Everyone knows that dogs like walks.  In fact we can probably say that dogs love walks.  It doesn’t take long for them to associate the sound of the lead being picked up, or the jangle of the car keys with getting to run around in the great outdoors.

We all know how important exercise is for your dog’s health; it helps them to maintain their ideal weight and is crucial for their cardiovascular health and immune system.  But is there more to exercising your dog than simply putting one foot in front of the other?

What are the best forms of exercise for my dog?

There are so many different activities that you can do with your dog that involve exercise.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Walking

This is the go-to form of exercise for most dog owners, and it is a classic for a reason.  It is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and spend some quality time together.  If you want to change things up a bit why not try some different routes and let your dog get to experience some new smells!

Swimming

Lots of dogs enjoy a good swim and it is a fantastic form of exercise for them.  In fact a 5 minute swim for a dog is equal to a 5 mile walk!  It can also be a great option for dogs who have reduced mobility, as it is low impact and will be gentler on their joints.  Remember, not all dogs know how to swim and some of them just don’t see the appeal at all.  So if your pup doesn’t want to dive in the deep end, don’t force them to.

Playing

Games are a brilliant way to bond with your dog and they can be a great addition to their exercise.  Try traditional games like fetch, hide and seek of tug-of-war, or why not get creative and make up your own?

Running

Dogs can make wonderful running partners and running together has lots of health benefits as well as being fun for the both of you.  Just make sure that you tailor your runs to your dog’s capability and build up slowly; try not to go too far or too fast to begin with.  It could also be worth considering training your dog to use a hands-free leash as off-leash running can prove difficult for safety and legal reasons.

Canine sports

If you have a very active dog it might be worth thinking about enrolling them in an official canine sport.  As well as being a great way for them to meet and socialise with other dogs, it will enable them to channel that energy and engage them mentally as well.  Why not try some agility training, discover the excitement of flyball or leap into the world of Canicross?  Of course every dog will enjoy different things so it is worth taking some time to see which sport your dog enjoys the most.

What’s the best amount of exercise for my dog?

Daily exercise is key to a happy and healthy dog, and for most dog owners this takes the form of two walks a day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon/evening.  Every dog is different and some breeds will need a lot more exercise than others.  If you’re not sure what is best for your dog, then you can always chat to your vet, and even download the free PitPat app for a tailored exercise goal, based on your dog’s age, weight and breed.

What’s the best type of exercise for my dog’s mental stimulation?

Keeping your dog fit and healthy isn’t just about adding in lots of physical elements to their exercise and all dogs can benefit from activities that give them some mental stimulation as well.  Why not not start by adding some training into their daily routine?  Or even setting aside some time just for play?  Play adds another element to their activity, which prevents them from getting bored, as well as being the perfect way to hone their emotional skills too.  And the good news is that with PitPat, whether you are playing, running or walking, it all counts towards that daily exercise goal!

Is there a best type of exercise for my dog’s breed?

In the same way that people have preferences when it comes to exercise, so do dogs.  Different breeds will enjoy different things.  Terriers for example love to dig, whilst working dogs like Doberman or Boxers prefer long and steady activity; making hiking a great option for them.  You could always do a little research to get some ideas, but the best way to discover what your dog loves the most is to have fun trying new things together.

What’s the best type of exercise for my dog’s age?

As your dog ages their physical ability and energy will change, so you will need to make adjustments to their exercise as they grow.  When they are a puppy it will be important to make sure that they aren’t getting too much exercise as their bones are still growing.

So to prevent injury PitPat recommend limiting their activity to 5 minutes per month of age.  And remember play and training will count as exercise too.

As your dog matures, be mindful of how much you are doing each day and make sure they are getting rest when they need it.  You may find they begin to prefer a calmer walk, but you can still make it interesting by altering your route and giving them new things to sniff.

Ultimately the best type of exercise for your dog is simply that – exercise.  But with a little bit of imagination you can take their walk and make it into something new and exciting everyday, making the most of the time you get to spend with your best pal.

Get more out of walkies with PitPat – track exercise, distance, weight and much more with the UK’s #1 Dog Activity Monitor.

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