As the temperature begins to warm up and days get longer, it is time to shake off the winter blues and get active. Springtime is perfect to exercise with your dog because it’s not too hot or too cold – it’s just right for being outside. Staying physically active is important for both human and animal health. Your dog benefits from exercise to manage their weight, strengthen their muscles, and burn off excess energy.
Here are some fun ways that you can spend quality time with your dog while getting in some exercise for yourself as well:
Walking/Running
No special equipment or training needed here. Just lace up your sneakers and get moving! If you and your dog are not used to a lot of physical activity, start slow and go on short walks, then increase the length. Incorporate jogging or powerwalking to pick up the pace and get your heart pumping. Keep things interesting by exploring different walking paths.
Hiking
Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and work those muscles on a hike. The naturally rugged terrain offers inclines and declines for resistance while also giving you gorgeous scenery. Just be sure to check yourself and your dog for any ticks or other critters when you return, and bring some fresh water to drink along the way.
Swimming
Once the weather is warm enough, go for a swim with your dog! You can do laps, chase after a floating ball, or just splash around treading water. Be sure to give your dog a break so their legs don’t become too tired, and rinse off after you’re done. If you live near the ocean, walking or running along the sand can be an excellent form of exercise too.
Tennis/Frisbee
Get your dog to be your tennis partner! As you gently lob balls over the net, your dog can catch or retrieve them. It’s a great way to practice your serves while keeping your dog moving. You can do the same with a frisbee, challenging your dog to chase and catch it.
Obstacle Course
Set up a fun obstacle course for the whole family! You can have hoops to hop in or through, cones to weave through, objects to jump over, or bars to go under. Incorporate some retrieval games or agility activities too! Have fun with it and see what your dog can (safely) do with you!
Dog Yoga (“Doga”)
Dog yoga has been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a way to stretch and move while interacting with your dog as well. There are exercises you can do alongside one another or even by lifting your small dog up. There are simple poses your dog can be trained to do on their own too. It can be calming and relaxing for both of you!
Working out with your dog can help to keep you both in better physical health. Even if you go out of town, your dog can still have plenty of time to run and play while boarded at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. They can enjoy the company of their canine companions as they alternate between rest and play in a safe environment. The next time you’re away, book your dog a stay at Lake Wylie Pet Resort. Contact us today for more information.