5 ways to add your dog to your daily workouts

A daily dog walk plus a workout with your dog at home is the best way to maintain your shape. Use toys or treats to get your dog involved.

The best trainer is your dog. Surprised? It’s true. A daily dog walk and a workout with your dog at home are the best ways to maintain your shape.

Training together is much more interesting than exercising alone.

Exercise benefits for both dogs and owners

Most dogs suffer from a sedentary lifestyle just like people. With all its consequences, being overweight causes tangible damage to both the dog and the person.

Lack of physical activity weakens the general tone of the body and even reduces immunity. But before moving on to joint training, it is important for you as the owner to understand that some types of physical activity will take time for the pet to understand what you want from it.

Of course, your pet will not perform all the same exercises as you. But you can cheer up your baby and improve your health.

Workout with your dog: What you need to know

• Start by choosing the right training time that will suit you and your pet. Do not start a workout if the pet usually rests at this time. Accordingly, you should not engage in doggy physical activity after eating.
• Stock up on toys or treats. You will need to interest your baby, so attracting attention to a favorite toy is the best option. Treats will certainly attract your pet more, but if your goal is to have fun and improve health, then it’s better to use a toy.
• Be patient. Perhaps your pet will not really like your idea, so do not be angry if you do not succeed. Maybe your pet likes running or walking more. Consider what works best for your dog.

Exercises you can do with dogs

Now let’s talk about what dog exercise can be performed together. If you are not new to sports, you can most likely figure out how to work out with your dog.

P.S. Before starting a workout, be sure to take about 15 minutes to warm up. Also, do not forget about stretching after you finish your workout.

Squats

Get your dog’s attention with a toy or ball. As you squat, raise the ball or toy. Keep your back straight and don’t spread your legs wider than shoulder-width. Do 10 reps. 

If you want to take your squats to the next level, use weights with a squat rack. You can tie a toy to the end of the barbell to keep your dog engaged with this too!

Jumping jacks

Again, make sure you have your dog’s attention. Hold the toy or ball in one hand and switch it to the other hand each time you bring your hands together in each jumping jack. Do 10 reps. 

Lunges

This is another effective dog exercise with the owner.  Take the ball or toy in your left hand, take your right foot back and sit in a lunge. Lower your hand to the floor so your dog can play with the toy. Perform this move 10 times on each leg.

Abs

• Lay on your back and raise your knees to your chest. Keep your legs up and your hands with a toy above your head. Push your legs forward, but do not lower them to the ground. Repeat 10 times.
• Stay in the same position as in the previous exercise. Hold the toy with your arms above your head and move your legs as if you were riding a bicycle. Complete 20 repetitions.

Back

• Lie on your belly and stretch your arms forward and legs back. Keep the toy in your hands. Stretch out your body, raise your arms and legs, and hold for 3-5 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times.
• Move into the child’s pose position, kneeling with your arms stretched forward. Hold the toy in your hands. Let your dog play with the toy in your hands.

Final thoughts

Fitness at home is good entertainment not only for you but also for your dog. Find the activities and exercises that suit both of you best and try a workout with your dog. 

Suitable activities also mean exercises safe for you and your dog. You can learn about sports safety from the pros. Wear the right gear, use the sports equipment correctly, and warm up before working out too. Get active today. 

Tiffany Porter has been working as a Chief Writer at Online Writers Rating reviewing a variety of writing services websites. She is a professional writing expert on such topics as digital marketing, blogging, and design.  She also likes traveling and speaks German and French.

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