
Inside
If you can’t make it outside with your dog to take them running, you can try a dog treadmill which allows them to run in all weather conditions and climates.
Swimming
If you live close to any water then a great way to exercise your dog is through swimming and water games. It is easy on the joints whilst providing a great workout. Not all dogs can swim though so making sure your dog is comfortable beforehand is important.
Fetch
A game of fetch can be a great way to burn calories in a short duration of time. The thrill of chasing the ball and running back and forth expends a tonne of energy. Just be sure to watch out for signs your dog is tired such as panting and lying down. You can also use a dog ball launcher for when your arm gets tired!
Hiking
Hiking with your dog is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and get in some additional steps. Not only will your dog burn some excess energy but they’ll also love exploring all the new scents and sounds. This is also a wonderful way to bond with your dog in nature.
Flirt pole
A dog flirt pole is a great way to exercise and entertain your dog. It consists of a long pole with a colorful object, such as a toy or cloth, attached to the end. You can wave or swing the pole around for your dog to chase and catch, providing an enjoyable game that can burn off some excess energy.
Running up stairs
If you have stairs or steps available then you can entice your dog to run up and down them. This type of exercise helps with endurance and muscle strength. It’s a simple exercise that can add a burst of energy expenditure. You can use toys and treats as a reward when they reach the top of the stairs.
Dog agility course
Dog agility courses are an excellent way to exercise your dog and help them reach their full potential in terms of physical fitness. This type of exercise is designed to challenge the coordination, stamina, and athleticism of your dog using a variety of obstacles such as tunnels, jumps, weave poles, teeter-totters, and more.
How much exercise do dogs need?
Dogs require daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. The amount of exercise your dog will need depends on their age, breed, size, and overall health. Adult dogs need more exercise than senior dogs because senior dogs have decreased mobility or other health issues which need to be taken into consideration.
It will roughly be between 30 minutes to 2 hours each day.
