No matter their age or breed, physical activity is very important when it comes to keeping your dog active.
Go for a Jog
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to jog with your dog. This is a great way to bond and keep your dog active. Be sure to keep your dog’s pace and signs of fatigue in mind along the way. If your dog is excessively panting or starting to lag behind a bit this is a sign that they are ready to slow down or stop. Take frequent breaks as needed and let your dog rest, drink water, or even take time to sniff around. Don’t forget to let them use the bathroom during the time outside and regularly check up on them.
Hit the Trails
Outdoor lovers this one is for you! If your dog has the endurance and loves nature, consider taking them on a hike to stay active! What’s great about a hike is you can easily tailor it to each dog’s needs.
First timer? Go on a short, flat hike. For the more active and experienced dog, opt for a longer hike with varying terrain. No matter the difficulty level or distance, allow ample time for climbing rocks, sniffing trees, and taking in the sights and sounds. Not only will your dog benefit from the physical activity, but the sensory engagement with the environment and the excitement of exploring will be great for their mental health!’
Don’t forget! Just like with a jog, you want to make sure you’re stopping for breaks and allow your dog time to rest. Always make sure you pack ample amounts of water on your adventures and allow your dog time to ease into the exercise and wind down slowly at the end.
Low Impact Activities
The best way to keep seniors or dogs with mobility concerns active is with a scent walk or game of ‘find it’. These low-impact activities can be done either inside or outside in your yard or neighborhood.
Scent Walk Tips: Take your dog on a leash – preferably a long line to give them exploring space – and allow them to sniff around the area and take in sights and sounds. Exploring and sniffing freely helps to alleviate stress and releases dopamine. Don’t complicate things – you can do this along your normal walking route or you can visit a new area close by.
‘Find it’ can also be a fun way to get some sensory and a little physical exercise in for your dog. You can hide some of their favorite Dogswell treats with bite-sized training treats to allow for some variety. You can find some of our favorite training treat recommendations here.