Best Ways to Do Exercise Workouts with Your Dog
Are you a pet parent looking for the easiest way to enjoy any form of exercise for you and your dog? Then keep reading for the best ways to do exercise workouts with your dog.
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I am not a medical professional or veterinarian. Please consult your own doctor and veterinarian before trying any exercise routine or any tips from this or any post throughout this blog for you or your pet.
Table of Contents
- 1. Roller Skating with Your Dog is Great Cardiovascular Exercise
- 2. Cross-Country Skiing is Great for Healthy Dogs
- 3. Paddle Boarding and Swimming Outside for Health
- 4. Take Your Dog Trail Running
- 5. Create a Fun Dog Agility Course
- 6. Use Some Dog Bodyweight Exercises
- 7. Throw a Tennis Ball or Play Tug of War with Your Dog
- 8. Grab Dog Puzzle Feeders for Mental Exercise
- 9. Practice Dog Yoga with Doga Poses
- 10. Enjoy Regular Walks with Regular Exercise for Pet Parents
Dog owners often struggle to get enough exercise and look for new ways to keep up with their daily workout routine.
Plus, they are often looking for the best exercises to share with their dog all while maintaining the well-being of their best furry friend.
If this sounds like you – don’t worry!
There’s a simple solution – exercise with your dog the fun way!
Incorporating your four-legged friend into your workout routine can provide added benefits both physically and mentally – not just for yourself but for your dog, too.
No matter your dog’s breed, or whether you have a small dog, overweight dogs, young pups, adult dogs, or senior pups, there are plenty of exercises you can do together to stay active with lots of health benefits.
To get your dog’s heart going and enjoying some daily exercise, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to do exercise workouts with your dog.
From a good exercise like running to hiking and even yoga, we’ve got you covered with innovative and engaging options to help you and your pet become great workout buddies.
Also, dog parents will learn a fun workout or two to get moving and stay healthy and just might enjoy a fun game or two.
We’re going to cover the best way to enjoy an obstacle course, play with a favorite toy, learn the dog yoga downward dog, and more.
Although it can be tough to balance your own type of exercise and effective ways to meet your dog’s full-body workout needs – we’ll help.
The most important thing and important part of this guide, is to enjoy a great opportunity and learn the best ways to do exercise workouts with your dog.
We hope that you’ll find something that works for both of you and your furry friend to enjoy a little fun, social interactions, and so much time together.
So, are you ready to learn the best ways to do exercise workouts with your dog?
Great! Let’s get into it!
RELATED POST: Want more fun things? Check out 10 Fun Things to Do at Home With Your Dog.
1. Roller Skating with Your Dog is Great Cardiovascular Exercise
Roller skating with your dog is an excellent way to engage in cardiovascular exercise with your furry friend.
Not only does it provide an opportunity for physical activity, but roller skating also adds an exciting element of entertainment that can motivate both you and your dog to enjoy the exercise routine.
This activity also helps improve your dog’s endurance, which is fundamental for overall health and well-being.
Additionally, roller skating with your dog encourages a closer bond between you and your pet, strengthening the emotional connection and trust that you share.
However, it is essential to ensure that your dog is comfortable with the activity before starting and also to invest in proper roller skating safety gear to avoid any potential injuries to both you and your dog.
2. Cross-Country Skiing is Great for Healthy Dogs
Cross country skiing is one of the best activities for keeping your canine companion healthy and happy.
This workout involves moving across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles to propel yourself and your furry friend forward.
Not only is cross country skiing great exercise for dogs, it also helps to strengthen their muscles, improve their cardiovascular health, and can even help to increase their overall endurance.
Because cross country skiing is a low-impact activity, it is ideal for dog owners of all ages and fitness levels.
Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for bonding with your pet while enjoying the great outdoor activities.
Just be sure to properly dress for both you and your dog for the cold weather and to start slow, gradually building up to longer and more challenging ski sessions to avoid overexertion or injury.
3. Paddle Boarding and Swimming Outside for Health
Paddle boarding and swimming outside with your dog can be excellent ways to exercise and maintain good health and muscle tone.
Be sure to follow summer safety tips for both you and your dog.
Paddle boarding allows you to incorporate balance and core strength training while enjoying the outdoors, and swimming is an excellent full-body aerobic workout that can also help reduce stress levels.
Additionally, both activities promote bonding between you and your furry friend and can provide a refreshing change of scenery from indoor exercise.
However, it’s important to take necessary safety precautions such as wearing life jackets, checking weather conditions, and staying in designated swimming areas.
With the right basic training, preparation, and precautions, paddle boarding and swimming with your dog can be fun and effective forms of exercise.
4. Take Your Dog Trail Running
Exercising your dog’s paws is a good idea as it offers numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend.
Taking your dog trail running is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and get your heart pumping and burn calories.
Plus, enjoying some of these great places together helps to bond you with your pet and provide them with the stimulation they need to maintain their physical and mental health.
Trail running allows new sights and for both you and your dog to enjoy a change of scenery from your regular running route.
Also, it challenges both of you with varied terrain.
It’s important to ensure that both you and your dog are well-equipped with proper gear, such as trail running shoes for you and a comfortable trail running well fitting harness for your dog.
Additionally, it’s important to choose a pace and trail that is suitable for your dog’s age, agility training, fitness level, and to bring along plenty of water and snacks for both of you to keep you fueled and hydrated through your run.
5. Create a Fun Dog Agility Course
Dog agility courses can be a fun and engaging way to exercise with your dog and increase obedience training.
