According to health expert Dr. Adam Shafran, who co-wrote “You Can’t Lose Weight Alone,” “People tend to enjoy exercise more when they do it alongside a friend.”
However, finding a workout partner who aligns with one’s schedule and personality can be quite challenging. While there are many enjoyable activities that can be done solo, the ideal exercise companion might just be closer than you think.
With a touch of imagination, our best exercise partner could very well be our canine companions.
10 Exciting Exercise Activities with Your Dog
1. Hiking
Hiking stands out as a fantastic way to remain active alongside your pet. Health professionals highlight its effectiveness in boosting cardiovascular health while reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, your dog benefits from these excursions, as being outdoors allows them to explore new areas, scents, and indulge their natural instincts.
“Dogs are migratory creatures, and walking satisfies that innate desire,” states dog expert Cesar Millan.
To ensure a successful hiking adventure, preparation is essential. First, select a trail that matches your dog’s current fitness level. Second, be confident in your dog’s responsiveness to verbal commands, as they will roam without a leash.
2. Doga (Dog Yoga)
Doga offers various engaging activities for you and your furry friend. There are two main approaches to practicing yoga with your dog.
The first method involves the owner guiding the dog through different poses, which enhances the dog’s flexibility, range of motion, circulation, and promotes relaxation. Owners can introduce various doga poses including Chaturanga, Chair, and Savasana.
The second method is more passive, allowing the human to perform yoga poses while the dog moves around freely. This method fosters bonding between dog and owner and serves as a socializing opportunity, especially in dog-friendly yoga classes.
3. Doggy Soccer
Dogs inherently enjoy chasing balls in the yard. With some guidance from their human counterpart, dogs can be trained to score goals.
Experts suggest starting simple, teaching the dog to “nose” the ball first. During playtime, present the ball to your dog, rewarding any positive interaction with treats or praise. Once they’ve mastered “nosing” the ball, the next step is to teach them to “kick” it into a goal.
To facilitate this, encourage the dog to touch the bottom of the ball. As they learn, position the ball in front of the goal. When they nudge it in, reward them with treats. Soon enough, your dog will eagerly engage in playing soccer with you.
4. Biking
With 14 million individuals cycling at least twice a week in the United States, bringing a dog along on neighborhood rides can be a fantastic way to enjoy exercise together.
Several steps are crucial to ensure a fun and safe biking experience.
First, invest in the necessary gear, which includes a non-tangling lead, a body harness, a reflective vest, a water bottle, and booties designed for hiking. Also, consider looking into the best commuter bikes for urban environments.
Secondly, leash train your dog while walking beside the bike to help them adjust before riding at a faster pace.
Lastly, remember to take breaks during the ride, allowing your dog to hydrate, catch their breath, and simply relish the outing.
5. Disc Dog or Flying Disc
Another enjoyable way to exercise with your dog is through disc dog competitions. This activity gained popularity in the 1970s when Alex Stein and his dog Ashley Whippet showcased it on national television. Today, dog-human teams compete worldwide in toss and fetch, freestyle, and long-distance events.
If this sport excites you, train your dog in the fundamentals of fetching, catching, retrieving, and releasing. Establishing basic obedience is key to enjoying this activity.
Once they’ve mastered these core skills, introduce the disc, teaching them to take it from your hand. Gradually progress to tossing it short distances without aiming directly at the dog. Be sure to reward any catching attempts to help them feel accomplished.
6. Rollerblading
Rollerblading serves as an exceptional cardiovascular workout, significantly engaging the lower body muscles and promoting heart and lung health. According to Harvard Medical School, one hour of rollerblading can burn between 400 and 700 calories.
This activity can also be enjoyable with a dog; however, there are several factors to consider before strapping on your skates.
First, make sure your dog has solid obedience skills. Given that both skater and dog may reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, a dog that bolts unexpectedly could pose serious risks.
Second, choose the right location—preferably an area free of vehicles and with minimal foot traffic.
Third, ensure you’re adequately trained, as rollerblading involves navigating obstacles effectively to avoid falls.
Finally, use a longer-than-usual leash and a chest harness for your dog, as this setup is safer than a collar.
7. Dog Boot Camps
Dog-friendly boot camps provide owners and their pets with the chance to engage in off-leash activities in a communal outdoor space alongside other dogs and owners. These camps echo the summer camps many grew up attending.
Activities such as boating, hiking, and games will be tailored for dogs. Dogs can participate in events like dock-diving, agility drills, and flyball. While dogs bond with new friends and learn new skills, owners can attend workshops on topics like animal communication and dog massage.
8. Frisbee Fun
If disc dog competitions seem too intense, simply playing with a Frisbee offers a delightful way for dogs and their owners to bond. Here are some considerations before making Frisbee play your go-to exercise:
The Dog’s Health
Some breeds are better suited for the energetic activity involved in Frisbee. Others might be prone to injuries, particularly those with hip dysplasia. It’s wise to consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog can safely enjoy this game.
The Dog’s Training
Because this is an off-leash activity often enjoyed in parks with other dogs and people, it’s vital that your dog has solid obedience training.
The Frisbee Type
Look for a disc that is flexible, lightweight, and durable enough to withstand canine teeth.
9. Agility/Jump Training
Dog agility has emerged as a popular sport in recent years, whereby dogs are guided through obstacle courses featuring tunnels, contact obstacles, and jumps. In competitions, dogs are timed for speed and accuracy. Even if you don’t plan to compete, these exercises can serve as a delightful and healthful playtime for both dog and owner in the backyard.
Common jumps you can enjoy include hurdle jumps, broad jumps, and tire jumps. The box jump is particularly effective as it encourages dogs to leap onto a platform. You can easily create one at home using an old ice cooler, wood crate, or trunk, providing great exercise for your dog’s leg muscles.
10. DIY Mini Obstacle Course/Slalom Run
This form of exercise draws inspiration from dog agility competitions. Owners can quickly set up engaging activities in their backyards using affordable materials, allowing their dogs to have fun while fostering a stronger bond. Two simple obstacle types are:
Slalom Run
Create a slalom run by placing four-foot lengths of ½” PVC pipe into the ground at equal intervals. Train your dog to navigate the course by weaving in and out of the poles.
Obstacle Course
An easy obstacle to construct is a tunnel. Connect several medium-sized boxes by opening the top and bottom to create a structure for your dog to run through.
“To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise,” asserted boxing icon Gene Tunney. This sentiment holds true for both humans and our canine companions, making pets the ideal workout partners.
Author Bio: Olivia Harper is a co-founder of the blog Daily Dog Stuff. A passionate pet owner, she loves spending her time with her Siberian Husky, who keeps her active and engaged.
