Keeping Your Dog Fit All Year Long
The sight of your dog jumping off his bed with glee when you announce it’s time to go for a walk is the perfect indication of the ideal place to get him physically active: the Great Outdoors Parks, dog-friendly beaches, and forests are fantastic settings for dogs to indulge their passion for sniffing, running, and walking in the fresh air, yet in the winter, chilly, rainy, or snowy days can mean you have to get more creative when it comes to indoor workouts.
These are a few ideas to ensure your dog stays active even when “the weather outside is frightening.”
Why is Year-Long Exercise Vital?
Dogs need exercises for the same reasons we do: to relieve stress and release excess energy, promote cardiovascular health, and stay at a healthy weight. From the time your pup is old enough to walk outside, he should enjoy several walks a day and at least one long walk in which time is not of the essence.
As your dog ages, exercise becomes even more important, since older dogs tend to be prone to weight gain and osteoarthritis. A good, age-appropriate workout will ensure your pooch is limber and fit, ‘well oiled’ as the best human and canine ‘machines’ are.
Fun Indoor Activities
There are a plethora of efficient ways to keep your dog active indoors. The type of activity you choose should depend on your dog’s age and energy levels. Young terriers, who are full of zest, for instance, will enjoy activities such as chasing after a ball you throw up the steps.
Older dogs who have difficulty with stairs, on the other hand, should not be forced beyond their abilities. For these dogs, a gentler game of ‘fetch’ will do. Recruit another family member (perhaps your kids) to stand at the opposite side of the room as you roll or throw your dog’s favorite ball towards them.
They can roll it back at you, and you can continue this way for a few ‘rounds’.Hide and seek is one of the most popular indoor games about, but you will first have to use a clicker and treats to teach your dog to sit and stay. Once he has mastered these commands, you can leave the room and train him to come only when you call him.
A newer game is ‘doggy soccer’. Teach your dog to ‘kick’ a ball back to you. You would be surprised how long he will last at this game; just make sure you use a ball that is soft enough not to hurt him.
As the person who best knows your home and dog, you are the ultimate game master, so try to give free rein to your creativity, thinking up new ways to give your dog a good cardiovascular workout.
Make sure to adapt to your dog’s age, abilities, and interests, and try to find games that you can take part in, so you too can avoid the negative effects of the sedentary lifestyle.
Article Courtesy of Jenny Holt