Guest article provided by: ncopengym.com
So you have a dog. That’s great! Dogs need exercise as people do, and working together is a good idea. Many of our members at NC Open Gym, a 24-hour gym in Asheville, NC, have active dogs and like to exercise together any chance. Here are some reasons why you might want to try exercising with your dog:
1. It’s a great way to bond with your pet.
2. Dogs need exercise just like people do, and it’s an excellent way to keep them healthy.
3. Overweight dogs. Approximately 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Exercising together can help them (and you) lose weight and improve overall health.
4. It’s fun! Exercising with your dog can be a great way to spend time together and have fun. Dogs love movement, especially when you make it fun.
5. Exercising with your dog is a great way to socialize them if they’re shy or need to work on their socialization skills.
What dog owners should know about exercising together
When it comes to working out with your dog, there are a few common challenges that dog owners face. The first is that many people don’t know how to get started. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by taking your dog for a walk or playing fetch with them.
The second challenge is that many people don’t know how much exercise their dog needs. Every dog is different, so it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about how much movement is appropriate for your pet.
The third challenge is that some people don’t have the time to commit to exercising with their dog regularly. If this is the case, try to find other ways to incorporate exercise into your dog’s life, such as taking them for walks when you have time or enrolling them in a doggy daycare that offers playtime and exercise.
Whatever challenges you may face, there are plenty of ways to work around them and start exercising with your dog. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get active with your furry best friend.
Let’s look at a few ways you can exercise with your dog.
Take your dog on a walk
A great way to get started with exercising with your dog is to take them for a walk. This is a simple way to get some exercise and a great way to bond with your pet. Just be sure to always keep them on a leash and under control.
Play fetch with your dog
Playing fetch with your dog is a great way to get them moving, and it’s also a lot of fun. All you need is a ball or a Frisbee and some open space. You can even play fetch indoors if you have enough room.
Visit the dog park and let them play off-leash
If you have a well-trained dog that knows how to behave, you can take a trip to the dog park and let them play off-leash. Free-play is an excellent way for them to burn off some energy and have fun. Just be sure to stay close by and keep an eye on them at all times. The dog park is an excellent opportunity to socialize with other dogs.
Jogging with your dog
Jogging is a great way to get some cardio exercise, and it’s also a great way to bond with your dog. If you’re going to jog with your dog, start gradually and increase the intensity. You’ll also want to ensure your dog is in good shape before you start jogging with them.
Hiking with your dog
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and explore the great outdoors with your dog. Just be sure to choose a trail appropriate for your dog’s fitness level and always clean up after your pet.
Swimming with your dog
Swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot day and also a great way to get some exercise. Not all dogs will be up for a swim, but if you go to your local watering hole, be sure to choose a safe area and supervise your pet while in the water.
Do some strength exercises with your dog
You can try doing strength exercises with your dog if you want to get a little more creative with your workouts. This is a great way to bond with your pet and a lot of fun. All you need is a towel, a piece of cloth, and some treats. There are many different ways to exercise with your dog, so get creative and have fun. For example, you can try doing sit-ups with your dog or have them help you with push-ups. Just be sure to start slowly and increase the intensity gradually.
Dog + Yoga = Doga
Doga is a new trend that is sweeping the nation. It’s a great way to bond with your dog and get some exercise at the same time. All you need is a mat or a towel and some patience. For example, you can try the downward dog pose with your dog. Just be sure to supervise them at all times and never force them into a position they’re uncomfortable with.
There are many different Doga poses that you can try, so get creative and have fun. For Doga ideas, check out this YouTube video:
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can exercise with your dog. Just be sure to start slowly and increase the intensity gradually. And most importantly, have fun! Exercising with your dog can be a great way to bond with your pet and get some exercise simultaneously, not to mention the health benefits to you and your dog will be priceless.
About Katie De Los Santos
Katie De Los Santos co-founded 24-hour NC Open Gym in Asheville, NC. She is a fitness coach and has worked in the fitness industry for nearly ten years. Katie holds a CrossFit L1 certification, a practicing, licensed massage therapist, and several massage and fitness certifications. Katie lives with her husband and two children in Asheville, NC.
FAQ
Why is it important to exercise with your dog?
Exercising with your dog can be a great way to bond with your pet and get some exercise simultaneously. It’s also a great way to socialize your dog and help them stay healthy.
How often should you exercise with your dog?
It’s important to exercise with your dog at least once a day. This will help them stay healthy and happy.
What are some of the best ways to exercise with your dog?
There are many different ways to exercise with your dog. Some of the best practices include playing fetch, jogging, or hiking. Not all dogs will respond the same to different ways of exercising, so just be sure to start slowly and increase the intensity gradually. And most importantly, have fun!
What are some of the dangers of exercising with your dog?
There are some risks associated with training with your dog. For example, they could overheat or become dehydrated if you’re jogging with your dog. It’s essential to be aware of these risks and take precautions to avoid them.
What should I do if my dog starts to overheat?
If your dog starts to overheat, it’s crucial to stop the exercise immediately and provide them with water. You can also try moving to a cooler location or spraying them with cool water. If your dog’s temperature doesn’t start to drop, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Dehydration is also a risk when exercising with your dog. It’s important to ensure that your dog has access to water at all times and that you stop the exercise if they show signs of dehydration.
What other safety tips should I keep in mind when exercising with my dog?
Some other safety tips to keep in mind when exercising with your dog include:
– Warming up before you start exercising
– Starting slowly and gradually increasing the intensity
– Keeping an eye on your dog for signs of overheating or dehydration
– Exercising in a cool, shady area
– Exercising during cooler times of the day
– Carrying water with you
– Checking for hazards before you start exercising
– Stopping the exercise if your dog becomes injured
– Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about exercising with your dog.