Pet Fitness: 8 Exercises To Keep Your Dog Healthy And Active

Are you a dog owner? If so, you want the best for your fur baby.

Exercise is paramount for your dog's health. Are you worried about what and how to chart the perfect fitness routines? Do not worry, we got you! Here, we will explain the different exercise activities you could do with your dog. These will ensure that the physical and mental health of the dog is managed well.

Walking is a no-brainer exercise that dogs of all ages and sizes can genuinely enjoy. Walking, especially briskly, helps increase heart rate and strengthens your dog's muscles. A general rule of thumb is to walk at least 30 minutes at a brisk pace every day. This will ensure healthy weight management. Use a strong leash and harness so the dog's safety is not compromised.

Yet another quintessential crowd favourite, playing fetch will help stimulate the dog physically and mentally. This activity helps build cardiovascular endurance and also strengthens the muscles. The dog's legs and core are the main areas of work here. Make sure to go to an open space, take up a ball or toy, and throw it while encouraging your dog to get it. You can repeat this exercise and try tricking dogs or increasing distance. Have fun with it.

You might have seen your dog enjoy little puddles of water when you walk. If your fur baby is a massive fan of water, swimming could be your perfect exercise option. It has a low impact but works on your dog's overall fitness. Since it's gentle on the joints, even older dogs should be encouraged to use it. Make sure to help your dog swim initially with your guidance or any floatation devices. This could be a great activity to consider once the dog is calm and swims independently.

This is the perfect exercise for dogs that are intelligent and hyperactive. Agility training provides physical and mental stimulation. This need not be very complicated at all. You can set up a miniature obstacle course with optimal challenges. This will help your dog go through these and find the adrenaline all pumped up. Start by training the dog on how crossing through tunnels and jumps works. This will keep the dog physically fit and help improve their coordination, speed, and focus. You can also sign up for agility camps for dogs.

Dogs have an instinct to chase and pull. This tug-of-war exercise helps dogs achieve the same. It is fun and helps improve the strength of the dog's muscles. You can buy a tug toy or use a sturdy rope. Make sure to set boundaries and engage in a gentle tug-of-war game. Try to calm down your dog in the instance of over-excitement. So, try a gentle tug-of-war session whenever your fur baby is overstimulated. It is an excellent outlook for energy.

Dog toys are becoming more innovative with time. Many interactive toys help keep the dog's mind active and physically fit. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing ones are crowd favorites. These require dogs to use their brains and complete the puzzle to get treats. This will help engage them with utmost focus for extended periods. It could also be a perfect solution to deal with boredom and destructive behaviours.

This is yet another perfect exercise regimen for your fur baby. Socializing with other dogs helps with mental and physical stimulation. You can organize play dates with similar-sized dogs and help them play and interact. Wrestling, playing fetch together, and chasing are all the different activities you can get them to do. It is the best way to get some exercise done without realizing it. Healthy social behaviour will be inculcated through this activity.

This delightful game will exercise the mind and body of your dog. You can start by playing this game indoors. You can ask your dog to stay, and then you can hide. You can call their name a little later and let them find you. When they do find you, be ready to praise them and give them treats. This game helps improve your dog's problem-solving skills. Exercising is just a cherry on the top.

Regular exercise is essential for your dog, so why not make it enjoyable? All the fitness activities we mentioned in this article will be helpful for you. Remember, if your dog has any pre-existing medical conditions, please visit a veterinarian before any fitness activity. So, grab a leash and get going with your dog.