Life can get monotonous.  We all need a little bit of fun and excitement in our daily lives.  That includes our pets.  Their daily routine can become hum drum and giving them the stimulation they need can become a chore.  The same old walk around the block has become repetitive and boring!  So, let’s look at how we can bring a bit of play into our pets exercise routines!

We’re here to let you in on a secret!  The best way to keep your dog stimulated AND active is to take a boring exercise routine and turn it into play!  We’re talking the best of both worlds, and a VERY happy pet.

Play matters more than you think

Playful exercise engages many different aspects of your dog's development at the same time. Interactive play challenges their problem-solving abilities and satisfies their need for mental stimulation.  Then, at the same time, the physical exercise is strengthening their muscles and improving their cardiovascular health.

Another bonus is building a stronger bond between you and your dog!  Actively playing with your dog turns you from just the person who provides food and shelter to their best pal, playmate and companion.

Doggy treasure hunt

Why not set up a dog friendly treasure hunt in your home! Hide treats in different parts of the house and get your dog to stay in one room.  Then, get them to search for the treat.  You can get involved by using terms they are familiar with such as seek, find, fetch or even treat!  A handy tip is to show them the treat first, get them to smell it and then to sit and stay while you hide it.

Next, you get to enjoy watching them race around from room to room, sniffing out the treat.  And, there’s so much excitement when they finally find their delicious reward!  This game is excellent cardiovascular exercise and engages their powerful sense of smell.

Obstacle course

An obstacle course is a fun, creative way to use your everyday household items to create a fun, interactive game.  You can use anything from chairs, brooms, or cardboard boxes to encourage your dog to jump, weave and tunnel through the obstacle course.  Use your treats to guide your dog through the course, and make sure to praise them with each achievement!  This game is good for improving coordination, helps to build their confidence, and provides physical and mental challenges.

Fetch 2.0

Fetch may be your old reliable game, but what if we took it up a notch?  Add some challenges by adding an uphill run or retrieving from water.  Hills can add a bit of intensity to the game while water is a more low-impact option.  Variation is always a good thing.

If you want to add mental stimulation, why not try multiple toys?  Get your dog to fetch specific items on command. You can even incorporate training commands like "sit" and "stay" between throws.  This adds an element of mental stimulation to the physical activity.

Mental and physical combined

Food puzzle

Exercise at meal time?  Adding a puzzle feeder is another way to include movement into your dogs day. Puzzle feeders encourage your dogs natural foraging behaviour, making them work for their meal.

Adapting to your dog's needs

Age-appropriate  

Exercises change depending on your dogs age.  Puppies, for example, need shorter bursts of activity and plenty of rest periods.  Seniors, on the other hand, need gentler exercises that protect aging joints. Young adult dogs are the ones with the highest energy level.  They can handle more intense play sessions, and want them!  Tip: observe your dog's breathing and energy levels to make sure you're not overdoing it.

Dog breed

Your dogs breed matters.  An exercise routine will be suitable for one dog but not for another because different breeds have different exercise needs and preferences. Breeds built for herding excel at agility-type games, while retriever breeds gravitate toward fetch and swimming activities. Understanding your dog's natural tendencies will help you choose activities that they will genuinely enjoy.

Keep play safe

-            Never dive right into an intensive play session.  Make a point of warming your dog’s muscles first with a gentle walk.  And, once done, make sure to cool down as well (just like you would after gym!). 

-            Plenty of water needs to be on hand so that your dog can stay hydrated and know the signs of overheating – excessive panting or lethargy.

-            Another safety tip is to be conscious of the surfaces you have chosen for your exercises.  If your activity includes running, concrete is a no-no.  Go for a grassy area instead.

-            Toys need to be checked regularly to make sure there is no danger of choking on broken pieces. Natural materials are always best.

Establish a routine

Just like consistency is key for our exercise routine, the same applies to our dogs. Aim for 30 minutes of playful exercise daily.  If necessary you can break this into multiple shorter sessions. Try to keep your chosen activities fresh and mix them up a bit, to keep it fun and interesting for your dog while working different muscle groups.

Playful exercise strengthens your dogs body and mind and using a creative approach you will see wonderful, enthusiastic results.  When you change the way you think about your dogs exercise it becomes something both of you look forward to!