• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

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

Canine Fitness: Find fun ways to help your dog stay in shape

Posted April 5, 2017

 

For some dogs, daily walks just aren’t enough. Get creative with canine fitness and find new fun ways to challenge your dog to keep her healthy and strong.

Different activities will not only give dogs the exercise that they need but can also train them in specific aspects, such as agility and obedience. And the best part is trying new activities can offer more opportunities to bond with your pet.

canine fitness agility
Agility classes are a great way to boost canine fitness.

Two years ago, I started taking my dog Sydney to agility training. It’s been an excellent experience for both of us. She loves our instructor and enjoys running through tunnels, jumping through tires and zipping through the weave poles.

Not only does she get extra exercise, but the classes have also helped us have an even better relationship. She’s always been well behaved, but now we’re much more in tune. She anticipates what I’ll want, and she listens like a champ. The experience has also made my formerly timid dog a lot more confident and assertive. She’s much better at meeting new people and dogs. And where before she was very rigid and only wanted to take one or two routes when we walked, now she’s ready to explore, and we’ve wandered down most of the streets in our neighborhood.

When choosing an exercise option, consider your dog’s breed, age, and overall fitness. Never push your dog to do too much too soon. Let your pup’s reaction be your guide.

So experiment with some fun canine fitness options. Try anything and everything from treibball to canicross or surfing and dog diving. Find the activity that’s right for you and your dog.

Creative Canine Fitness courtesy ClippserIreland.ie
Creative Canine Fitness courtesy ClippserIreland.ie

Sara B. HansenSara B. Hansen has spent the past 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching Dog’s Best Life. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ [email protected].

 

Related Posts

  • Put toys, or other familiar things, on the dog bed to help your puppy understand the bed is his.
    Canine comforts: Help your dog get a good night's sleep

    Canine comforts. Pick a spot for your dog to sleep.…

  • two dogs yellow labrador litter mates
    14 ways to be a green dog owner

    To celebrate Earth Day, use these 14 tips to be…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Canine fitness

« 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.

    Dog behavior: Understand pawing

  • puppy bite

    5 tips to stop puppy biting

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

Tags

Health conditions limping Neutering and spaying Dog business High-tech dog gadgets New Year Dog hair Driving Dog nails Chasing Chewing Arthritis collie Children yoga Dog health insurance Corgi Canine exercise Guard dog Ear infection dog medical emergency Major life changes Boxer labsky Easter Aggression Sheltie Service dogs Cavalier King Charles spaniel dalmatian

Footer

Quick Links

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

Recent Posts

  • 7 foods dogs should avoid eating
    Be aware of foods your dog should avoid eating because they are toxic and could potentially cause choking, weakness, or death.  […]
  • 10 tips to save money on pet supplies
    Check our list of the top 10 ways to save money on pet supplies so you can enjoy your animal companion for less. […]
  • Does your dog need a breed-specific health supplement?
    Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for joints as well as promote eyesight and a lustrous coat.  […]
  • Why does my dog smell like iron?
    If you notice a strange, iron, or metallic smell surrounding your beloved furry friend, the prime culprit is your dog’s anal glands. […]

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 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
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.