Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle: Tips for Exercising Your Dog
As dog parents, it’s of utmost importance to us to keep our pups happy and healthy. Exercise plays a big role in this goal. A fit pup is a healthy pup – but how can you keep your dog in shape? Here are four ideas for keeping your pup exercised and happy:
Doggie paddle
Swimming is a great activity for both you and your dog. Likewise, swimming exercises are great for dogs with arthritis or joint pain and for dogs with short snouts. Try swimming a few laps or throwing floaty toys into the pool for your pup to fetch. Pool activities are also a great way to cool off and overcome heat exhaustion caused by exertion.
Walk and jog
Did you know that dog owners are 15-36% less likely to die from a cardiovascular-related event than non-dog owners? Try taking longer walks with your furry friend and, if your dog is able, incorporating periods of jogging or sprints to boost their metabolism – and yours!
Fetch
Playing fetch is a great, fun way to get your dog moving. Balls, Frisbees, and toys make for great items for your dog to fetch. This is also a great bonding activity for you and your furry friend. Bonus tip: Try throwing items while doing crunches for an added human workout. Alternate between throwing the item and faking it for a good ab workout and doggie cardio.
Obstacle course
Building an obstacle course is great for agility and circuit training. Set up hurdles, mazes, and sprint stations with every day household (non-breakable) items like chairs and hula-hoops. Or, if you are feeling creative, use PVC pipe and planks of wood to create the ultimate DIY course. Get ideas here!
Don’t forget – nutrition plays a big role in your dog’s overall health. Limit the snacks and ask your vet about your dog’s nutritional needs.
Can’t exercise your dog yourself? Dogtopia’s doggie daycare ensures your dog gets the activity and socialization they need for a healthy, happy lifestyle. Learn more today!
-Written by Colleen Demling, Dogtopia’s Canine Behaviorist. With over 30,000 hours and 15 years of HANDS ON dog training experience, Colleen is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist. She is a frequent contributor to local and national media including Yahoo, The Huffington Post, Woman’s Day and many more. Colleen was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in the Pet Industry Network. She was also named a 2015 Woman of Influence and one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Pet Age Magazine. Learn more: https://www.dogtopia.com/meet-our-experts/
