Fun ways to exercise your dog

Read time: 5 minutes

April is Canine Fitness Month! Celebrate with these fun ways to exercise your dog.

Hide and seek

Playing hide and seek with your pup is a fun way to not only exercise your dog, but it’s a mentally stimulating way for them to use their scent tracking abilities. If your dog is still learning the “stay” command, ask a friend to distract them while you hide.

Go for a swim

Swimming is great exercise for humans and dogs alike! This non-weight bearing exercise helps work your dog’s range of motion as it builds their muscle mass. Swimming is an easier exercise for senior dogs.

Do nose work games

Another term for “hide the treat,” nose work games are a fun challenge for your pup’s sniffer. Start by using fragrant treats and put them in easy-to-find places around the house. Then tell your dog to go find them! Once they’ve mastered it, increase the difficulty with lesser-smelling treats and make them harder to find. Nose work games not only enhance their sniffing abilities, but they get exercise by running around, too.

Let them take you for a walk

Switch up your walks and allow your dog to lead the way. They love to explore and will enjoy having you alongside them. If they want to stop, stop with them. This will actually keep them motivated to walk.

Play fetch

A classic for a reason, fetch can be played with any toy — or stick — your dog loves. Once they learn the skill and listen to your command, your dog can get great cardio exercise this way.

Go for a hike

At least once or twice a week, add some variety into your walks by going on a hike somewhere new. If you have access to trails, even better!

Find a dog park

If your dog plays well with others, a dog park is a great place to get some doggy exercise. Bring a ball or frisbee to play fetch, or simply let them run around the park and greet other furry companions.

Play tug of war

Fun, yet challenging, tug of war is a physically and mentally challenging game for a dog. It’s also a great way to teach them manners if you’re still training them. For example, if your pup likes to bite, stop the game if their teeth touch your hand.