These courses play an important role in mental stimulation and to challenge dogs physically while improving their agility, speed, and obedience.
If you have a large yard or access to a nearby park, you can easily create your own course for active dogs using basic equipment like jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and teeter-totters.
To start, consider simple obstacle courses, gradually increasing difficulty based on your dog’s comfort level and abilities.
It’s important to prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being by appropriately training and supervising them during the course.
With a well-designed agility course, made with dog love, you and your furry friend can enjoy a challenging and rewarding exercise routine, fostering a stronger bond, and improving overall physical fitness while also learning a new trick or two.
6. Use Some Dog Bodyweight Exercises
Adding some dog bodyweight exercises to your workouts can be a great way to bond with your furry friend while also getting some exercise in.
Some basic exercises you can try with your dog include push-ups (with your dog sitting or lying down in front of you), squats (holding your dog close to your chest), and lunges (where your dog can follow you and offer a bit of resistance).
These exercises can help improve both you and your dog’s strength and can be done almost anywhere, making them a convenient option for busy schedules.
However, it’s important to follow your dog’s lead to be sure that you’re both comfortable with these exercises and neither experiences any discomfort.
7. Throw a Tennis Ball or Play Tug of War with Your Dog
Playing and exercising with your dog is not only a great way to keep them healthy and happy but also an opportunity to get active yourself.
One fun exercise you can do with your furry friend is throwing a tennis ball for hand-eye coordination or play tug of war.
Tennis ball throwing exercises can be a great way to enhance your dog’s agility and get them moving.
While playing tug of war, you can engage your dog’s muscles and provide them with a cardio workout.
It is important to note that you should use a soft tug toy and avoid forcefully pulling on it to prevent any injuries to your dog’s teeth or mouth or cause any health problems.
Incorporating tennis ball throwing or tug of war into your daily routine can be an enjoyable method to bond with your dog and work out together.
8. Grab Dog Puzzle Feeders for Mental Exercise
One effective way to engage your dog’s mind while providing physical exercise is by using dog puzzle feeders.
These feeders help promote mental exercise for young and senior dogs alike as well as large breeds and smaller dogs.
As your dog works to figure out how to access their food, they can find it with new smells of food or treats.
This can help tire them out both mentally and physically, making it a great addition to any exercise routine. If your dog has health conditions be sure to take extra care.
There are various types of puzzle feeders available, ranging from simple options like treat dispensing balls to more complex ones that require your dog to move pieces or pull levers to reveal their food.
By incorporating dog puzzle feeders into your exercise routine, you can provide a fun and stimulating activity that can help improve your dog’s cognitive and physical health.
9. Practice Dog Yoga with Doga Poses
Grab a yoga mat!
Dog yoga, also known as doga, is a fun and unique way to bond with your furry friend while getting some exercise in.
There are several yoga poses you and your dog can practice together, including seated forward folds, downward-facing dog, and the warrior series.
Dog yoga can help both you and your dog with relaxation, flexibility, and balance.
It also strengthens the bond between pet and owner, which can lead to a happier, healthier life for both of you.
However, it is important to ensure that your dog is comfortable and not experiencing any pain or discomfort during the yoga poses.
It is recommended to start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the practice.
With patience and attention to your dog’s body language, you can enjoy the benefits of doga alongside your loyal companion. You could also check out some yoga exercise classes or fitness classes online to learn more.
10. Enjoy Regular Walks with Regular Exercise for Pet Parents
A daily walk is a great idea to enjoy for both you and your dog. A short or long walk can provide as little or as much exercise as needed.
Although this can be pretty relaxed in the dog sports world, it’s a great activity enjoyed together.
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Final thoughts
Exercising with your dog not only ensures that both of you are healthy but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
The exercise workouts with rour dog ideas discussed above provide a great starting point for incorporating your dog into your exercise routine, but don’t limit yourself to them.
Explore new activities like a bike ride and routines that suit both you and your dog’s specific needs and enjoy the benefits of an active and happy lifestyle together.
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Your turn!
Do you enjoy exercise workouts with your dog? Which of these ideas are you trying with your dog? Let me know in the comments!
These are all great ideas for exercising with my dog – we have both put on a few winter pounds! Not sure if I can get the pooch to do yoga but it would be fun trying!
I think Yoga is the only activity I can do with my dog that won’t result in injury. For me. Haha. Great tips!!
I love these ideas. I particularly like the roller skating idea. Thanks for sharing!
I love these ideas. I just need to experiment with which one works well with my cane corso.
My dog loves to go swimming with me, and running with my husband! Keeps us all healthy 🙂 I haven’t heard of dog yoga before though; I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for taking the time to write this!
You have mentioned some great ways to enjoy a workout with a furry friend Such a great way to keep in-shape. I love the idea of dog yoga, very inspiring!
I loved all the pictures of dogs! I especially loved the suggestion of yoga with your dog. My cat loves doing yoga with me and will even do downward dog before doing a plopping down move 🙂
Your article on exercising with your dog is fantastic! The tips and advice you shared are incredibly helpful and easy to follow. I appreciate how you emphasized the importance of safety and provided a variety of workout ideas that both dogs and their owners can enjoy. Thank you for sharing your expertise and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for both pets and their owners.
It’s awesome to train with the dog but never done it. I’m looking to get my own dog soon and this would be perfect to do it.
Dogs are a great way to add more activity to your life. But here I was thinking that was just because you have to walk them – I had no idea there was so much else you could do with a dog!
I love the idea of yoga with the dogs but there’s nothing as good as good ol’ catch with a tennis ball. I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing!