From Walks to Playtime: 7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Every Day

Has your dog mastered the art of being a couch potato, especially when the weather is less than ideal?

Like us, dogs need to stay active to maintain their well-being, whether through a brisk walk in the morning or a fun game of fetch.

In need of ideas? This article will get you up to speed on the 7 most straightforward ways to make your pup ditch the couch for some much-needed exercise!

Daily Walks

While dogs might get some exercise in a fenced yard, nothing excites them more than the prospect of a walk with their favorite human!

Walking is not only essential for their physical health but also provides amazing mental stimulation. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for a stroll, avoiding midday heat and making the most of the cooler, more comfortable parts of the day.

5 Benefits of Daily Walks for Mental Stimulation

• Weight and Body Condition: Canine obesity is a significant issue, affecting around 59% of dogs nationwide. Obese dogs not only have shorter lifespans but also suffer from more heart problems and joint ailments. Regular exercise, such as walking, is an excellent way to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
• Joint Health: Immobility can lead to joint stiffness, especiallyin older dogs. Regular walks keep joints in motion, improving their function and strengthening muscles.
• Digestive and Urinary Health: Along with nourishing food, regular walking helps regulate your dog's digestive system and prevents constipation. Frequent walks also minimize bladder infection risks and stimulate your dog's appetite.
• Mental Health: Dogs need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors like furniture chewing. Walking presents your dog with new sights, sounds, and smells, providing great mental exercise that a fenced yard simply cannot offer.
• Emotional Health: Walking with your dog strengthens your bond and provides the attention your dog craves. This quality time together can reduce attention-seeking behaviors such as excessive barking or whining.

Adjusting Walks for Different Dog Breeds

Adjust the duration and intensity of walks based on your dog's breed and energy level.

High-energy breeds like Border Collies may benefit from longer, more vigorous walks, while breeds with lower energy levels may prefer shorter strolls.

Consider the terrain of your walking route. Dogs with shorter legs or respiratory issues might struggle on steep inclines or rough terrain, so opt for flatter, smoother paths.

Incorporate mental enrichment activities during walks. Interactive games like fetch with a tennis ball, short training sessions, or a classic game of hide-and-seek can provide great mental exercise for highly intelligent breeds.

Interactive Play

Interactive play is essential for keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated. Engaging in a variety of games and activities with your dog provides exercise while strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend!

Games to Play: Fetch, Tug-of-War, and Frisbee

• Fetch: Throw a ball or one of their favorite toys and encourage your dog to retrieve it. Fetch is a fun way to keep your dog moving, providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Incorporate high-value treats as rewards to motivate your pup.
• Tug-of-War: This game is excellent for building strength and trust between you and your dog. It also helps teach basic commands like "Drop it!" and "Take it!" Remember to let your dog win occasionally to keep the game enjoyable.
• Frisbee: Frisbee is another fantastic way to exercise your dog. This game is particularly beneficial for breeds with high energy levels. Throw the frisbee and encourage your dog to catch it mid-air. This activity helps improve their agility and provides a fun game that enhances their physical health.

Agility Training

Agility training is an excellent way to physically and mentally challenge your dog.

Setting up a mini agility course in your backyard provides a fun and engaging activity that helps keep your dog in shape and improves overall coordination.

Plus, who knows? Your pup might have what it takes to go pro! After all, 58% of AKC National Agility Championship competitors say they trained for a year or less before competing in trials.

Setting Up a Backyard Agility Course

• Create an obstacle course using household items like hula hoops and cones.
• Use collapsible fabric tunnels that are lightweight and easy to set up.
• Set up jumps using PVC pipes or broomsticks placed between two sturdy objects. Adjust the height according to your dog's size and ability.
• Create weave poles by placing stakes or poles in the ground, spaced evenly apart. Encourage your dog to weave through them.

Teaching Your Dog to Navigate Obstacles

Introduce one obstacle at a time. Begin with simple tasks like running through a tunnel or jumping over a low hurdle. Use high-value treats and reinforcement to motivate your dog. Reward them immediately after successfully completing an obstacle.

Teach basic commands like "Jump," "Tunnel," and "Weave." Use these commands consistently during training sessions. Be patient and encouraging. Each dog learns at their own pace, so celebrate every small victory!

