Dogs need love, treats, attention, and movement. They thrive when exercise is playful and engaging. While dogs love routine, they get tired of the same old walk around the block. Listed below are some ways to turn the boring walking routine into an exciting adventure with your pup.
Make sure to follow these safety precautions. Always follow your dog’s lead in terms of how much and intensely you work out. Dogs have plenty of fur and short legs, and they can overheat and get tired quicker than you. Some of the warning signs include excessive panting, tongue hanging out a long way, falling behind you, and seeming unwilling to continue.
Top Creative Exercise Ideas
Hiking
Dogs with plenty of stamina will enjoy this fantastic activity. And to be honest, so will you. Hiking can be tailored to different levels of fitness. Think of it as a cardio workout that will strengthen your core, improve your balance, and build strength in different muscle groups.
And for your pup it gives them plenty of time to sniff. Hiking allows you to get closer to nature and take in the beautiful scenery. The Japanese call it “forest bathing”, a way to decompress and boost your mood.
When you start going on hikes with your pooch, start with shorter hikes on easier terrain. This will help your furry friend build up his ability and then you can move into steep hills and uneven terrains.
Swimming
The canine world is rich with water-loving dogs, especially retriever breeds. But swimming is also amazing for senior dogs suffering from arthritis.
Swimming provides a whole-body workout that takes the weight off your dog’s joints. Some dogs were bred to spend time in water, but all dogs are natural swimmers. We recommend a life vest for long-bodied breeds like the Dachshund or breeds like Bulldogs.
If you do not have a body of water close by, a backyard pool will do the trick as well. When you go swimming, make sure to provide fresh drinking water so that your pup doesn’t drink the chlorinated or salty water.
Keep swimming sessions short, between 10 and 15 minutes. It is more than enough to tire your dog while not allowing him to overheat. Do not throw large toys in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest water while retrieving them.
Nose Work Games
Nose work games have become so popular that we can call it a sport. This activity helps dogs develop and enhance their scent-smelling abilities. More importantly, nose work provides mental stimulation and keeps your pup physically active. A simple idea is to keep treats in little boxes and leave a scent trail to the boxes. You can make your own find-it games as well.
Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is a great game for your dog. Not only does it provide physical activity, but it also improves the bond between the two of you. The good thing about hide and seek is that it enhances recall. Your dog gets programmed to come to you and get rewards for finding you.
You can start playing it at home. And then, once your pet is better at it, do it outside.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are good for super active dogs and working dog breeds. These games combine training and exercise in one activity. This beneficial activity promotes physical fitness, and mental stimulation, and improves the owner-dog bond. Consider your dog’s age, health, and breed suitability. You can adapt agility to different skill levels, ranging from beginner to expert. Training can start as early as 12 to 18 months, an age that allows for physical maturity and helps prevent injuries.
The Hallway Routine
In recent years, thanks to social media, the Hallway routine has become a popular physical activity for dogs. The idea is simple: you set some obstacles in the hallway and reward your dog for crossing them. You can find plenty of videos online for inspiration.
Interactive Toys and Games
There are plenty of ways to get your dog moving without spending a dime. But you can also get him some toys or make some DIY interactive toys like a homemade sniffle mat. With that in mind, pet manufacturers have improved and have come up with some amazing dog toys. These puzzle toys are designed to keep your dog engaged and active for hours. Dogs love them because there are always treats at the end of the puzzle.
Stair Recall
If you live in a house with stairs, this game will provide plenty of fun for your dog. Stand at the top, with your dog beside you. Then, show them some treats, and throw the treat to the bottom of the stairs. Your dog will start running to get the toy, and after they eat it, call them back to you. Reward them with a treat for coming back. Another variation is to have your pup in a sit/stay at one end of the stairs. You can walk to the other and call them back to you. Reward and praise as they come to you. Running up and down is a great cardio and muscle workout for your furry friend. The elevation will tire your pup out. Play this game for no longer than five minutes.
Bonus Tips
- Rotate your dog’s toys. Pets can become bored with their toys, so rotate them once every couple of days to keep their interest.
- Create a schedule for playing and exercising. Establish regular playtimes to make sure your dog gets plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation.
- Exercise in short, frequent sessions. Five to ten minutes of play every few hours is better than one long walk.
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