Some dogs were born to zoom–running around the house at full speed, while others? Well, they’d rather curl up on the couch falling in and out of sleep all day. If your pup’s more of the stay-in-and-snooze type, you might be wondering how to nudge them toward a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Luckily for your furry friend, they have a thoughtful owner like you and luckily for you, you have this guide. You don’t need to turn them into a canine marathon runner. A few simple tweaks to their routine can make all the difference!
1. Make Exercise Fun (Because It Should Be!)
When something feels like a chore, you’re less likely to feel motivated to do it. Just like us, dogs won’t want to move if it feels like they have to move. So how do we deal with this? Turn exercise into playtime! Here are some ways to make physical activity feel less like a workout and more like an adventure:
- Fetch with a Twist– Instead of a regular game of fetch, mix it up by tossing the ball up a small hill or adding a few obstacles. This keeps your pup engaged and it works different muscle groups.
- Tug-of-War– A great way to strengthen their muscles while giving them a mental workout. Plus, it’s a bonding activity that many dogs love!
- Agility Courses at Home– Set up a DIY obstacle course using household items like chairs, broomsticks, and cushions. This can be an exciting way to get them moving without leaving the house.
- Play Hide-and-Seek– Hide behind furniture or in another room and call your dog’s name. This simple game encourages movement and sharpens their problem-solving skills.
2. Walks, But Make Them Interesting
Walks are great. There are many smells and sights that dogs love to engage with, but going on the same walk every day can get boring for both of you. Spice things up by:
- Exploring new routes and parks.
- Taking them on “sniffari” walks where they get to lead the way and explore scents.
- Walking with a doggy friend to make it a social event.
- Varying the pace—speed walking for a few minutes and then slowing down helps engage different muscles.
3. Indoor Workouts for Rainy Days
Bad weather? No problem! There are plenty of ways to keep your pup moving indoors:
- Stair Climbs– If your dog is comfortable with stairs, have them go up and down a few times for a great cardio session.
- Treat Puzzle Toys– These keep their mind sharp while getting them to move around.
- Laser Pointer Chase– Some dogs go crazy for chasing a laser pointer around the room. Just make sure to reward them with a treat at the end so they don’t get frustrated.
4. Nutrition: Fueling an Active Pup
The key to having a healthy and happy dog is exercise and diet. So while you think about getting your pup moving, also make sure you’re feeding them the good stuff. If your pup is low on energy, their food might be to blame. High-quality, nutrient-rich meals provide the fuel they need to stay active.
One fantastic option to consider is gently cooked dog food from California Dog Kitchen. Unlike some traditional kibble options, their gently cooked meals retain more of the essential nutrients dogs need to thrive. This can help improve your dog’s digestion, increase their energy levels, and improve their overall health.
5. Strength Training for Dogs? Yes, It’s a Thing!
Building muscle helps support your dog’s joints and overall mobility. Simple exercises to strengthen their body include:
- Sit-to-Stands– Have your dog repeatedly sit and stand to strengthen their hind legs.
- Balancing on Uneven Surfaces– Let them stand on a soft pillow or balance board to engage core muscles.
- Walking Backward– This engages different muscle groups and improves coordination.
6. Swimming: The Low-Impact Workout
If your dog isn’t a fan of running, swimming is an amazing alternative. It’s gentle on their joints and it’s a full-body workout not to mention it can be a lot of fun for dogs that love water. Try introducing them to water in a safe, stress-free environment like a shallow pool or calm lake. Your pup will love this on hot days especially!
7. The Power of Mental Stimulation
A tired dog isn’t just one that’s physically worn out—they also need mental challenges! Puzzle feeders, scent-tracking games, and short training sessions can help stimulate their brain while keeping them engaged and entertained. A mentally stimulated dog is less likely to develop boredom-related behaviors like excessive barking or chewing on furniture.
8. Consistency is Key
Building an active lifestyle for your dog isn’t about doing an intense workout once and then forgetting about it. The goal is to incorporate movement into their daily routine in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Even just 20-30 minutes of structured activity per day can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, every dog is different. Some will take to exercise right away, while others may need a little more encouragement. The key is to be patient, keep it fun, and make small adjustments along the way. And don’t forget—fueling them with high-quality food can provide the energy they need to stay active and healthy.
So, whether your pup is a couch potato or an aspiring athlete, there are plenty of ways to keep them moving. And who knows? You might even get a little fitter yourself in the process!
