Dogs love to exercise, however exercising your dog often becomes a chore. And anyone who has or was a small child knows that chores are best avoided. But that doesn’t help your dog out. So how do you exercise and stimulate your dog without it becoming a chore?
Paying me for exercising your dog
This is the easiest way to exercise your dog. Delegate responsibility to someone else. On my services page, you can see my rates and book a service. This is an excellent option if your dog is boisterous, time-poor, injured/ill, or going on holiday. Hiring me to exercise your dog ensures they will remain happy, healthy and fit.
Exercising your dog on your own
This requires some discipline. But it doesn’t have to be hard work. You may be shocked to read this but humans enjoy exercise too. Dogs probably enjoy it more because they don’t have a neocortex over thinking everything. The trick to enjoying exercise as a human is to find the middle spot where you aren’t exhausted or injured but you have still got your heart beating over 100bpm. If you can do this with your dog, then you’ll both enjoy your exercise more. Unless you’re an athlete, if you push yourself too hard then you will stop enjoying your exercise.
Exercises to do with your dog
There are lots of ways to exercise your dog. The simplest way is walking. Maybe you don’t like your neighbourhood? You could take them on beach walks or bush walks. You can even get doggy-treadmills. https://k9pro.com.au/dogpacer-treadmill/ You can use a human treadmill for dogs however, the dog treadmills do offer some advantages. They tend to be longer, so they work better with the dog’s gait. They also have fences so the can’t jump off the sides. If you use a human treadmill don’t let the dog go faster than a trot.
Other ways to exercise your dog
- Dancing with Dogs – This has become a fun sport for many people and their dogs. They create fantastic routines with their dogs and even compete. (I have no rhythm so I don’t train in this)
- Retrieving Games – Most people are familiar with playing fetch however, you can mix it up a bit by throwing multiple objects and directing the dog to retrieve each one in turn. You can move position while the dog is running towards one object so they also have to find where you are.
- Tug Games – [BITE WARNING] Dogs love biting and catching. You can make this into a very fun and rewarding game with your dog. However, especially when their learning to target, you may get bit. It is an accident and the dog is sorry and you shouldn’t punish them for it. But if you don’t want to get bit then don’t play tug. If you do want to play tug and would like to learn how to do it safely and effectively, then you can either book a training session with me or lookout for class announcements on this website.
- Search Games – I’ve talked about search games before. You can search and do scent discrimination work outside or inside. Having to use their nose will make the dog have to think more, so they will get tired faster.
- Tracking – You will need a friend for this. Your friend lays a trail and then the dog finds them. This is a good teamwork and bonding exercise for you and your dog and they have to use their nose and stick to a trail.
- Sheep Herding – If your dog has any herding instinct I highly recommend taking them to herding facilities. My preferred Sheep Herding School is Sheep Herding for City Dogs.
Summary
There are many ways to exercise your dog. You can hire me to do it or find a fun activity you enjoy with your dog. Many experts say that your dog needs between 30 minutes and two hours of exercise per day. This can be challenging to do. You can shorten the amount of exercise your dogs need by increasing the stimulus and arousal levels during their exercise. But both you and the dog will fell better if you know your dog is fit, happy, and healthy.
