If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, who better to enjoy a workout with than your BFFF (best furry friend furever!) Exercising with your dog can be a great way to get active while spending quality time with your pooch.

Benefits of exercising with your dog

Exercising with your dog can have some great benefits for both you and your pup. Firstly, they’re the ultimutt motivators, they’re often our reason for getting out of the house, certainly during the winter months when the weather is not so appealing - just think of them as your very own pawsonal trainer!

By spending time outside with your dog, you can enjoy the benefits nature brings such as improving your mood, reducing feelings of stress and helping you feel more connected with your environment.

Exercising with your dog can also be great for building a stronger relationship. You’ll be able to strengthen your communication, while also working on their mental and physical wellbeing too.

Tips for exercising with your dog

Before you start exercising with your dog, it’s impawtant to make sure they’re fit enough to participate. You don’t want to overwork your pooch. You’ll want to start slow, and gradually increase your dog’s exercise level as they get fitter. It’s also supaw important not to over exercise puppies.  They might seem keen on big long walks or runs, but it’s not good for them to do too much when they’re still young.

You may also want to consider some basic training for your dog, like teaching them to walk on lead. This will make it easier for both of you to participate in outdoor activities together.

Remember to keep your workouts fun. Don’t stress out if your dog isn’t keeping up with you. Instead, look at it as an oppawtunity to bond with your pup.

Always remember to hydrate. Especially if it’s a sweaty sesh, don’t forget to take regular water breaks.

Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure you’re exercising safely with your dog. You don’t want to risk your pup’s health by overworking them.

Ideas for low-impact workouts

If you are just starting out, you’ll likely want to stick to low-impact workouts. This will help ease your dog into a fitness regime. Some low-impact exercises you may want to try include walking, swimming, and yoga.

Walking is one of the most basic ways to exercise with your canine companion, and hopefully something you are already doing regularly. If you’re walking with a dog that’s just starting out, you may want to stick to shorter, more gentle routes until they’re fitter.

Swimming with your dog can be a great low-impact way to get fit. This will help strengthen your dog’s muscles and joints, while also improving their ability to swim. The best way for your dog to swim is in a hydrotherapy pool with a trained instructor. This means your dog will be supported as required and the water will be nice and warm and clean.

Yoga (or Doga!) is a wagulous workout for both humans and dogs. It’s a great way to relax and strengthen both mind and body. You can either go to a local class, or there are lots of videos online!

Ideas for high-intensity workouts

If your dog is already fit enough to participate in high-intensity workouts, there are plenty of fun options to choose from. Some great high-intensity workouts you can do with your dog include running, agility and HIIT.

Running

Jogging or running is a simple way to get fit with your dog. You could switch up your walking routine and do a combination of running and walking. This is a really great way to keep your pooch engaged with you as you mix up the pace.

Or if you’re already an avid around-the-block runner why not try canicross, cross-country running with your pooch. The British Sleddog Sports Federation have a useful map to help you find your nearest canicross club here.

Agility courses

Agility can be a great way to bond with your dog while getting fit. It’s a sport that involves running, jumping, and climbing. This is great for improving your dog’s wellbeing, strengthening their muscles and joints, and exercising their mind too. If you decide to try your hand at agility with your pawsome pal, you may want to consider taking a course or joining a club. This will help you both better understand the rules of the sport and how to be safe doing it. It’s impawtant to make sure that both you and your dog are fit enough to participate, take it slow when you first start out and remember even if you want to compete, it’s always about having fun!

Other ways to get fit with your pup

Workout with Willow! Our doggy member Willow the Cockapoo and her owner love to break up the day with some fun movements together:

*This video is designed for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for fitness professional or medical advice. Any new fitness regime should always be discussed with your doctor before starting.

Have a play around with your pooch, and remember to exercise within both your own and your dog's capabilities. Start slow, gradually build your fitness levels together and have fun!

This article is for information only, and should never replace any advice, diagnosis or treatment from your veterinary surgeon. Always contact your local vet or out of hours vet without delay if you have any concerns about your dog.

If you're looking for some dog care support from a local, trusted dog lover or want to spend time with a pawsome local dog check out BorrowMyDoggy.

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