Read more about the tips featured in Gunnar's PetFit^™ Challenge Exercise Tips video. Check with your veterinarian before starting any new exercise program with your pet.
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Power Dog Walks with Intervals

Power Dog Walks with Intervals

Take your dog for a walk on a leash. Throughout the walk, mix in some intervals of jogging, running or high stepping to help increase your heart rate and burn calories for both you and your dog.

Dog Tag

Dog Tag

Just as you did so many times with your friends as a kid, play tag with your dog at your local dog park, in your backyard or even inside your house. You’ll both get a great cardio workout as your dog tries to chase you down.

Fetch Races

Fetch Races

A twist on an old favorite. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and toss it at your local dog park or in your back yard… except this time, race your dog to retrieve it! For owners who don’t have access to a dog park or a backyard, this can be done in the hallway of your home with a soft toy.

Fetch Tease for Abs

Fetch Tease for Abs

Another twist on classic fetch. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and pretend to toss it as you reach the top of your sit-up. Try to get in as many reps as you can until your dog becomes wise that you still have his toy. This is perfect for your backyard, your local dog park or even inside your home.

Dog Squat Tease

Dog Squat Tease

Stand with your legs spread shoulder width in preparation to do a leg squat. As you descend, tap your dog with his favorite toy. As you rise, lift the toy above your head to encourage your dog to jump after it. This can be done in your home and outside as well.

Dogstacle Course

Dogstacle Course

Place fitness steps throughout your backyard. Place your dog on leash and swiftly walk through the course. At each step, designate an exercise for yourself such as toe touches, modified push-ups or leg squats to give yourself a solid workout. Your dog will constantly be in motion and will love spending time with you. If you don’t have fitness steps, find common household items to use. For pet owners who don’t have a backyard, this can be done at your local dog park.

Dog Stairs

Dog Stairs

Climbing stairs is the perfect way to build up your leg muscles. Place your dog on a leash and walk up and down your stairs. Be sure to mix it up and throw in some high steps and side steps to work various muscle groups.

"Light" Cardio

"Light" Cardio

Everyone knows that cats love to chase beams of light so why not get your heart rate up as well? Try jumping an invisible rope while holding flashlights in your hands aimed at the wall. You and your cat are sure to get a solid workout. Move the light beam up and down your wall or in circles and see your cat have a blast trying to “catch” it.

"Light" Abs

"Light" Abs

Ever do sit-ups with flashlights in your hands? When you get to the top of the sit-up, hold your position and crunch your abs for a few seconds while moving the flashlight beams on your wall.

Curious Cat Curls

Curious Cat Curls

Tie an elastic band to a toy around your dumbbells. As you curl, watch your cat go crazy to try to catch the toy as it ascends and descends.

Gunnar Peterson's expertise in functional training has helped transform the lives of celebrities, professional athletes and countless others. His focus on achieving long-term results makes a difference for his pets as well as his clients.

Gunnar is a loving owner of four dogs; Lennox, Cassius, Luigi and Donatella. He's proud to be a part of the PetFit^™ Challenge America's Fittest Pets contest and he's looking forward to meeting contest finalists at the competition in New York!