Exercise is vital to all our physical and mental health, not just for us or our pets alone. It can be even better if you exercise together.
Here are five ways you can get some exercise with your dog…
Hopefully, there will be something here you can enjoy.
Take Your Pup on a Daily Walk
This is probably the simplest thing you can do as a pet parent. Grab your pup’s leash, and head out the door with them.
Although how much exercise your dog needs is based on a few different factors, once you get a routine going the time will seem to fly by.
Before you get your running gear on there are a few things you need to consider.
One is your dog’s age. Older dogs tend to need less active exercise than youngsters, so keeping up with you on a 10 km run on a daily basis may not be their preferred option. Just be mindful that when it comes to your attention your fur baby will do their best to keep up for as long as they can. If you have more than one dog competition for your attention is even greater. Be mindful a couple of hours after you have returned. If one of them seems more tired or grumpy than the other then perhaps it is time to change your expectations of how much exercise they want.
Your fur baby’s breed matters too as some breeds are naturally more athletic, while some are more energetic and seem to have endless reserves for playing all day.
Your vet can help you determine the amount of exercise that’s appropriate for your pet.
No matter what your dog’s specific needs, taking your dog for a brisk walk is a great way to get off the treadmill and breathe in some fresh air.
Taking your own workout outside offers even more benefits than exercising with your dog indoors, including increasing mental stimulation.
At this time of year exercising first thing in the morning is better if the exercise involves much pavement, but exercising in the evening under the cool trees can be a great way to unwind from a busy day too.
Go for a Trail Run
Providing the temperature is not expected to be too hot, and your dog is able to cope with increased speed or duration of exercise running on a trail is better for both people and dogs. It makes people train harder while running on an uneven terrain and it’s easier on your dog’s sensitive paws. This is also a great way to take in some beautiful scenery in the hills or along the rivers around Perth.
Try a Game of Hide and Seek or Soccer in the Yard or Park
Another outdoor activity to consider is playing hide and seek or soccer with your dog. If your yard isn't big enough to be able to hide from your dog or kick a big ball around, go to a local dog park where you can you can allow them off the leash and let them run around to get the physical exercise they need.
Join a Dog-Friendly Fitness Class
More fitness facilities are beginning to recognize the desire for pet owners to include their pups in their workouts. Find one near you to keep both you and your dog physically active. Providing they are not anxious or over protective of you taking a group-based class can make your exercise routine more fun for you and your dog.
One example of this type of class is dog yoga, or doga. Yoga is known for increasing your mindfulness while also improving flexibility, strength, and overall fitness. Doing yoga with your dog can make them a part of this process, offering them greater peace and fitness too.
Other fitness classes to look for include human-canine bootcamps, agility courses, and even tai chi. An online search for "pet-friendly exercise classes near me" should give you the options that are available in your local area.
Set Up an Obstacle Course for You and Your Dog
Obstacle courses are good for working a variety of muscles while also honing your balance and coordination skills. If you have a good-sized back yard, you can set up this type of course for you and your dog. Run through it together for a good cardio workout.
Use items around your house, such as filling old milk jugs with sand, spacing them a few feet apart, then running around them in a figure-eight pattern. Add small ramps made of wood with little jumps in between.
You can also find pet-friendly obstacles for sale online. This allows you to create a course as elaborate as you like, keeping both you and your dog engaged in your daily exercise program.
