9 Fun Ways to Exercise Your Dog (and Spend Some Quality Time Together)

Just like us humans , bounder need to fuse up their exercise function every now and then .

While every hotdog is unique , Kim Krug , DVM , veterinary behavior resident atAnimal Behavior Clinicin Portland , Ore. order there are some needs that are relatively universal . " All dogs take to be capable to whiff , to explore and engage with nature , and to make decisions about how they move their bodies and interact with their environs , " she explains . " Going on a walk with a man controlling your every move is not employment or enrichment . "

rather , Krug advocate thinking about what your dog would select to do if the ternary was n’t there . " We ’re likely comfortably served if we can arrive up with outlets for them to engage in that character of exercise , " she says .

dog playing with frisbee

Photo: Jason Donnelly

Take a look at our tilt of playfulness exercise mind to mix it up and get your dog move more . ( Bonus : you ’ll have more fun together , too ! )

1. Go for a Walk, But Make Time to Explore

Leash walkingcan still be first-class for your pet , but let your Canis familiaris make conclusion about where he ’d like to go and give him prison term to sniff and research thing that interest him . Do n’t leave to bring a roll of nincompoop bags !

2. Run Together

Startrunning with your dogfor forgetful distances and then slowly increase your mileage , cautiously watching your dog for sign of enfeeblement . Keep in mind that running is n’t recommended for weenie that are too young or who easilyoverheat .

3. Take a Hike

Hiking with your dogcan declare oneself a welcome escape from your usual sights , sounds , and smell out , but there ’s one routine you should n’t chuck , even when geographical mile aside from civilisation : the trey . This is the best way of life to protect other dogs and hikers and to protect your pup from getting into a dangerous spot .

4. Go Swimming

If your heel is new toswimming , do n’t literally and figuratively throw him in the deep end . Don a lawsuit of your own and lead him into body of water he can put up in to start . Once you see that he ’s both comfortable with and concerned in swimming , you could permit him swim on his own and even merged games like fetch .

5. Play a Game

Speaking offetch , it works great on land , too ! And wear you have a little way to play in your abode , it can be a good option for indoor physical exertion . jerk of warfare andpuzzle toysare bully picking for rainy days , as is a game of hide - n - seek in which you enshroud little treats or pieces of kibble around the family for your whelp to sniff out and snarf .

Fromflyballtoskijoring , there are several sporting alternative for your furry athlete . Do a search to see what your local area has to offer that might conform to your dog ’s pursuit and abilities .

7. Create an Agility Course

If you have two buckets , a broomstick , a big cardboard box , a cover , and some garden stakes , you have all you require to go down up an legerity course in your own backyard . Your wienerwurst will be jump , weaving , and grovel in no time !

8. Teach Your Pup New Tricks

Brain exercise is still workout . Whether you want toteach your dog a new tricklikesit , stay , orroll over , clicker trainingcan avail you reach your end while observe your dog happy , active , and motivate .

9. Try Scent Training

Scent trainingis tops playfulness for a dog ’s brain , and gives them an opportunity to do one of the thing our whelp love most : using their nozzle . amaze originate with this enrichment bodily function is pretty light , specially with games like box hunting , shell biz , or a gem canister mystifier .

two french bulldogs on a walk with their owners on a sidewalk covered in purple flower petals