Best Dog Exercises and Activities for Your Furriend to Keep them Busy

Just like you, your dog needs exercise to keep them healthy and in shape. Dogs that
do not get sufficient exercise can become obese, lethargic, destructive, anxious or
worst, they may encounter health problems. Spending a little time everyday for dog
exercises and activities can make a huge difference in your dog’s health and well-
being. Dog exercises and activities are not only good for their physical health but for
their mental health as well.

Regular exercise gives your dog these amazing benefits:

 Keeps them from being obese

Dogs that do not exercise on a regular basis tend to retain or gain weight. This can
result to damage on your dog’s vital organs, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and
tumors.

 Keeps them away from disease

A dog that regularly exercises will have a body that is equipped to fight off different
infections, cardiovascular problems, and depression.

 Minimises unruly behavior

Dogs need physical activity to help them expend their energy. Dogs that do not have
enough exercise tend to be hyperactive and destructive.

 Boosts their confidence

Exercises especially task-oriented ones make dogs feel good about themselves and
less anxious in new, unfamiliar situations.

When playing games and exercises with your dogs, always make sure that the
environment is safe and free from hazards. Spend at least 30 minutes of exercise with
your dogs everyday and you can be sure that their health will drastically improve.
Here are some of the best exercises and activities you can do with your pet.

1. Walking

Walking is the easiest and most efficient exercise you can do with your dog. Walking
not only improves your dog’s physical health, it also stimulates his mind and senses.
Make your walk enjoyable for your dog by encouraging it to explore the environment.

2. Hide and seek

There’s a reason why hide and seek is one of the most well-loved games for children.
It’s fun, challenging, and build a strong bond among those who play it. Dogs also
enjoy hide and seek because it engages all their senses and makes them explore new
places. You can make this game more challenging by adding trails and obstacles. To
make this game extra enjoyable, give your dog a reward or a treat.

3. Dog swimming

Swimming is an alternative to running or walking. It is good cardiovascular exercise

that engages both the mind and the body. Although your dog may be fearful or
hesitant in the beginning, give it sometime to get accustomed to water and it will
definitely find swimming enjoyable. Swimming can also be a cooling activity for your
dog during the hot summer months.

4. Flyball

This team relay sport is an exciting game for dogs especially for those who love past-
faced activities. Canine flyball involves 2 teams with 4 dogs each. Not only is this
game stimulating and challenging, it also develops your dog’s social skills.

5. Agility exercises

Your dog’s mobility can be trained and developed through fun agility exercises. You
can play obstacle races, tunnel games, puppy dog walks using planks or teeter boards,
tire jumps and many others. Agility exercises develop your dog’s running and
jumping skills, as well as their ability to respond to different challenges.

6. Fetching games

Dogs are excellent at retrieval games. You can use a Frisbee, a ball or even a shoe.
Add extra motivation like a treat or a toy. Playing fetch with your dog strengthens the
bond between you and your pet. It also helps your dog burn off a lot of their energy
which helps them become more calm and less agitated.

7. Puzzle games

You will be amazed at the variety of puzzle games for dogs available nowadays. Most
of these games are made with interlocking pliable materials that are safe for your
dogs. Puzzle games keeps your dogs from being bored while giving them an
opportunity to exercise their minds.

8. Tug of War

Although tug of war is a fun and engaging game for your dog, you must always play it
within the rules to be safe. Always initiate the game and use a durable toy. Make sure
that the area you are playing in is free from dangerous and hazardous objects. Stop the
game when your dog becomes too aggressive.

9. Chase the bubbles

Another fun and stimulating activity for your dog especially during the summer is
chasing bubbles. Use non toxic bubbles or bubble formulas for pets and try blowing
one or two bubbles at a time. When your dog does not respond or chase the bubble,
try to catch the bubble on your own and encourage it to do the same.
Another way to keep your dog busy is to enrol it to an obedience class. If you are in
the St. Charles, St. Louis and 60 mile radius of St. Charles, MO (excluding Illinois),
visit Positive Paws Pet Training and check out the class fit for your dog.