Dog Workout Tips
Smart practical pointers to boost playtime together for better living.
Nothing beats a good walk with your best friend, but that's not your only option for providing a workout that fits just right with a longer, healthier life.
Exercise Tips
- Regular walk
Take your dog to the local park or just along the street. -
Resistance walk
Try to walk your dog on different surfaces like sand, shallow water, fallen leaves, snow or on a rough surface. -
Enhanced walk
Use obstacles when you're out walking like benches, trees, ditches and logs for your dog to jump over, crawl under or balance on. -
Fetch
Throwing a ball or toy is great exercise for your dog, and you can make him work harder by doing it on a hillside or stairs. Don't throw sticks, though, as they can splinter and cause injury. -
Hide and Seek
Hide a toy or some kibbles and let your dog find it. -
Swimming or hydrotherapy
Ideal for dogs with arthritis or back problems. Ask your veterinarian about hydrotherapy. -
Obstacle courses
Set up low hurdles (use a broom stick across two objects), tunnels (available from pet shops or use cardboard boxes) and a slalom course (objects set one yard apart) to exercise your dog.
To a dog, a walk is an all-round workout that keeps his body and his mind healthy. But it's important that your dog is exercised every day, not just at weekends. Regular exercise will help him lose weight as well as keeping him fitter, healthier and happier. Extra long walks at the weekend can actually do more harm than good, especially if your dog suffers from arthritis. He may appear to keep up, but he can be stiff and sore the following day.
