• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

7 ways to motivate a lazy dog

Posted June 10, 2019

 
Sleepy Yorkshire terrier snuggles into blanket. Motivate a lazy dog to exercise by considering your dog's personality, and most importantly, any health issues that may cause your dog to be lazy.
Motivate a lazy dog to exercise by considering your dog’s personality, and most importantly, health issues that may cause your dog to be lazy.

For people who have a hyper-alert or energetic dog, seeing or meeting a lazy dog might come as a surprise. But the truth is that just like there are hyper dogs, there are also low-key dogs who don’t care much for exercise or moving around.

If you have a canine couch potato who only is interested in lounging around and relaxing at any chance, then you have to find a way to motivate him to exercise, so he doesn’t become overweight or inactive. Because being overweight and inactive can have serious health implications and even shorten your dog’s life.

Even if you want to motivate your lazy dog to exercise, you should probably not weigh your dog’s amount of exercise with other dogs because your dog may be a less active breed. You also should factor in your dog’s personality and most importantly, any health issues that may cause your dog to be lazy. Some dogs are lazy and reluctant to move because of joint pain, medical conditions, diseases like anemia, cancer, or nutritional deficiency.

After considering these factors, and consulting your vet, if you want to get your dog to exercise, here are seven clever ways to motivate your lazy dog.

1. Try toys

Contents

Sure you’ve probably tried throwing balls or Frisbees without arousing your lazy dog’s interest or even getting his attention. But have you tried all kinds of toys, including DIY dog toys?

Not all dogs have that retriever instinct, so they may not respond to balls or frisbees. But that doesn’t mean they will ignore all toys. Maybe you haven’t found the right one yet. There are a variety of toys you can try:

Puzzles

Puzzles and interactive toys challenge your dog by hiding treats or food for the dog to find. These toys provide mental stimulation and can help dogs that struggle with separation anxiety.

Tug-of-war toys

Despite what some trainers warn, there’s no evidence playing tug with your dog will make him aggressive or dominant. Playing tug with your dog is excellent mental and physical exercise. It’s also a good way to help your dog become more confident.

Stuffed toys

Stuffed or plush toys provide multiple play options. Some dogs cuddle with the toys, while others will toss and chase them. If your dog chews up a stuffed toy that makes noise, pick up the squeaker so the dog won’t choke on it. And don’t let your pup eat the stuffing either. 

Glowing dog toys

Lighted dog toys provide another method to stimulate your dog. And they can make playing in the dark fun.

Talking toys

Toys that talk, play music, or make realistic animal sounds can encourage your lazy dog to play. 

Floating toys

Floating dog toys help stimulate dogs that love to play in the water. 

2. Exercise in small doses

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to easily make a dog that hates exercising take a 20- to 30-minute walk. Start small and be consistent. Rather than a 20-minute walk, try a 5- or 10-minute walk instead.

Keep the first few walks short and sweet. Add a lot of fun and treats, so your dog will be happy to join you on the next walk.  

3. Create a routine for your dog 

Creating a schedule is the best way to make a lazy dog get used to exercising. If you’re inconsistent and only walk your dog occasionally, motivating your dog will be hard. 

Your dog wants to spend time with you, so build a daily walk into your schedule at a time that works for your schedule. But also keep your dog’s needs in mind. Not all dogs are willing to wake up at 6 a.m. to jog with their owners. Find a time that works for both of you and stick with it. 

4. Choose the right activity

Although taking dogs for walks is the most common exercise for dogs, if your dog is lazy, consider other activities.

Try to find something that your dog is enthusiastic about doing. Some dogs may be lazy, but at the sight of a chew toy or a ball, their eyes spark with enthusiasm, and they’re ready to move fast.

Try new things like agility tunnels, chasing beds, play dates with other dogs, or puzzle toys that provide mental stimulation.

5. Don’t just tell, show your dog

Many dogs adjust their activity level to their owners’ activity level. And if your dog is clingy, you’re more likely to be able to get your dog to move if you move. You can’t sit on a bench in the park, throw the ball and expect your dog to get it. He’ll most likely lie on the ground beside you.

If you’re active, you can go for walks together or take your dog jogging around the neighborhood. Consider taking your dog hiking, camping, or kayaking. 

6. Allow your dog to socialize

Most dogs become active around other dogs like themselves. You can try arranging a play date with a friend’s dog. This could motivate your dog to move around out of curiosity about the other dog or a new environment.

Apart from play dates, you can allow your dog to participate in competitions and games with other dogs. This way, your dog is socially active and can meet other dogs. 

7. Let your dog be the leader 

It is possible for us to get caught up with work or other things, but you should be aware of your dog’s wishes. When you notice he is restless or keeps standing beside the door or bringing his toy or ball to you, that’s a sure sign that he’s in a good mood and is ready to play.

Don’t abandon him, entertain him, and take advantage of his energetic moments even if it’s outside of his scheduled playtime.

Find what works for your dog

Don’t be discouraged if you have a low-energy dog. There are several ways to motivate your lazy dog to be active as long as he or she has no health issues. You also have to be careful not to overdo it and patiently learn what activity works for your dog and what activity doesn’t.

Scott MathewsScott Mathews is a professional writer at Assignment Man, and he’s known as a professional assignment helper to many of his students. He enjoys writing and regularly contributes to several blogs. Apart from providing case study help, he is also an expert at providing students with math homework help. He also has written an academized review or two like the grade miners review.

 

Related Posts

  • Dog training: What to do if your dog's not food motivated

    If your dog is no longer food motivated for training…

  • home alone couch potato dog
    Couch potato dogs for couch potato owners

    Make an honest assessment of your lifestyle to help you…

  • Happy Border Collie plays with a ball. Use your dog's play style to understand dog temperament. If you want to reduce your dog's assertive or aggressive behavior, it's essential to set boundaries and be consistent. You can help passive pets build their confidence by exposing them to positive experiences.
    Understand how puppy play style reveals temperament and personality

    How your dog plays reveals her canine temperament. There are…

  • Four dogs run and play. Avoid dog socialization mistakes by teaching your dog socialization skills. Let your dog play with dogs of similar size and temperament.
    Stop making 7 dog socialization mistakes to protect your dog

    Avoid dog socialization mistakes by letting your dog play with…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on X (Twitter) Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Training, Home Page Tagged With: Dog temperament

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Two dogsSocializationPetfinder.comPuppy kindergartenYorkshire terrierPet parentsPomeranianValentine's DayPit bullPuppy-proofPet sitterOutdoor activitiesPandemicRottweilerRescue dogSheddingSmall dogsTicksPoodleVeterinarianPotty trainingWorking dogsWaterService dogstraining tipsThanksgivingPawVacation dog careSeparation anxietyOld dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Why is my dog restless and panting at night? 9 warning signs
    Panting at night has many causes, and it's up you to determine why your dog pants excessively and then take action. […]
  • Picture perfect pups: Meet 5 naturally photogenic dog breeds
    Photographers should recognize which dogs are photogenic dog breeds and have a friendly nature. Discover five photogenic dog breeds. […]
  • Sibling rivalry in dogs: Understanding the cause and how to manage it
    Owning multiple dogs can lead to sibling rivalry, with causes including health issues, competition, and changes in routine. […]
  • Unleash the potential of 7 incredibly trainable dog breeds
    Trainable dog breeds: English Springer Spaniel, Rottweiler, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Papillon, Labrador, Sheltie, and Doberman Pinscher. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.