Imagine having to walk around the same block every day of the week? Boring, right? So much so that it might even stop a dog from looking forward to subsequent walks.
Exercise is an activity to be enjoyed by both dog and parent. Oftentimes, it is enjoyed only in the beginning, and then when you have to walk the same circles every day, even your dog gets tired of smelling the same patches of grass.
If this is your case every day, it's probably time to spruce up the exercise routine with some fun and engaging exercises!
Why is it important to choose different exercises?
Work the whole body
In short, a set of different exercises every week can help your dog exercise all his muscles rather than just strengthen a few. Besides, just like with humans, overworking a particular muscle/muscles every day does more harm than good; therefore, it is best to give every muscle in the body a chance to work and grow strong.
No boredom
Choosing different exercises for the week means lesser boredom and more enthusiasm when it comes to exercising. This is especially important for dogs who have trouble exercising and prefer lazing around on the couch all day.
Preference
Some dogs enjoy sniffing the grass on long walks, while others prefer hiking or running beside you on a bicycle. You would never know what exercise your dog prefers until you try out all of them!
What are the different ways to exercise my dog?
Short Walks
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Best time for this activity?
Monsoons, When you're late for work, When your pup has an injury/disease
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How to exercise?
Short walks, because of their duration, need to be dedicated to allowing your dog to sniff, sniff, and sniff. Every lampost, every patch of grass, every bike on the road needs to be sniffed - sniffing is a dog's way of learning about their environment (like how you read the news). It decreases a dog's pulse, thereby making him/her feel calm, rejuvenated, and relaxed - similar to yoga!
Long Walks
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Best time for this activity?
Anytime!
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How to exercise?
Long walks are best on a well-fitted harness and a long leash. As with short walks, long walks must also encourage sniffing alongside walking.
Toys
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Best time for this activity?
When you want a break from walking, When you are running late, When your pup has an injury, At the park/beach.
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How to exercise?
Finding the right toy is essential in ensuring your dog enjoys it. Balls and Discs are best for playing fetch, while rope toys and chew toys make for fun tugs-of-war. Alongside playing with these toys, you can give your dog interactive puzzle toys to work his mind.
Hike
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Best time for this activity?
When you and your dog want to get away from bustling city life
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How to exercise?
Hikes are excellent ways to bond with your dog where they enjoy being off-leash and running free. Remember to carry sufficient food and water if your hike is for more than four hours or overnight.
Swim
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Best time for this activity?
Summer
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How to exercise?
Breeds that were bred to swim have it in their genes but for the rest, teaching them to swim requires a bit of effort from your end. Any positive behavior that you witness around the pool must be rewarded. Remember, however, if your dog shows an absolute dislike to the water, it is best for you to choose another exercise.
Flyball
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Best time for this activity?
Anytime (except for when there is an injury)
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How to exercise?
Flyball is a dog sport where dogs race against each other to get a ball. The track on which they race can have hurdles like tunnels, hoops, and weave pools. If you are trying out flyball for the first time, have someone stand at the end of the track holding a ball and treat, then unleash your dog and ask the person on the other end to call him. After a few practice sessions, you can start to time your dog's flyball.
Agility
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Best time for this activity?
Anytime (except for when there is an injury)
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How to exercise?
Agility is an all-time favorite for dogs who have way too much agility. The best way to make your own agility course at home is to use everyday objects like chairs, ramps, tires, tables and so on to make tunnels, weave poles, camel humps, hoops etc.
Scent Work, a.k.a Treasure Hunt
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Best time for this activity?
Monsoons, When you're late for work When your pup has an injury/disease When you're working from home.
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How to exercise?
Hide treats in challenging yet accessible places and watch your dog work his brain and nose to find them! Start with a small area and gradually move out to larger ones.
Bicycle Riding
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Best time for this activity?
Summer
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How to exercise?
If your dog isn't used to bicycle riding, it would be best to start at a slow pace. Make sure your dog is on a well-fitted harness before you attempt to teach him how to run beside a bike. Every time your dog matches the pace of the cycle, reward him/her with a treat; contrarily, a pace that doesn't match could mean disinterest or confusion with the activity.
Running/Jogging
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Best time for this activity?
Anytime (except for when there is an injury)
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How to exercise?
Like with cycling, when your dog matches your running pace, reward with a treat. If she goes too fast, stop and wait for her to slow down. If she tuns slower than you, encourage her to run faster by enticing her with a treat! Remember to be patient as it takes time for a dog to understand and match your pace of running.
That said, exercising will never be boring, especially not when it's with your four-legged fur buddy!
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