Tips On Exercising With Your Dog

Exercise provides the mental stimulation that benefits both you and your pet. Walking your dog already counts as exercise. Associating it with more movements and exerting more effort, you get the perfect day’s workout! 

When a dog is bored, they tend to show destructive behavior. With exercise, you can provide proper stimulation, helping them get out of it. Being a man’s best friend, dogs make great workout buddies. One study found that people are more likely to accomplish their daily physical activity objectives when they exercise with their dogs, resulting in more weight loss. There are different activity options you can choose from such as running, hiking, frisbee, and fetch. 

If you want to start both your and your pet’s fitness goals this year, here are some quick tips on exercising with your dog:

Find The Right Workout 

Breed, age, and size can determine the best routine for your dog. They may need more or less exercise. Certain breeds, like the German Shepherd, which belongs to the herding group, will need the most exercise. On the contrary, toy dogs like Shih Tzu need little physical activity. Checking in with your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate workout, especially if your pet has any medical conditions. 

Do Not Rush

For starters, a leisurely walk around the neighborhood would be enough. Do not rush and overwork your dog. Like you, they are using their physical, mental, and emotional energy. Moderation is the key. Start low-impact and gradually increase it to moderate and heavy-impact workouts. 

Avoid Exercising in Hot Temperatures

Try to exercise in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. Hot asphalt during the hot weather can damage your dog’s paws. Cases of heat exhaustion can happen when their body temperature rises. Bring plenty of water when exercising in the hot weather. 

Safety First 

Practice obedience commands and ensure proper off-leash training is done. If your dog is off-leash during these times, always remember to be aware of your surroundings as this can be dangerous for both your dog and other people. Running freely can be done in a safe environment like your backyard. 

At the end of the day, exercise keeps your dog happy and away from health problems. What are the other fun ways you keep your dog active?