Most dogs need a lot of exercise for both their physical health and their mental wellbeing. Without plenty of play time, dogs of all ages can become destructive or overactive. They may chew on furniture, dig in the yard, or bark at every opportunity.
The most common solution is to take your dog for a walk. However, there are many other ways to give your pet the exercise that he or she needs. Learn how to easily exercise your dog when you go out using the following suggestions.
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Table of Contents
Visit a Dog-Friendly Park
Instead of walking around the block, you can give your pet more stimulation by driving to a dog-friendly park. Dog parks offer an enclosed place for dogs to socialise and run around. If your pet gets along with other dogs, this is a terrific way to give your dog more exercise.
One of the best parts of going to the dog park is that you can sit and relax while your dog runs around. You can socialise with other pet owners while your pet socialises with the other dogs. However, you may want to bring food and water with you, in case your dog needs to take a break from running with other dogs.
The AYADA Collapsible Dog Travel Bowls are perfect for a trip to the dog park. You get two collapsible dog bowls made from canvas material.
The waterproof bowls easily collapse, allowing you to stow them in a backpack or purse. They even include clips so that you can clip them to the leash. Along with taking these bowls to the dog park, they are also a wonderful solution when hiking or camping with your dog.
Play Fetch with Your Dog
Most dogs love playing fetch. It is another easy solution for tiring your dog out and ensuring that they get the physical exercise that they need. You can also choose from a wide variety of objects to play fetch with. Besides frisbees and tennis balls, there are many fun dog toys to consider using for this activity.
Consider using the Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher. Featuring a flexible arm, you can launch dog balls even further, which is great for larger breeds that can run greater distances. It also easily grasps dog balls from the ground, so you can keep your hands from getting dirty.
Throwing a ball still requires you to exercise. If you want to know how to easily exercise your dog when you go out, you may prefer an automated way to play fetch. With the iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher, you can let your dog play fetch all day without lifting a finger.
The iFetch ball launcher is a completely automatic device. Your dog brings the ball back to the launcher, drops it in the top of the device, and then the launcher launches the ball again.
Be sure to read our full guide on the Best Tennis Ball Launchers for Dogs.
Go for a Bike Ride with Your Dog
If you enjoy cycling, your next bike ride may provide the perfect opportunity to exercise your dog. You can ride your bike while your dog runs by your side. However, you should not perform this activity without a leash that can easily detach
With a regular leash, there is a risk of injury if you happen to ride too fast, get in an accident, or wrap the leash around an object. The Walky Dog Bike Leash is a great option. It is designed to allow a secure distance between your bike and your dog.
The extendable lead also prevents any movement from your dog from transferring to your bike. When your dog suddenly runs ahead of you or lags, you do not need to worry about the bike tugging on your dog. At the same time, the bumps and jolts that you feel on your bike will not affect your dog.
If you do get too far away from your pet or if the leash wraps around an object, the lead automatically disconnects. It is built to instantly disconnect whenever there is a sudden pull, providing a safe way to easily exercise your dog.
Hide a Dog Treat in Your Backyard
If you have an enclosed yard, consider hiding a dog treat or toy and waiting for your dog to find it. This is a simple way to get your dog to spend more time on his or her feet while you spend time working in the garden or trimming the shrubs.
Do not bury the treat or toy, unless you want to train your dog to dig holes in the yard. Instead of burying it, find a hiding spot. You can place it behind a tree or bush, under a leaf, or in a section of tall grass.
You can reward your dog for completing this game by hiding a special treat, such as British Beef Roast Knuckle Bone. These treats are made to last, giving your dog something to chew on for several hours after a long day of exercise.
Create an Agility Course in Your Back Garden
Another back-garden activity is the agility course. You can create your own agility course using various obstacles that your dog needs to run and jump through.
The Outward Hound Zip Zoom Outdoor Dog Agility Training kit includes everything needed to start training your dog. You get a tunnel, a high jump hoop, and six poles.
The poles are placed in the ground, creating a path. With a treat in your hand, guide your dog to weave his or her way around the poles, through the tunnel, and then through the hoop.
Let Your Dog Go for a Swim in a Pool
Some dogs love water, while others hate it. If your dog enjoys getting wet, they may enjoy going for a swim. The safest environment for this activity is a backyard pool. There is no risk of your dog getting swept away by currents or paddling too far away from the shore.
If your dog has never tried swimming before, throw a ball into the pool and see if your dog tries to fetch the ball by jumping in the pool. Your dog may jump right in or walk to the edge of the pool. If your pup is hesitant to get in the pool, try getting in yourself. Seeing you in the water may encourage your dog to join you.
