One of the greatest benefits of being a dog-mom that I have learned to love and enjoy being a part of is having a partner that is always “game” to go for a run or a long walk and more — in silence.
It is an established fact that exercise is better when shared with canine companions. Exercise keeps us physically healthy, helps to clear our heads after a tough day or before a stressful one depending on the time you prefer, and burns off your pup’s excess energy that could otherwise manifest as troublesome behavior. So, if you’re looking for ways to exercise with your dog, here are few ideas that may help.
First, a quick note on how to keep your pup safe while working out together. You should always follow your dog’s lead in terms of how much and how intensely you work out. Given their fur coats and shorter legs, dogs can overheat and get tired much more quickly than we might, so watch out for the following warning signs that your pooch has had enough: Excessive panting, tongue hanging out a long way; very pale or bright red gums; vomiting or diarrhea; lagging behind you seems unwilling to go out, or to continue the workout.
Also take special care during the summer and cooler months to moderate your workouts accordingly. In the summer, avoid the hottest times of the day and choose shorter, less intense forms of exercise. Take water with you for your pup, and check sidewalks aren’t too hot for their paws by placing your hand down for 10 seconds — if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Here are some ways I enjoy my daily work out with my dogs.
This is the classic dog exercise, and for good reason —it’s a great way for both you and your pup to work out at your own pace. It’s low-impact, which means it’s gentle on your joints, and is suitable for all fitness types, including overweight pets or those aiming to increase their exercise level.
To add variety to your walks, grab a drink and explore a new neighborhood. Allow your dog to enjoy a ‘sniff walk’, taking as much time as they like to investigate all the new smells they come across.
Jogging with your dog is a great way to clear your head and burn off your pup’s excess energy.
Many vets have advised me to wait to take your dog for a run until they’re at least one year old, to allow their joints time to develop, as running can put a great deal of stress on the joints. For the same reason, this isn’t a good workout for overweight dogs or those with arthritis. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs should also avoid jogging, as they may struggle with breathing difficulties. As always, aske your vet.
Remember to allow your pup to pace the run, and keep an eye out for any signs of tiredness or overheating. Also, depending on your dog’s ability with recall and the safety of the environment you’re running in, you may be better off keeping them on a leash. A hands-free leash may come in useful.
Looking for new places to hike may not be the easiest in the city — but it is possible. Hiking with your dog is another fantastic form of exercise for both you and your dog, which can be tailored to suit different levels of fitness. Did you know it’s a good cardio workout that helps to strengthen your core, improve your balance and build strength in a variety of muscle groups — and keeps you young.Getting closer to nature and taking in the beautiful scenery is also a good mood booster, and is proven to help combat symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Not all dogs enjoy spending time in the water, but for those that do, swimming is wonderful exercise. It’s a whole-body workout that takes the weight off your pup’s joints, meaning it’s perfect for seniors or those with joint problems.
While some dogs were bred to spend time in the water, such as the Retriever, others may find it difficult and may not instinctively know how to swim. Until you’re confident they’re comfortable, provide them with a doggy life vest and keep them under constant supervision. Long-bodied breeds such as Dachshunds and those with a certain weight distribution such as Bulldogs may particularly struggle, so life vests are always recommended.
A backyard pool or dog-friendly beach in Batangas are all great places for your furkid. I always provide plenty of fresh drinking water so they don’t drink the chlorinated or salty water. When at the beach watch out for strong currents. It’s also important to make sure your dog doesn’t ingest any sand at the beach, as this can lead to a life-threatening gastrointestinal impaction or obstruction.
I have discovered that it’s best to keep swim sessions short, around 10 to 15 minutes maximum, to prevent me and my dog from getting tired, overheated or from swallowing too much water, known as water toxicity.
For the swim parties in the backyard pool, bring toys that will keep your doggie occupied as you play a game of fetch. Smaller, flat toys such as frisbees are a good option. Ensure you dry your dog thoroughly after they’ve come out of the water, particularly any skin folds and their ears, to avoid infections.
Circuit training with your dog is another really fun way to exercise together. Choose a number of exercises for your circuit, such as push-ups, lunges, squats, sit-ups or plank, and incorporate tricks for your dog between each rep. For example, every time you lunge forward, ask your dog to give their paw and “shake hands.” Some dogs may enjoy trying to copy your movements — when you hold a plank, encourage them to hold a ‘downward dog’ position, or during a wall sit, ask them to sit too. If your dog is small enough, you could even pick them up for a cuddle each rep, instead of using dumbbells or a kettlebell.
Remember, it’s just as important to exercise your dog’s mind as their body; mental stimulation helps to fight boredom and has huge mood-boosting effects.
Playing fetch is another great form of exercise for your pup that also provides you with some cardio benefits, as you run and throw the ball. Add some variety to your usual game of fetch by teaming up with some friends and their dogs to play a doggy-human fetch.
Yes, and know that your furkid will jump along and won’t laugh at your silly dance steps. One of the great benefits of dog dancing is that it can be completely tailored to your dog and your physical abilities. If they struggle with jumps or other high-impact tricks, these can be left out of the routine. Just make sure that the music is catchy and you work up a cool sweat.
Exercising with your dog is a great way to nurture the human-canine bond while keeping both of you fit. It’s a proven mood-booster for you, and provides both mental and physical stimulation for your pup, reducing levels of boredom and potential nuisance behaviors in the home. Plus, it’s great fun for you both.
If you’re unsure how much or what sort of exercise is suitable for your dog, speak to your veterinarian for advice. They can help advise on any limitations or adaptations you should make to keep your dog healthy and safe as they work out with you.