5 Great Workouts For You and Your Dog

Dogs are great buddies and even better workout partners. They are always up for a jog, a walk, and a car ride. If you’re looking to burn a few calories but don’t always feel motivated to do it at the gym or alone, take your dog with you! You won’t only get a great workout but you’ll strengthen the bond between you and your dog. He’ll also get a great workout, build some more muscle, burn some fat, and sleep like a baby at night!

Here are 5 great workouts that you and you dog can do together:

1: Swimming – if your dog loves water and you do too, there are plenty of lakes and beaches where you can both jump in, do a few laps, and play some games together. It’s low impact on your body, works all the muscles, and can cool you off on a warm day. If it’s too cold to swim outside, some pet spas allow you and your dog to swim together all year round.

2: Frisbee and Fetch – Get your dog up and running and yourself too! After you throw the ball or frisbee, jog or run about 40 feet to a new spot so your dog and you are always moving. Toss the toy again and move again another 30 to 40 feet. If the park is big enough, work your way up to backing up and moving around more and more. Do this for a few rounds and you will find that your dog and you are winded. It’s a great way to do sprints and have fun.

3: Wrestling and Tugging – if your dog is good about playing games of tug and likes to wrestle with you, play a few rounds of tug of war, and a little bit of wrestling and nudging each other around. Big dogs like to run up and bump when playing, bump back! If you have a big rope toy play a little fetch and a little tug. Make sure to keep the activity fun and not let it escalate so your dog doesn’t get too rough. If your dog gets way too excited for a game like this, then don’t do it. Also, make sure your dog knows that this game is something you two do and not something he can do with everyone.

4: Hiking – work out your legs, push your lungs, and let your pup explore. A good long hike through your local park or a drive to a national forest can be a great way to spend a day. Bring some snacks for both of you. Make sure your dog is up to date with shots and has flea and tick protection since wooded areas can be crawling with critters that can be harmful to him.

5: Running and biking – Most breeds love to run. Go for a 2 mile run or longer if you and your dog have the stamina and strength. Biking with your dog tethered to the bike using the handy leash accessory that can be bought at your local pet store can give you both a workout. If your dog starts lagging, that means it is time to turn around and head home. Also keep in mind the breed of your dog, greyhounds are sprinters and labs tend to be long distance runners. Make sure you aren’t pushing yourself or your pup too far.