It’s imperative to ensure dogs get daily exercise; it will help mitigate unnecessary weight gain which results too many weight related health issues. It is well documented that exercising dogs help their mental and physical ability. We have a few exciting exercising tips you might want to incorporate into your usual routine to make it more fun.
1. Visit a Different Environment
If you are used to walking your dog through a certain route, it would be exciting for your dog if you change your route, visit a different park, use a different path way, you can drive your pooch to the beach for a new scenery experience so your dog can hear different sounds, see different visual and sniff different things. All of this will excite your dog and your dog would enjoy the walk or jog.
Note: Take enough water for two as well as snack which will be needed during the exercise.
2. Jog or Walk on Hilly Path
Take the opportunity to use stairwell, escalator, riser, landing to exercise the muscles and core of your dog; this will help your dog’s cardio, stamina and alertness. A well-exercised dog is a happy and attentive dog when it comes to training. Repeat this process and ensure to take loads of water for two.
Note: You may want to do this at a less crowded area or places with small number of people.
3. Play Catch and Fetch
Most dogs enjoy playing catch and fetch, being able to throw a tennis ball or any other toy of your dog to fetch is always fun. If you do not have a toy its okay, you can chase your dog around and be chased. Dogs like to run around, this will build a great bond between you and your dog.
Note: Take precautionary measures in ensuring children are not around especially if the dog gets overexcited.
4. Pack Playground
There are few environments for pack of dogs to play and socialise, as long as the dog is friendly and obedient the dog will be allowed to join the group and be off leash. This will help the communication between yourself and your dog. You can use this to control your dog’s temperament around other canine. It will help the dog blow off steam.
Note: Keep an eye on your dog just in case it gets exuberant or start to pick up bad behavior.
5. Treat Puzzle Game
This game is mostly indoors; especially if you are a working class dog owner and you barely have time to take your dog out for a long walk. You can buy TD Smart Dog Puzzle Toy IQ Interactive Paw Slow Eating Dispenser Game. This toy will encourage your dog to learn how to eat slowing and develop the IQ of your dog. It has 12 different pots for treats or food. You can put sample size treat or food in some of the pots and close it. Try this during meal time, have a command that states Meal time. Each time your dog is able to open a pot, praise the dog by patting the dog. As your dog get to figure it out, switch it up by changing position of the toy feeder by hiding it. Your dog will be so busy tracking down the feeder puzzle treat dispenser and when it’s found the dog will have to figure out how to open it.
6. Put Your Dog on the Treadmill
This is an indoor exercise which is good for your dog’s health, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Bring your dog close to the treadmill in other to get accustomed to the sound and sight of the treadmill. Start by reducing it to the lowest speed, get on the treadmill with your dog and be in front. Ensure the dog is not tied to the treadmill and reward the dog for getting on the treadmill. Once your dog gets comfortable on being on the treadmill gradually increase speed to intensify the workout.
7. Playing Tug of War
This is one of the most mentally and physical challenging games for both the owner and the dog. As long as you have a strong rope available you can engage your dog in this game. The game stops when your dog’s tooth comes in contact with your hands. Your dog or puppy should have mastered basic bite rules. If your dog does not have respect and obey you, this game is not recommended as this game can bring out the beast of prey in your dog. You need to have control over your dog to begin this game
Note: Ensure you have control of your dog and your dog understands not to bite you.
Get Fit Have Fun
During this pandemic it is essential to find ways of exercising our four legged friend, whether you choose to apply the seven interesting ways to exercise you dog or implement your own ideas. The important thing is we exercise our four legged companion. This will help to reduce stress and boredom. It is not only fun but good for health of both the dog and the owner. Let’s get to work!