6 Exercises to Keep Fido Fit and Strong for Life

Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. The Pet Health Network points out that obesity can lead to future health issues like arthritis, heart and breathing issues, and can even take two years off your dog’s life! 

I love talking to other pet professionals and reading articles from experts about pet health, so I want to share some fitness tips that I like to share with my training clients. Of course, always consult your veterinarian or your dog trainer if you have questions or concerns about beginning a fitness program with your pet.

Watch out for these fitness myths  

Exercise is great for both you and your dog! It can help your dog look and feel better, and even make them less nervous when left alone, according to fitness experts at Texas A&M. There are a few common myths out there about weight gain or lack of mobility that can cause pet parents to ignore signs that their dog is less fit. Here are just a few:

• My dog is just getting old. Aging is natural but that doesn’t mean that limping, problems going up or down stairs, or mobility challenges like difficulty getting into the car, or jumping up on the bed, are normal. 

• Fitness and exercise are for injured/athletic/overweight dogs.  Even young or fit-acting dogs can benefit from an exercise plan. Fitness and exercise go far beyond weight loss. It’s a way to help your Fido improve their cardiovascular health and develop strength and balance.

• It’s normal for senior dogs to put on a little weight. Gaining weight doesn’t have to be a given as your pup gets older. Good nutrition, fitness for fun, and regular exercise all work to help prevent it, too. 

One point that’s definitely not a myth: If you have concerns about your dog’s weight or reduction in mobility, or if you want to significantly increase your pet’s activity level, a visit to your veterinarian for a health checkup  is your first fitness step!

PRO TIP: Work at your dog’s pace

When working on fitness with your dog, moderation is key. Pick activities that match their level of fitness, and allow them to choose when they have had enough of each activity. If your dog is done for the day, let them be done, so they continue to enjoy – not dread – their fitness sessions! If it’s clear your dog doesn’t enjoy or is uncomfortable with one of the suggested exercises below, like scary-looking stairs, choose another they do enjoy.

Too much exercise can also cause problems, like sore muscles, wear-and-tear on paw pads, joint issues, heat sickness, and your dog could begin to dread rather than enjoy their play sessions with you. Some dogs may keep chasing that ball as long as you continue to throw it, so keep initial fitness sessions short and watch for signs of fatigue. You may need to be the one who says “Enough, let’s take a break.”

6 Fun Exercises for Canine Fitness

The following exercises can seem much different from how you normally play with your dog, but remember that going for daily walks and other simple activities are also great ways to help your dog stay fit.

1. Up and down stairs. If you don’t have stairs in your home, look around your neighborhood and see where you can have some safe, outside, stair-training fun.

2. Sit to stand. Getting up and down doesn’t seem like exercise until you do it repeatedly. Standing up and sitting back down 10 times in a row would be plenty of exercise for me! This task is great for your dog’s back legs and hip strength. Reward them with appropriately-timed praise so they know they are correctly responding to your repeated cues. 

3. Down to stand. This is a near canine equivalent of the human burpee, which are intense and sometimes dreaded but incredibly beneficial. It’s a full-body workout for Fido! Watch how it works here.

4. Hide and seek. Calling your pup when you’re hiding somewhere in the house is a fun game with a lot of fitness benefits. They’ll use both their physical and mental muscles to sniff you out —a win-win in my book! 

5. Walk, sprint, walk. I like to think of this as canine interval training for energetic pups and people. You walk, sprint, walk at a comfortable pace to keep your dog engaged and feeling the physical effects. The best part of this exercise is that it can be done at everyone's individual pace. 

6. Fetch. Who doesn’t love watching their dog run back to you over and over, with fun and love in their eyes? Some dogs feel compelled to chase a thrown toy even when they are tired, so don’t overdo this if you can see your pup is getting pooped.

When you’re looking for ways to improve your pet’s health, always double-check advice you find online  – even mine! – with your veterinarian or an expert source like the Pet Health Network. You can find even more dog training and behavior tips here.  

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