There are a few safety precautions to follow when letting a dog swim. You should never leave your dog unattended in the pool. You should also never force a dog into the water. Let your dog naturally explore the water from the shallow end of the pool.
While a pool is recommended, you can take your dog to a lake or river. However, you may want to get a life vest for your dog. The K9 Pursuits Dog Life Jacket is one of the top-rated options. It is available in multiple sizes to fit any breed.
You should also keep your dog from drinking the water, as it may contain pollutants that can irritate his or her stomach. Ocean water can cause even more problems, including diarrhoea and dehydration.
Take Your Dog for a Hike on a Trail
Hiking is a great physical activity for both you and your dog. You can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and gorgeous scenery.
When choosing a trail, think about your dog. Long hikes may be too tiring for some dogs. You should also consider their activity level and dexterity. With a larger breed, your dog may enjoy climbing small hills and steep paths. With a smaller breed, select a trail with flatter terrain.
During the hike, your pup may get thirsty. While you could use a collapsible dog bowl, such as the bowls recommended for the dog park, you may not have access to fresh water on the trail.
With the CJMJ Portable Pet Water Bottle, you can fill the water bottle before leaving your home and instantly provide your pet with water during your hike. This option is a little more convenient when you are hiking in a remote area or when you do not want to carry a lot of extra gear.
Schedule a Play Date with Another Dog
If you have a friend, family member, or co-worker with a dog, consider setting up a play date. You can enjoy the same benefits as going to the dog park, without having to visit a dog park. You can schedule the play date in your backyard or enjoy any of the activities discussed with another dog owner.
You can even take both dogs for a walk using a special leash designed for walking two dogs. The Ancol Dual Dog Leash features a tangle-free design, allowing you to easily walk both dogs, even without any professional dog-walking experience.
Hire a Dog Walker to Walk Your Dog
If you want to know how to easily exercise your dog when you go out without your dog, consider hiring a dog walker. Instead of leaving your pup at home, you can hire someone to take your dog out for a walk to ensure that they get exercise, attention, and the chance to go to the bathroom while you are at work or on vacation.
Along with going for a walk, a dog walker may also be willing to perform some of the activities discussed. They may take your dog to the dog park, play fetch, or even go for a bike ride – with your approval.
You can also ensure that your dog exercises while you are away by leaving an automated electronic dog toy. The Squeaky Ball Automatic Electronic Dog Toys will shake and jump when activated. They are activated either by turning it on or by shaking it. When your dog plays with it, the toy begins shaking and jumping, providing endless entertainment while you are gone.
Another option is the Kong Rewards Treat Ball. This interactive food dispensing dog toy can be filled with your dog’s favourite treats. The unique funnel makes it easy to load and wash. Use as a replacement bowl for slow-feed weight management
How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
You now know how to easily exercise your dog when you go out besides going for a walk. You may also wonder how much exercise your dog needs.
The amount of physical exercise that a dog needs depends on several factors. However, the most important details are their breed and age. Some breeds simply need more exercise than others. Also, younger dogs may need more exercise to help burn off energy.
Puppies typically need a lot of physical activity. The typical recommendation is five minutes of exercise for each month of their age, twice per day. For example, a five-month-old puppy may need about 25 minutes of exercise twice per day, for a total of 50 minutes.
As your pet gets older, he or she may not need as much exercise. However, most pet experts still recommend 30 minutes to two hours of exercise each day.
Senior dogs may not need to stay active for up to two hours each day. In fact, you should take it easy on older dogs and let them set the pace for their exercises.
Last Thoughts on Exercising Your Dog
In the end, any type of exercise is good for your dog. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to ensure that your dog gets the exercise that it needs. With a busy work schedule and other commitments, you may only have time for a short walk around the block.
All dogs need at least some physical activity. Without stimulation, they may grow restless and begin exhibiting bad behaviour, such as chewing.
The tips provided should offer a few simple ways to keep your dog active, without requiring too much effort on your part. You may not need to use all of the suggestions discussed. However, you should try to find at least one new activity to help entertain and exercise your pet. Along with keeping them active, you can keep them happy and healthy.
All products in this article can be found on amazon, any links which are clicked and subsequently purchased may provide us (bowwowtech.co.uk) with a small commission. Any commissions earned are reinvested to enable us to produce more articles and provide educational material to visitors to our site.
Bowwowtech.co.uk does not provide veterinary advice. Our aim is to provide the reader with information to enable them to make a good decision when making a purchase. All content is therefore for informational purposes only.