Dogs, like humans, need daily exercise, and developing a consistent exercise schedule is vital for keeping our dog physically and mentally fit. And, although we’ve all heard it before, I believe it’s fair to say it’s a challenge that many of us face, given that nearly 50 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight.
The great news is that there are several fast ways to incorporate more exercise into our dogs’ everyday routines. And since all of these games are creative, you’ll burn a few extra calories as well. Here are 10 ways how to exercise a dog.
1. Frisbee Game
Playing a game of frisbee is one of the simplest ways to exercise your dog. I would like think of it as a high-octane version of fetch. Since I can throw a frisbee much farther than a ball, my dog gets to run a lot more in between tosses, and all that extra running means she burns off a lot more calories.
Since you’ve never played frisbee with your dog before, I suggest starting with a soft disc or rubber frisbee (I like the Kong Flyer). They’re easy to catch, and since they’re lighter and softer, they’re less likely to injure you.
Prepare a new toy for your dog to get them excited about it before teaching them to play frisbee. Toss it a short distance or roll it along the grass, and reward your dog when he or she chases it. Once your dog is enthusiastic about catching it, gradually increase the distance and encourage them to catch it.
2. Play Tug of War
Playing tug of war with your dog is one of the most physically and mentally demanding games you can engage in. Tug of war with your dog is a fun, simple, and effective way to provide your dog with both physical and mental exercise. And because it is a game based on etiquette, it is a perfect way to focus on your dog’s self-control, as the game ends if your teeth hit my hand.
The tug is a wonderful exercise for dogs, but a word of advice when dealing with puppies: if your dog hasn’t mastered basic bite control, he or she will likely fail to follow the guidelines. If you want to keep your hands safe from those sharp teeth, focus on teaching your puppy not to bite before trying a tug of war.
If you don’t already have a tugging dog, you can make one out of fleece or old t-shirts. Remember to store your tug toy when not in use. Many tug toys are made of rope or other materials that may cause your dog to choke. Tug-of-war for your dog is a fast and simple way to get your dog further exercise every day.
3. Use a Flirt Pole
Flirt poles are one of the fastest ways to get your dog to exercise. A flirt pole (also known as a flirt stick) is a long pole with a lure connected to the end by a cord. When you move the pole around, the lure follows along the ground, tempting the dog to pursue it. Using a flirt pole will give your dog plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Your dog would be exhausted after a few minutes of using a flirt pole. Since this is such a high-impact sport, keep the sessions short when first starting out to prevent injury.
When it comes to using a flirt pole, you have two options: make your own or buy one from online
4. Hike or Walk With Your Dog
Don’t worry about the occasional dog walk when it comes to exercising your dog. It is excellent for both physical and mental activity. Have you ever noticed why our dogs are so excited about going for a walk? Since our dogs don’t get to pick when it’s time to go out and explore, they depend on us. Most of the dogs, going for the joy of their day.
If your walks become boring, try finding a new place or changing your speed. I find a different place to walk once or twice a week. It could be the beach, a nearby park, or even a new neighborhood. If you want to do something more physically taxing, you might start jogging or hiking with your dog.
5. Nose Game
Playing nose work games is one of my favorite ways to keep my dog busy and happy. They’re entertaining, flexible, and mentally stimulating for dogs.
Once it comes to nose work, my favorite game is “go find it.” I shred a few carrots into tiny pieces and hide them around the house. If your dog has never played the game before, you should start with stinky treats and they’ll get the hang of it.
To begin, make your dog sit in a stay position when you hide some of the treats throughout the house. If you’ve never done some nose work games previously, start with some simple, that easy-to-find places.
Once you’ve hidden the treats, let your dog go and tell them to “go find it.” Maintain a fun and rewarding environment for your dog by thanking them every time they find a treat. If they’ve mastered the game, you can begin hiding the treats in more difficult-to-find locations, such as under rugs or on window sills. This will teach your dog to use their natural sniffing ability to locate the treats rather than relying solely on visual cues.
Nose work games are a fun and simple way to provide your dog with additional mental and physical exercise.
6. Fetching Game
Playing fetch with your dog is a fun and engaging way for your dog to exercise. You can also play it indoors if you have a little extra space and a lightweight toy. Popular setups include hallways, stairwells, and large living rooms.
Many dogs are naturals at fetching, while others will need some practice. If your dog isn’t interested in fetching toys, or if you’re having trouble getting them to return them, I suggest reading this post, which covers the fundamentals of teaching your dog to fetch.
7. Playing Hide and Seek With a dogs
My dog enjoys playing hide and seek, despite the fact that I am boring and prefer to use the same four hiding spots over and over. Hide and seek is a fun game that allows your dog to use some of their natural scent detecting abilities while also relaxing their mind.
To enjoy hide and seek with your dog, make them wait while you go look for a hiding place. Call your dog and encourage them when they find you after you’ve moved in. If your dog does not know how to remain reliably, enlist the assistance of a friend to distract your dog while you hide.
8. Bring Your Dog Swimming
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for your dog. It’s also ideal for dogs with mobility problems, such as arthritis, due to its low impact. Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise that will help your dog improve his range of motion and muscle mass.
If you don’t know where swimming is, you can try to find if your area has any canine-friendly hydrotherapy centers, pools, public beaches, or dog parks with a water feature. And continue to go slowly if your dog is new to swimming; not all dogs are naturals in the water.
Swimming is ideal for dogs with mobility problems, such as arthritis, because it is low-impact.
9. Food-Dispensing and Kong Stuffing Toys
Filling and using toys for food supply are a good way to keep your dog busy and active. Kong is my favorite guy, because it’s 30 minutes longer to keep Laika occupied. I fill it with a blend of nutritious delicacies and broth, and then I freeze it overnight.
Food supply toys like the Bob-A-Lot are perfect for stimulating your dog during meals. You’ve got to fill it up and knock it up to take food. You might have to exercise a little before your dog gets a punch if you never used a meal dispensing toy. When filled up, allow them to play with it so that they can see “when I move it, look oh, food comes out.”
10. Traing Your Dog to Chase Bubbles
Teaching your dog to chase bubbles is a simple way to get them to exercise. I’m not going to lie: I had reservations about bubbles. I didn’t think anything so easy could be so entertaining, but boy was I wrong. She is completely smitten.
Start by blowing a few bubbles at a time to show your dog how to chase them. Encourage your dog to chase them by pointing them out. If they’re nervous, catch some for yourself and show your dog that there’s nothing to worry about and that the whole point of the game is to catch them before they hit the ground.
I use children’s bubbles (they also make flavored bubbles for dogs). They are non-toxic, but if your dog consumes too many, they can cause stomach distress. To stop irritation, make sure to wash your dog’s eyes afterward.
What Are Your Favorite Dog-Exercising Methods?
How do you exercise your dog daily? What are your favorite games or activities? Please let us know in the comments section below.
Recommended Reading
- How to stop a Dog From Pulling on the Leash
- 10 Simple Step Make Your Dog active Walking
- 10 Tips for Dog Walking Everyone Should Know
