{"id":5254,"date":"2021-07-01T15:00:23","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T19:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.us\/?p=5254"},"modified":"2025-08-27T11:02:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T15:02:05","slug":"making-dog-exercise-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/making-dog-exercise-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"Making dog exercise fun!"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all benefit from variety in our day to day lives and while dogs do love \u201croutine\u201d, it is also important to mix things up to keep our four-legged friends mentally stimulated too! Below are some ideas on how you can deviate from the daily trip to the local park to offer your dog something a little more exciting! However, it is important to remember that different forms of dog exercise will have different impacts and your dog\u2019s age and breed should be considered before you dive into something new. Here we also look at how you can make walking on-lead fun too!<\/span><\/p>\n

Lead walking<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dogs (and humans!) of all ages need to practice skills and learn new ones. It\u2019s how we all keep sharp of mind. Get yourself a <\/span>Recall Line<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Multi Clicker<\/span><\/a> and some delicious treats to begin. You can brush up on clicker training <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. We recommend you give <\/a><\/span>\u201cMiddle\u201d<\/span><\/a> a try. It\u2019s a great way to bond, stay safe and keep your dog\u2019s focus on you. Win-Win!<\/span><\/p>\n

Generally dogs can have more lead walking as long as it is controlled, <\/span>and sometimes they need putting on the lead for a number of reasons<\/span>. Pulling on the lead can be dangerous for all dogs, especially young ones, so if your dog is a strong puller then consider a no pull <\/span>headcollar<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>harness<\/span><\/a>. If it\u2019s a change of your dog\u2019s routine to be doing longer walks on streets and pavements, then just be aware and monitor as hard surfaces will have greater impact on your dog\u2019s joints and may also cause sore pads \u2013 especially in the heat!<\/span><\/p>\n

Let your dog sniff<\/b><\/h3>\n

Taking some time to smell things is SUPER important for our canine companions. It\u2019s how they come to learn about the world around them and helps them to socialize and acclimatize to new things. By allowing your dog time to sniff yet another tree or lamppost, you are making sure they are able to fully use their brain. As you can imagine, with so much to learn out there your dog will have plenty to ponder upon having been given the chance to properly process all those fascinating scents!<\/span>
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\n<\/span>These walks are the safest for your dog\u2019s health and can provide a lot of mental stimulation. You can further add to their enjoyment by laying trails of small treats or kibble from their daily allowance for them to follow and gobble up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Running<\/b> with your dog\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Lots of dogs enjoy running but if your dog is new to this form of exercise it should be built up gradually and done in short sessions with younger dogs. For running it is recommended to use a dog harness and <\/span>bungee style lead<\/span><\/a> to reduce any jolts for you or your dog. This type of exercise is not suitable for puppies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Play with dogs<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Whilst some dogs do enjoy playing with others, they may not always know when to stop and games can quickly get over the top. Interrupt games frequently to calm them down and ensure all participants are having fun! Try to limit free games to 10\/15 minutes and ensure your dog has some calmer time out between play sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interactive play\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you have a safe space to have your dog off lead, then <\/span>playing some games with your dog, with or without interactive dog toys<\/span>, can be a great form of exercise. However, for dogs it can also be a common cause of injury, particularly if dogs are repeatedly performing high impact jumps, turns or dead stops. Make sure your dog has \u2018warmed up\u2019 by walking for 10\/15 minutes before starting any ball games and try to minimize jumps and turns. Puppies should not be exercised in this way, at most pups should have the ball rolled slowly along the ground for them to chase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dog games<\/b><\/h3>\n

You can supplement your dog\u2019s daily walk by adding some additional play routines. Activities such as scent games, hide and seek, trick training, a simple agility course or doggie circuit training <\/span>all make great dog games to play at home!<\/span>\u00a0 Again, start gently with any more active exercises at home so your dog can build up their fitness and avoid injury. Jumping and climbing should be avoided for puppies under 12 months.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>Agility, flyball, hoopers and canicross are all popular dog sports (to name but a few) that will keep your dog (and you) fit, healthy and mentally stimulated. Contact your local dog trainer for details on which are best for your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ball games<\/b><\/h3>\n

Whilst chasing <\/span>dog<\/span> toys can be a great form of exercise, it can also be a common cause of injury, particularly if dogs are repeatedly performing high impact jumps, turns or dead stops; make sure your dog has \u2018warmed up\u2019 by walking for 10\/15 minutes before starting any ball games and try to minimize jumps and turns. Puppies should not be exercised in this way. For puppies, the ball should be rolled slowly along the ground for them to chase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Swimming\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Swimming with your dog<\/span> is a great way of keeping your dog fit and is particularly useful for overweight dogs as it <\/span>has a low<\/span> impact on the joints. Whilst free swimming in streams and rivers <\/span>may be<\/span> safe for fit and strong swimmers, it is best to start your dog\u2019s swimming in a specialist hydrotherapy pool where your dog can build up confidence and fitness in a safe controlled environment. Our <\/span>Canvas Training Dummy<\/span> floats on water and provides a fun challenge for your dog!<\/span><\/p>\n

Reminder: Dog walking etiquette keeps exercise fun\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Whilst out exercising your dog, it\u2019s important to remember that dog walking etiquette is important to keep yourself and others safe. <\/span>Owners decide to walk their dog on the lead for many different reasons, so it is <\/span>imperative that<\/span> we all respect each other\u2019s boundaries. Here is some helpful advice on how to manage on-lead encounters while out exercising your dog:<\/span><\/p>\n