10 Great Ways to Get Active with Your Dog

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Exercise makes for happier, healthier humans and dogs. Spring is here and the sun is shining today. It is time for us to think about getting out and getting active. A dog makes a great buddy. From walking and running to swimming and agility, here are some really fun and exciting ways to get active with your dog.

10 Great Activities to do with your Dog:

1) Go for a Walk or a Run

It’s spring time so get out and smell the flowers. Grab that leash and take a walk or go for a run. Take your best friend with you. Kilo and I usually take 4 or 5 short walks each day as he is a pug and I have bad knees.  We vary the terrain and what we see (and what he smells). We are lucky to have ravines and parks close to my house. We really enjoy a shortish hike. We also drive down to the waterfront or to other locations for longer adventures. We supported the Walk for Dog Guides down by the water last weekend. Running can be even better exercise, but I can’t manage it right now and Kilo is a sprinter not a jogger. He can overheat easily.

Running can be even better exercise, but I can’t manage it right now and Kilo is a sprinter not a jogger. He can overheat and tire easily.

2) Play Fetch or Chase or Hide and Seek

Lots of dogs have a natural drive to retrieve or herd or hunt and love a good game of Fetch or Chase or Hide and Seek.  All you need is a stick or a ball or a toy, some treats and a garden, off leash park or other open space to throw something and/or run around and play together or with other dogs. Kilo and I play Chase and Go Find indoors too. He is still not great at bringing things to me.

You can get really serious and compete in Retrieving Trials or Scent Work or Hunting if you and your dog are suited.

3) Throw a Frisbee or Disc

Many dogs love to catch and jump.  You can play with a disc either in a garden or park or field or even at organized training, competitions. or events like Heather from RUFFSPORT in the photo below

and Kowboy Fred, Mia, Rev, Lottie and Hero from the Super Collies (finalist on AGT).

 

4) Play Date or Meet Up

Let your dog Socialize and run around with friends in a garden or a park or at an organized event or session at a facility near you.

Near us we have facilities like: Red Barn Event Centre,  Who’s Walking Who, Canine Campus, All About Dogs,  Where Hounds Fly, DogGone Right and Holiday Pet Care. We also have lots of off-leash park dog- friendly events and even beautiful Cherry Beach. Check out our video of all the dogs having fun in the sun on the beach. Even Kilo loves playing there (but not swimming).

It is especially important to socialize puppies.

5) Agility & Flyball

Lots of dogs love Flyball and Agility. These adrenaline-filled sports challenge their minds and bodies.  It is great fun for dogs and owners. Sign up for some agility classes or events and competitions at a facility near you- check out our new Resources section. Kilo has been taking beginner classes at PawsWay and is now going to take some private classes at All About Dogs in the big closed off arena. Should be great exercise for both of us.

Check out all the talented Agility & Flyball stars in the Gallery.

6) Herding & Treibball

Treibball is a newish sport from Germany that is particularly fun for herding dogs as they herd balls. Or look for actual herding courses and trials near you. We went and saw a class up at the Red Barn Event Centre.

7) Canine Freestyle

Dancing with your dog can be a really cool way to bond and get fit. Get inspired by Dancing Stars like Hero the Super Collie, Rev, Linzy, Bob Fosse, Twyla Tharp and Gwen Verdon.

 

Find some great classes at Cassandra’s Canines, All About Dogs, Red Barn Event Centre and other places near you or learn from YouTube Videos online and practise at home. I have been teaching Kilo. He has some amazing spins and jumps, but he is not so good at remote commands- herding dogs, poodles and retrievers tend to excel.

8) Swimming

Swimming can be a wonderful low impact way to get active with your dog. Take your dog to a beach or lake or pool once the water and air are warm enough, and let them do the dog paddle. Make sure they can swim and be safe of course (Kilo the Pug would need a life jacket). See our more in depth article on swimming for dogs here.

9) Dock Jumping

Check out the dock jumping Ultimate Air Dogs. Sure looks like fun and good exercise. See how high and how far your dog can jump.

10) Other more specialty sports and activities

There are also lots of exciting activities like doga, hunting, scent training, lure coursing, carting, Schutzhund and more. Check out what some of your local trainers and facilities offer and some of the blogs on this Hop.

Make sure you check with an expert or vet how much exercise per day and what type of activity is good for you dog’s size and breed.  Always have water for your self and your dog.

Send us any pictures, suggestions or experiences you have had with getting active with your dog.