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We’ve all been there before.
It’s a Saturday afternoon, and while you’re relaxing on the couch watching TV, your dog is going absolutely crazy beside you. You know you need to get your best friend outside and moving, but you’re tired of doing the same routine of walking around your neighborhood in a circle.
You need something new that both you and your dog will enjoy. The good news? You don’t have to overthink things to find that something new.
There are a wide variety of activities in your area that you can do with your dog that is both fun and healthy. And you can even tweak those activities to fit both you and your dog’s fitness levels, which of course, is a good thing.
So what are some fun and creative ways you can exercise with your dog? And what about when it’s raining outside? What kind of activities can you do with your best friend then?
If you’re asking yourself these kinds of questions, wonder no longer, because we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll give you 6 new activities you can do with your dog so you both can get some exercise.
Now then, let’s get started!
Go for a Hike
If you’re looking for a creative way to spice up your normal dog walking routine, consider finding and exploring some hiking trails nearby. You can even pick trails that fit you and your dog’s fitness levels, which again, is a great way to mix things up without feeling too sore tomorrow.
Have a younger, healthier and more energetic dog? Find some more intense trails in your area and give them a go. Got an older dog who isn’t as mobile anymore? Find smoother, easier trails to hike so you can both have a good time.
Before you go on a hike, make sure you have a good dog collar and leash so your dog is safe and secure. A harness that wraps around their entire body is particularly important and can help prevent injuries. Personalized dog collars, with your name and contact information, is never a bad idea, either.
Go for a Jog
Another great way to get some exercise for both you and your dog is to go for a jog together. It’s obviously something you and your dog need to be in shape for, but if you’re both up for it, it can be a great way to get some exercise and fast.
If you can, try to find a jogging trail in your area that is cushioned. That way both you and your dog don’t suffer from any joint pain that can be related to jogging or running the next morning.
Visit a Local Dog Park
Regardless of where you live, there’s a good chance that there is at least one dog park, or a dog-friendly park, in your area. Oftentimes, these dog parks are both fenced in and filled with fun dog activities which means you can literally let your dog run free for a bit.
This is great if your dog doesn’t get a lot of chances to get off of their leash often. It’s also a good way to get your dog around other dogs, which can increase their happiness and encourage them to play more.
Hit the Stairs
We’ve all walked up some stairs before and felt the impact of that adventure once we reached the top. There aren’t many exercises that are more strenuous than climbing stairs, which is why doing it with your dog is a great idea.
Of course, it’s a great way to mix up your current routine and give both you and your dog something new to do. And once you tire out your dog, they’ll get a good night’s rest, which is always a good thing.
Take a Dip
This one is a bit trickier, as you have to have a dog that enjoys the water in order to make it work. But if you’re sure that your dog enjoys the water, and you find a dog-friendly lake or beach to visit, consider taking your dog swimming.
This is especially a great way to exercise during the hot months of the year when every other activity on this list isn’t as fun to do in the heat. And there really isn’t a better way to spend a hot summer day than swimming with your favorite furry friend.
Play with Toys
Every single physical activity that we’ve mentioned so far requires you to go outside to spend some time with your dog. But what about when it’s storming outside? Or when it’s too cold to leave your home?
Well, believe it or not, you can get a lot of physical activity in with your dog simply by playing with toys in your living room. The more you can get your dog moving around, even if it’s in your home, the better. So grab those toys and start playing, that way both you and your dog can get some exercise and have some fun!
Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Dog
Well, there you have it! Those are 6 fun and exciting ways you can exercise with your dog today!
As you can see, if you’re tired of doing the same old walk with your dog that you do every day, you don’t have to overthink things to mix it up. Simply finding free and fun things to do in your area, that are dog-friendly, can help get some exercise in a new way.
Getting outside and hiking with your dog is a great way to get you both moving while you enjoy mother nature. Going for a jog on a running trail, running some stairs, and visiting a dog park can be new and exciting fun, too.
If it’s too hot outside, go for a swim at your local lake or beach. And if the weather is too bad to enjoy the outside, simply playing inside with toys can encourage a healthy lifestyle for your dog.
Looking for more healthy lifestyle tips and tricks for both you and your dog? Check out our blog!