“Fun and Engaging Activities to Keep You and Your Dog Fit Together”
Love having company while you exercise? If last-minute cancellations and lazy friends aren’t your thing, your dog might be the perfect workout buddy. No one loves to exercise as much as these four-legged friends!
Here are some reasons why dogs make the best workout companions:
Dog owners tend to get more of the recommended weekly exercise than those without dogs. Of course, you’ll need to train your dog to listen and stay safe on the road with you.
Grab that leash and get ready to work out with your furry friend. Here are some fun ways to exercise with your dog:
Walking and Running:
This is the simplest and one of the best forms of exercise for both you and your pet. Spice up your morning walk by running in intervals or maintaining a steady jog. Ease your dog into running with you, and once they’re used to it, you can go for longer distances. Even smaller dogs have plenty of energy to run. Plus, your dog won’t mind running in the rain—just make sure to dry them off and take care of their paws.
Weather Considerations:
Certain weather conditions require special preparation. On hot or humid days, make sure to rest your dog and keep them hydrated since dogs don’t sweat. If you have a flat-faced dog, keep the runs short as they have difficulty breathing.
Cycling:
Get on your bike, burn calories, work out your leg muscles, and give your dog the exercise they need. Cycling is great for dogs with lots of energy. Have your dog run alongside as you pedal—it’s an excellent workout for both of you. If you’re worried about your dog pulling too much, you can use a Springer, a device that keeps the leash attached to the bike and absorbs most of the pressure from your dog’s tugs.
Stair Running:
For those living in apartments or condos, stair running is an excellent form of exercise. If your building doesn’t have stairs, you can often find long staircases outside. Sprinting up and down the stairs is a great workout for both you and your pet, working out the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and providing excellent cardio. Just be cautious of tripping each other in narrow stairways.
Soccer:
Believe it or not, dogs love soccer. They enjoy running after a ball and, with some training, can even learn to kick and dribble with their paws and chins. This is especially true for herding breeds like Collies, German Shepherds, and Australian Shepherds. You can buy specialized soccer-style balls made for dogs, which are resistant to their sharp teeth and come in various sizes. While they may not play by the rules, dogs can still give you a good workout by keeping the ball away from you and racing for control. You can play this game anywhere with enough space.
Fetch:
Fetch can be a game for both of you! While your dog runs after the ball, use the time to do some crunches, lunges, or squats. You don’t need to stand and wait for your dog to return. Use their running time as a timer to complete a set number of exercises. Do this until both of you are panting for breath.
Exercising with your dog is one of the best ways to work out. It provides excellent cardiovascular exercise for both of you and allows you to spend quality time together, deepening your bond. There are many other activities you can do with your dog, so use your daily walks to challenge yourself!