Fun ways to workout with your dog

When establishing a joint exercise routine, however, remember that your canine pal can’t say ‘I’ve had enough’ or ‘I can’t keep up this pace’ or ‘I don’t feel well’. So, as well as knowing how to exercise with your dog, you should also learn to read the signs of overdoing it. 

Your dog’s ability to participate in the same exercises as you will be dependent on his or her current fitness level. If he or she isn’t very fit, you’ll need to tailor your exercise to help them reach better fitness. And if he has health problems, speak to your vet about the issues involved for your dog when exercising. 

Dogs pant to release heat, which limits their ability to cool off vis-a-vis a sweating human. As such, restrict the time of exercise to the cooler parts of the day, either early mornings or evenings. This is also better for you because it keeps you out of the heat and UV rays of the sun at its 

hottest. Always be prepared to watch for signs of overheating or even heat stroke in your dog. 

A dog that is enjoying himself will appear happy and alert, not tired or fretful. Sitting or lying down, dropping behind you or just stopping are good indicators that your dog has had enough. 

Consider your suitability for jogging, running or walking 

These simple but beneficial exercises can work well for both of you; however, take note that some dog species are better suited to running than others. Dogs with a lean build, deep chest and long muzzle tend to be best for running. Also, don’t run with a dog until his skeleton is mature; prior to that, damage could occur. 

Especially if you have a dog that loves water, swim a few laps with your pal. Keep an eye on your dog throughout the swim to ensure he isn’t struggling or having trouble while in the water –– some dogs may need a flotation device to help keep their head above water. 

This is a cross between yoga and dog, so obviously it’s yoga with your dog! This can be a calm and pleasant workout experience. If there isn’t a class, check out videos online and follow the instructions with care. But it’s worth a try. You can get him his own yoga mat too.