As part of the 30-Day Challenge, you and your dog should ‘get off the sofa’ and get active for 30 minutes each day. There are so many benefits for both you and your dog when you exercise regularly.
Print your own copy of our Exercise Tracker
here.
Exercise helps keep dogs healthy, agile and limber. Unexercised dogs are prone to joint issues, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. And you can both lose weight and stay trim by exercising together.
Being a weekend athlete isn’t enough to sustain health for humans or dogs so it is important to work exercise into your daily routine and make sure you stick to it – as dogs are creatures of habits they can even encourage you to exercise each day. Good dog!
Other benefits that come with regular exercise are the reduction or elimination of common behaviours such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity. It also helps to prevent boredom and depression and helps to channel their energy in a positive direction.
Dogs need physical and mental stimulation each day, therefore making them easier to train.
They can also provide new opportunities to meeting people – you never know who you will meet walking in the park, running at the beach or at dog obedience class. Who can resist a tail wagging with excitement and expectation?
Exercising with your dog, feels like fun, it doesn’t feel like exercise at all, so get off the couch and get active for 30 minutes a day.
- Go swimming, for a walk in the park or play tag.
- Organise a play date with another dog friend.
- Play fetch with a ball or Frisbee.
- Find an old rope and play a gentle game of tug-of-war. Remember to be mindful of your dog’s teeth… be gentle!
- There’s even a bit of activity required for obedience training. Take a course or do-it-yourself!
- Remember - do not exercise during the heat of the day as dogs can quickly become overheated and suffer from heat stroke.
We recommend any new exercise plan is discussed with your vet to make sure it is suitable for your pet’s age and body condition.