Ways to Keep Your Dog Active
Being a pet parent means doing everything possible to keep your dog healthy and happy. One of the simplest ways to do this is through exercise. Whether you have a naturally active dog or not, getting your furry friend moving daily is important. But this doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing each time!
There are tons of ways to keep your dog active. Going for a walk around the block is always a great way to get moving, but here’s what to do if you want to shake things up.
1. GET IN THE WATER
Grab a floating dog toy and a pup-approved life jacket and head out to the closest river, lake, or ocean. Whether you stand on the shore and throw the toy into the water or go for a swim with your pup, you and your active dog can enjoy hours of fun in the sun together.
You might even live near a dog-friendly pool that welcomes the whole family into the water. These pools are ideal for puppies just learning to doggy paddle or senior dogs that need a controlled environment for swimming.
No matter how you get in the water, your dog will benefit from the low-impact cardio.
2. ENROLL FIDO IN A NEW SPORT
Does your dog love crawling through tunnels and climbing stairs? Find an agility class in your area and sign Fido up! Or if your pup adores fetch, why not try Flyball relay racing?
Dog sports like agility, flyball, dock diving, Rally, and lure coursing tap into your dog’s instincts. These sports provide mental stimulation and enough exercise to wear your pup out for the day. It’s a win-win!
3. PLAY GAMES INDOORS
ON DAYS WHEN IT’S TOO HOT, COLD, OR WET TO SPEND MUCH TIME OUTSIDE, YOU’LL NEED WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG ACTIVE INDOORS. NO MATTER WHAT SIZE HOME YOU LIVE IN, YOU CAN ENGAGE YOUR DOG IN A VARIETY OF GAMES, LIKE:
Hide-and-seek: Ask Fido to stay in one room while you go hide in another. When you’re ready for your dog to find you, let out a short whistle. Remember to reward your pup with plenty of cuddles every time he finds you!
Tug-of-war: Tug is an excellent game to play with your pup as long as it’s done appropriately. Take turns winning the game. Practice basic training skills by asking your dog to bring the toy back to you and release it at your feet. Keep tug sessions short and sweet, and praise your pup for all the impulse control she shows during the session.
Agility: No, you don’t need to go purchase official agility equipment for this indoor version of the game. Instead, rustle up some cardboard boxes, hula hoops, couch cushions, and broomsticks to create a makeshift agility course inside. If you have stairs, incorporate them into your obstacle course. You and your pup will enjoy hours of active fun.
Getting active with your dog can be challenging, entertaining, and physically stimulating for both you and your pet. If you’d like even more ideas for ways to keep your dog active, reach out to the team at Blue Valley Animal Hospital. We’d love to hear from you!