Dogs require exercise to stay happy and healthy. Simply taking them for a short walk or playing a small game of fetch may not give your furry pal enough exercise to meet their needs.
Some dogs are incredibly active. If you have Golden Retriever Puppies, they will require more exercise and playtime than you are probably prepared for.
Read these tips to find new ways to help your dog get the exercise it is looking for.
Walking
The most common exercise for dog owners is walking their dog. Taking your dog on a walk through the neighborhood or dog park is a great way to get you and your dog moving. Just remember to bring a pooper scooper so that you can clean up after your pet.
Hiking
An alternative to the typical walk is to get into the great outdoors and take your dog for a hike. This will allow you to get some more climbing and strenuous exercise in. Hiking is also a great way to appreciate nature and take a break from reality.
Your dog will likely love the adventure of walking through a new environment.
Running
If you like to run, taking your dog with you is a great way to help them get exercise. You can go for a morning jog together, and both get some good exercise which is just one of the many reasons dogs can be so beneficial as emotional support animals.
Just start with some training and go slow at first, but soon you can be running with your dog.
If you don’t love to run but would still love your dog to get the benefits of running, you can leave them in an enclosed open space and allow them to run around by themselves.
Treadmill
You can teach your dog to run on a treadmill. This exercise must be closely monitored to ensure your pet’s safety. Start by having the dog walk on an unmoving treadmill, and eventually, you can start slowly adding some movement until you find a good speed for your dog.
Biking
Dogs can be trained to walk or run alongside a bicycle. Try this if you want to help your dog get a run but would rather bike.
Be careful with biking, it can cause injuries, and you will need to start slow to ensure your dog can keep up and isn’t being dragged behind you.
Swimming
A lot of dogs love to swim. Take your dog to a local lake or pond that allows dogs to swim and have them try out the water. Don’t just assume your dog can swim, though, start them off in shallow areas or with a doggy life jacket until they are comfortable in the water.
Games
There are many games you can play to engage with your dog that are great for physical and mental exercise. Try playing with your pup to help them be healthy and happy.
Fetch
The classic game of fetch is excellent at getting your dog to run around. This is also a good mental exercise because the dog will need to be able to find the object you threw and bring it back to you.
Hide and seek
You can train your dog to play hide and seek. The best way to start this training is by hiding treats or favorite toys for them to find. This can lead to your dog running around and exercising its brain.
Tug of war
Tug of war is an excellent form of exercise for your dog. This can be done by you playing with the dog by using a rope or sturdy piece of fabric and tugging it away from them, or they can play with other dogs.
This game requires strength and is great for getting your pup to have fun while exercising.
Flirt poles
A flirt pole, or flirt stick, is a great way to get your dog running around. This toy is a long stick with something attached to it that will lure your puppy in. You can use these to play a game similar to tug of war. Get the dog to go for the toy and then pull it away.
Closing thought
Following these tips can help keep your dog active and avoiding common health issues for dogs.