At Fitdog, we believe that daily activities and socialization helps your dog become the best they can be. We offer three unique programs to help you the most of your dog’s time, when your not there.
fitdog home
  • Asset 4 fitdog club
    • Services
    • Pricing
    • Assessment
    • Login
  • Asset 5 fitdog sports
    • Classes
    • Leaders
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • Asset 3 fitdog training
    • Programs
    • Trainers
    • Get started
About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login to Club
Login to Sports
  • Club
  • Sports
  • Training
  • About
  • Blog
(310) 828 - 3647

The top 5 exercises dogs love

Keep it simple, like your dog would want you to.

Collapse
More from

Off The Leash:

The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safety
February 23, 2023
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
How to stop your dog from digging
May 17, 2022
Five tips to follow when bringing a new pet home
November 04, 2021
Beginner’s Guide to Lure Coursing
November 03, 2021
Deadly Disease: Why Lepto Should be a Core Vaccine
July 21, 2021
Guide to Common Dog Diseases & Parasites
July 26, 2021
The 7 Best Podcasts for Dog Lovers
May 27, 2021
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle
April 17, 2021
5 Benefits of Teaching Your Dog How to Swim
April 09, 2021
5 tips to re-socializing your dog after the pandemic
February 26, 2021
5 Animal Non-Profits to Donate to This Holiday Season
December 18, 2020
7 Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
November 26, 2020
10 Best Dog Photography Tips
October 27, 2020
Importance of Developmental Based Dog Training
October 21, 2020
Complete guide to treating dog allergies
September 15, 2020
Overweight Dogs: COVID-19 Made My Dog Fat!
August 19, 2020
Best Pet Tech Products 2020
August 15, 2020
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
How to modify your home for an elderly pet
July 09, 2020
Frozen Dog Treats for Summer: 4 Pupsicle Recipes to Treat your Dog
July 03, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
June 26, 2022
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
June 17, 2020
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California
June 09, 2020
7 Best Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
May 26, 2020
Train and Play Philosophy
May 18, 2020
Andrea Servadio
Andrea Servadio
September 23, 2013

Is your dog getting enough exercise? If they have bound of energy, your answer is probably no. Or maybe you’re trying to get into the fitness game yourself, and you’ve realized your dog is the perfect workout buddy. Even if you’re just trying to get your dog to be less of a couch potato, there are so many benefits to exercising your dog. But you might be asking where to start, and wondering all the best ways to exercise dogs and what kind of exercises dogs love. We are here to show you!

5 exercises dogs love the most

exercises dogs love

Charlie, nearly catching that tennis ball! Either way, he’s having fun.

Fetch

Fetch is not only a fun game but is a great form of exercise. Some dogs will need no introduction to this game and immediately find and retrieve the object. However, other dogs may need you to review the rules of the game with them. Also, note that dogs can be very particular about the toys they’ll play fetch with. If your dog doesn’t seem interested with the object you’ve chosen, try other options like a Frisbee, flyers, plastic or softballs, squeaker toys or even a plain wooden stick you picked up from the ground!

Running

Running with your dog is an easy way for both owners and dogs to shed pounds. If you’re a runner, don’t expect your dog to jump into your running routine the first time out. Dogs, like people, need training and practice to build endurance and distance. Start off slow and build up to a distance that you are both comfortable with. Always remember to bring water!

exercises dogs love

Tug of War

Tug of war is an at-home game that definitely works to tucker your dog out. Make sure to find a rope or tug toy specifically made for playing tug of war and to avoid hard objects. Most dogs will easily engage in this game. Some like it so much that they will harass you with their tug toys until you give in and play (over and over again). Dogs that have loose or bad teeth should not play tug even with soft objects.

Hiking

Hiking (or long distance walking) is the simplest exercise to keep your dog healthy and allows you to spend some quality time with your pup. If you are lucky enough to live around hiking trails, we recommend heading out early before the hot midday sun comes out. Remember to bring lots of water and always watch your dog’s energy level. If your dog is out of shape, he or she will need lots of water breaks and might not make it very far the first time out.

Playing (with 4-legged friends)

Dogs have lots of energy. Some of the best exercise dogs can get is from playing with other energetic dogs. Wrestling, chase, tug of war, and “boxing” are all ways dogs play with each other and will improve your dog’s stamina. Either bring your dog to the dog park or drop them off at a cage-free daycare for some fun times with friends. Not all dogs are social or ready to play in group settings, so make sure to watch your dog for signs of stress or aggression when at the dog park. Also, overweight dogs might not benefit from playing with friends because they can choose not to participate.

 

exercises dogs love

Concerned about obesity?

If you’re concerned that your dog is overweight, implementing a rapid exercise routine might be jumping the gun. When seeking weight loss options for your dog, it’s important to first rule out any medical issues they may have. Consult your vet about your dog’s health and ways to help them lose weight. Ideas often include taking them on regular walks, reducing food intake or providing them with a healthier diet.

Overweight and obese dogs are at risk for serious health issues like diabetes, joint damage, heart disease, a shorter life expectancy and more. From too many treats to access to too much food, there are several things that affect a dog’s weight.

How can you tell if your pup is considered overweight? Here are some tips to help you figure it out:

  • Pet’s ribs, spine, and hip bones are barely detectable when touched
  • A defined waist cannot be seen or is not defined
  • Lowered ability to engage in normal activity
  • Difficulty breathing, particularly when active

 

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to stop by our Wellness Wednesdays with Vetted Petcare on the first Wednesdays of each month!

No time to exercise your dog?

We get it, dogs need exercise. Fitdog Sports was created to give dogs meaningful exercise, social engagement, and fun. Let us take your dog to the beach, on a hike, or to an agility class with a small group of doggy friends. Group Classes

Categories:
  • Activities
  • Fitdog Five
  • Health
What’s next?
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with your dog

Spice it up this Valentine’s by swapping out your dog’s every day with something more amazing! Celebrating Valentine's Day with your dog doesn't get better than this. Instead of: a Bath Try: a Doggy Massage Okay, seems over the top,...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safety
February 23, 2023
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
FAQ
Contact
Fitdog Club
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Join the Club
Fitdog Sports
  • Classes
  • Leaders
  • Sign Up
Fitdog Training
  • Programs
  • Trainers
  • Get Started
Blog
  • Off The Leash
  • Resources
  • About
  • Become a Trainer
  • Employment Opportunities
contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by