It’s the New Year and time for resolutions for everyone. One of the most popular resolutions for people is getting more exercise – but a balanced diet and plenty of exercise are essential for the health and wellbeing of dogs as well. If you feel uninspired and bored with the customary stroll you take around the neighborhood, you’re in luck. There are plenty of alternative exercise methods you can incorporate into your dog’s daily schedule to keep both of you moving and entertained.
How much exercise do they need?
The specific exercise requirements of your dog will vary based on several factors, including their breed, age, and weight. Talk with your vet to figure out the best amount of exercise your dog needs to keep them healthy and identify any activities to avoid if they aren’t suited for your pup. Until you can meet with the vet, 30 minutes to two hours of exercise each day is a good rule of thumb to follow.
Quicken the Pace
Is getting in shape one of your New Year’s resolutions? Consider bringing your dog along for the ride. You can train together to build your stamina while getting used to running. Start with brisk 20-minute walks, then incorporate jogging intermittently. Be sure to bring some water along if you plan to be running for more than 30 minutes, and pay close attention to your pup–if you notice them panting excessively or slowing down, stop running and make your way back home.
Teach them Tricks
Excessive movement isn’t necessary for good doggy exercise! Working on obedience training improves your dog’s heart rate as they learn the new behaviors and get excited about their treats. Training also engages their mind to relieve boredom.
Step Up to the Challenge
Are you stuck inside on a rainy day? Have limited space in your apartment building? It can be frustrating if you cannot get outside to exercise your pup, but you can put the steps in your house or apartment building to good use. If you have a friend or partner available to help, stand at either end of the set of stairs. One person should call your dog’s name, so they run to them, then the other person should do it next. If you’re alone, have some treats in your pocket. Stand at one end of the stairs, and toss a couple of treats to the other end, so your dog chases them. Once they get them, call them back and repeat. After just a few repetitions, you will notice your pup gets tuckered out!
Hide and Seek
This is another excellent game to play indoors if the weather is bad, and there are endless ways to play. You could wrap a favorite ball or toy in a towel, then have your dog dig/nose/paw at it to untangle the towel and retrieve the toy. You could also cover treats or balls with bowls, Tupperware containers, tissue boxes, or anything else that is a bit of a challenge for your dog to remove. They’ll get some good physical and mental exercise as they work out how to solve the problem and get to the prizes!
Let them Lead
If walks are still your preferred exercise method, you can mix things up by letting your dog lead. This doesn’t mean that you should let them drag you all over the face of the earth, but that you should follow their lead. Let them stop and sniff when they find an interesting scent, and give them a chance to decide which way to turn when you come to a crossroads. This way, you don’t get stuck walking the same dull path every day.
