Fun Ways To Get Your Dog Exercise
If you are running out of new ideas when it comes to keeping your dog active, it is time to recalibrate your routine. If you are busy, live in a city, or have bad weather, these aren’t reasons to keep your dog inside and sedentary. Here are four ways you can get your dog (and yourself) off of the couch and back into an exercise routine.
1. Go to Dog Parks or Set up Playdates
While you might be your dog’s favorite human, nothing beats romping with other dogs. If you can get your dog some bonding time in with other dogs, they can really let loose and play together. If you have a larger dog or a breed that really likes to run, you aren’t on the hook to do this with your dog, find your dog a friend that can help keep them active.
2. Don’t be Afraid of the Car
Roaming around the yard or the block will get old for your dog after a while. Keep exercise fresh by getting your dog out of their comfort zone and bringing them to new places. This can be fun for you too if there are hikes you have been meaning to check out or natural parks nearby that your dog can explore with you.
3. Use the Stairs in Your Home for Fetch
If it’s cold outside, don’t let your dog’s exercise routine suffer. A sure way to get their heart pumping and have fun is to play fetch inside, but by incorporating the stairs. They will get in more running than normal and you won’t have to be too active in the process. This might better for younger or larger dogs that don’t have hip problems, so it might be best to consult your vet first.
4. Enroll in a Dog Training Course
You can teach old dogs new tricks and there are plenty of classes out there for dogs, from basic training to agility classes. It can be rewarding to both your dog and yourself to learn a few more commands or take this to the next level with jumps and relays. Depending on the age of your dog, run courses by your vet beforehand to make sure that they approve with the training.
Keeping your dog active will keep them healthier over time. Before you try anything new with your dog, it is a good idea to talk with your local animal hospital and see if they might have some unique ideas as well. If you can keep your dog moving, they will be less likely to suffer from obesity and weight related diseases as they age.
To learn more, contact an animal hospital like Groves Veterinary Clinic.