Puzzle Toys

Interactive puzzle games are perfect for challenging your dog's brain on a rainy day. They're designed to make your dog think and work for their rewards.

3 Best Types of Puzzle Toys for Your Dog

• Treasure Hunt: Hide treats or toys around the house or yard and encourage your dog to find them. This game taps into their natural hunting instincts and keeps them engaged.
• Snuffle Mat: Hide small treats within the mat and let your dog use their nose to find them.
• Interactive Toys: Invest in interactive toys that dispense treats or make sounds. These toys will keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated for hours, especially when your schedule keeps you away from home for hours on end.

Socialization

Socialization is key to a happy and well-rounded dog.

Arrange playdates with other dogs or visit the dog park regularly. These social interactions will keep your pup active and help them learn essential social skills.

Dog parks provide plenty of space for your dog to run, jump, and play, helping to keep them fit and healthy. Parks are filled with exciting sights, smells, and friends, making every visit an enjoyable adventure for your pup.

How to Ensure Safe and Positive Interactions with Other Dogs

• Supervise: Always keep an eye on your dog to ensure they are playing safely.
• Know the Signs: Learn the signs of friendly play versus aggressive behavior to intervene if necessary.
• Follow Park Rules: Adhere to the dog park's rules and guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all dogs.
• Bring Essentials: Always bring water, poop bags, and your dog's favorite toys or treats to make the visit enjoyable and comfortable.

Swimming

If your dog enjoys water, swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise. It's particularly beneficial for dogs with joint issues or those needing to burn off extra energy.

Swimming helps keep your dog fit and healthy without putting stress on their joints, making it an ideal activity for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.

Introduce Your Dog to Water Safely

Teaching your dog to swim should be done gradually and with care. Start by choosing a calm, shallow area where your dog can comfortably stand. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage them to approach the water.

Allow your dog to explore freely without ever forcing them into the water. You can bring their favorite toy to make the experience more enjoyable.

Training Sessions

Incorporate short training sessions throughout the day to keep your dog mentally sharp and engaged. These sessions are not only beneficial for your dog's cognitive health but also strengthen the connection between you and your pup. Training can help prevent behavioral issues by providing mental stimulation and giving your dog a sense of purpose.

Teaching Your Dog New Tricks and Commands

• Start with the Basics: Begin with basic commands such as "Sit," "Stay," "Come," and "Down." These commands form the foundation for more advanced tricks and are essential for good behavior.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they successfully follow a command. Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to repeat the desired behavior.
• Keep Sessions Short: Dogs have short attention spans, so stick with brief training sessions. Multiple short sessions throughout the day are more effective than one long session.
• Introduce New Tricks Gradually: Once your dog has mastered basic commands, introduce new tricks like "Shake," "Roll over," or "Play dead." Break down each trick into small steps and reward your dog for each successful attempt.
• Be Patient and Consistent: Consistency is key to successful training. Use the same commands and rewards each time, and be patient. Some dogs may take longer to learn new tricks, so celebrate small victories along the way.
• Use Everyday Opportunities: Incorporate training into daily routines. For instance, ask your dog to "sit" before meals or "stay" when you open the door. This reinforces commands and integrates training into your dog's daily life.

Keep Both You and Your Dog Happy and Healthy with Volhard!

Pairing these fun exercises with a balanced, nutritious diet is paramount to support your dog's health. A healthy diet fuels their energy for playtime and helps them maintain a stable weight, ensuring they get the most out of their active lifestyle.

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

References

1. "8 Ways to Exercise Your Dog Indoors." BC SPCA, 6 Dec. 2023, spca.bc.ca/news/exercise-your-dog-indoors/. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.
2. "How to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors." Small Door Veterinary, www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/wellness/keeping-your-dog-entertained-indoors. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.
3. Tomlinson, Julia, and Megan Nelson. "Conditioning Dogs for an Active Lifestyle." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, vol. 52, no. 4, July 2022, pp. 1043–1058, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.03.008.
4. Väätäjä, Heli, et al. "The interplay between affect, dog's physical activity and dog–owner relationship." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 8, 9 Dec. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.673407.

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