7 Fun Exercises for You & Your Dog

15th March 2024

Keeping your furry friend active is essential for their physical health and mental well-being. While walks around the block are great, sometimes you and your dog need a little variety in your exercise routine. That’s where these 7 different and fun exercise ideas for your dog come in handy. Whether rain or shine, indoor or outdoor, there’s something here for every pup, and human, to enjoy.

1) Outdoor Adventure Walks

Seek to change your routine stroll through the neighborhood by embarking on thrilling adventure walks. Yes dogs thrive on familiarity, however they also relish new scents and experiences! Instead of repeating the same old route, consider venturing into uncharted territories such as local trails, parks, or dog-friendly beaches or reserves. An entire realm of fresh sights and smells awaits your dog's exploration as the two of you explore new ground.

To get started, conduct research on dog-friendly spaces within your vicinity. You'll likely discover new footpaths or green spaces without having to travel far. These escapades offer abundant mental stimulation for your dog, allowing them to tap into their innate instincts. Exploring unfamiliar environments keeps their cognitive faculties sharp and enhances their overall well-being.

2) Fetch and Retrieval Games

Fetch is a classic game that never gets old and is a guaranteed way to exercise your dog. The best part is it doesn’t take a lot of work to play this fun game together. Simply find an open space, like a backyard or a dog park, and let your dog chase after a ball or a frisbee. Retrieval games are not only fun but also great for improving your dog’s agility and coordination.

Choose a safe area that is free from obstacles or hazards and is a space that allows dogs to be off leash. Start with short throws of a ball, frisbee, or even their favourite dog toy and gradually increase the distance as your dog gets more comfortable. And don’t forget to bring a dog bowl with water as your dog will need to rehydrate. Fetch and retrieval games are a great form of dog exercise as they provide excellent cardiovascular health, while also strengthening their muscles. But perhaps the best part of a game of fetch is the bonding experience between you and your pup, which is priceless.

3) Outdoor Agility Course

Ever tuned into a dog agility competition on TV and pondered if your dog could master some of those obstacles? There's only one way to find out – give it a try! Agility courses offer a fantastic avenue to engage your dog mentally and physically. Plus, they're easily set up, with simple elements like tunnels, jumps, and weaving poles transforming your backyard into an exciting playground. You and your furry friend will revel in the joy of navigating an outdoor agility course, which proves rewarding for dogs of all ages and breeds.

You needn't rush out to purchase pricey agility gear. Instead, utilize household items that match your dog's size and skill level. Cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, and even your kids' play cones can be repurposed to construct a beginner-friendly agility course. Start with basic obstacles, gradually increasing the difficulty as your dog becomes more adept. Agility training serves as superb exercise for dogs, enhancing their balance, coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, it bolsters their confidence and fosters a stronger bond between you and your canine companion.

4) Swimming Sessions

If your dog loves water, then swimming is an excellent full-body workout to add into their exercise routine. Start by finding a dog-friendly beach, pond or pool where your pup can splash around safely to test the waters and see if they like it. Even if your dog doesn’t go all the way in for a full body dip, the act of running along the water will provide enough exercise. Swimming is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues.

Setting it up: If your dog has never swam before or if you are not sure they know how to swim, start by choosing a calm, shallow body of water to start. This will allow your dog to explore the possibility of swimming without too much commitment. And always be sure to take a properly tagged dog collar, an old towel to rub them down, some dog treats to enjoy after a good splash and plenty of drinking water to make this experience more enjoyable.

Why it’s good: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that’s gentle on your dog’s joints. Your dog will get a thorough workout without adding stress on their bones. But the best part? Swimming is a great way to beat the heat during hot summer months.

5) Indoor Treat Hunt

When poor weather keeps you indoors, consider crafting indoor exercise routines for your dog. Indoor treat hunts offer an entertaining method to keep your furry friend mentally engaged while encouraging physical activity. Simply hide treats throughout your home and allow your dog to utilize their keen sense of smell to track them down. To ensure maximum enjoyment for your dog, vary the hiding spots extensively. Let your creativity shine by concealing treats under furniture, behind doors, or even within their dog crate. As your dog becomes adept at finding treats in easy spots, gradually ramp up the challenge by selecting more intricate hiding places.

Indoor treat hunts not only stimulate your dog's olfactory senses but also provide valuable mental enrichment. Engaging in "hunting" and sniffing activities helps stave off boredom and curtails destructive behavior, fostering a happier and more contented canine companion.

6) Interactive Toys and Games

If there’s one exercise that is guaranteed to tire your dog out regardless of the weather, it’s playtime with you and their favourite interactive dog toys. Not only do toys and games keep your dog engaged, exercised, and entertained, they’re a great way to keep your furry friend challenged. Keep a variety of different toys and games such as puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or interactive play mats so that your dog’s problem-solving skills can be challenged and elevated.

Too much of a good thing can lead to overwhelm and that is true when it comes to dogs and toys. So set aside time each day to bring out one or two toys to play with your pup. If it’s a new toy, introduce it to your dog by itself so they can fully immerse themselves in the nuances of the new object. Every other week, try rotating the toys regularly to keep your dog’s interest piqued and their excitement engaged.

Interactive dog toys and games are the perfect exercise tool for dogs as they provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. If you live somewhere where the weather or space prohibits frequent outdoor play, dog toys are an essential in maintaining your dog’s physical health and mental well-being.

7) Indoor Obstacle Course

Who says dog obstacle courses are limited to the outdoors? When outdoor play isn't an option, bring the excitement indoors with a DIY obstacle course. You don't need to invest in agility gear – just gather household items like chairs, cushions, and cardboard boxes to craft the ultimate indoor adventure for your pup. Ensure you set up the course in a designated area where your dog can maneuver through tunnels, leap over hurdles, and weave between obstacles safely, without risking harm to themselves or your furnishings. Begin by clearing a suitable space in your home for the obstacle course, taking into account your dog's size and removing any potential hazards. Select stable items that won't easily topple over, prioritizing safety and fun above all else.
Indoor obstacle courses not only provide excellent physical exercise but also offer mental stimulation for your dog. The repetitive nature of navigating the course reinforces obedience and agility skills, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

No matter the weather, keeping your dog active and engaged is crucial for their overall well-being. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or getting creative with indoor activities, there’s no shortage of ways to keep your best friend exercised and entertained.