5 Best Dog Workouts Based on Personality
Did you know that dog owners are up to 34% more physically active than non dog owners? In a sense your dog is a lot like your personally trainer. They’ve got you up early in the morning, and they are ready to go out when you get home from work. Take full advantage of their energy and drive to get fit.
Here are five great workouts for you and your dog!
1. The Basic Walk – For the Neighborly
Don’t be the guy who let’s their dog out the back door to do their business. At least twice a day grab the leash and take them for a walk around your neighborhood. Vary your pace and distance depending on your health goals. If you’d just like to increase your heart rate walk at a brisk pace for 10 – 15 minutes. If you live in a neighborhood with slow moving vehicles consider walking in the street even if the sidewalk is available. This helps you avoid obstacles and keeps your dog out of yards. When your dog goes potty, stretch your limbs and torso. A brisk walk is not only stimulating for your health, but for your senses as well. Especially your nosey canine! Dogs have a strong desire to smell everything, in case you haven’t noticed. Walking around your neighborhood helps your dog satisfy those basic needs. Additionally, having your dog know their surroundings can help them return home if they ever run off or get lost. Your neighbors will also come to know you and your dog, and they can help return him if here were to ever become lost.
This small daily activity can also help ease the anxiety of nervous breeds. I’m speaking from personal experience as the owner of a mildly nervous Rat Terrier.
Don’t forget, be a good neighbor and always take an extra poop bag.
Training Tip: If your dog is bothered by the sight of other dogs, move him to the opposite side of your body when walking past another dog.
2. Dog Park – The Dog Workout for the Social Butterfly
Before Facebook people socialized in person, like at a dog park. Dog parks are the best places for your dog to make friends and exercise with other dogs. For puppies the dog park can be a great place to learn how to socialize. For you it’s an excellent place to meet new people and network. My favorite dog park is in Prospect Park Brooklyn. Find your local dog park, and if it’s close enough walk or jog there. Remember to introduce yourself, not just your dog. Have a ball!
The crowd at the dog park is varied, but the rescued pit-mix mutt (usually the staffordshire terrier and lab) is the most common dog. Both the staffy and the lab are known to get along well with other dogs and humans.
Training Tip – Humping Etiquette: If your dog mounts other dogs it’s best to shoo them off the other dog immediately because it could cause a fight. But most often the other dog will let your dog know if it’s ok or not. Finally notice the reaction of the owner. Are they upset or carefree? Gauge their response and let it guide your actions.
3. Dog Agility – For the Competitive Personality
Running, jumping and weaving is what it’s all about for the dog. Running while giving hand signals, and barking commands is what it’s all about for you. For the best all around mind and body workouts for your and your dog try agility.
All breeds large and small, as well as all skill levels practice and compete in agility. Depending on where you live or how far you’re willing to travel, it’s possible to find a competition almost every week of the year. Visit Fast Times Agility’s website for competitions in the Northeastern United States. If you are new to the sport visit a competition with your dog to help them get acquainted with their surroundings. Ask some competitors where they train and get plugged into this awesome community of competitive dog people.
Herding dogs are generally the best breed for agility, because they love to work and run. Here is a short list of breeds common to the agility crowd: Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Australian Shepard.
4. Trail Running – For the Lone Wolf
Want to strengthen your pack bond and get fit? Go chase squirrels together. A step above the neighborhood walk is a run in the woods or trail running. Your dog will be so excited to experience a mock hunt/exploration with you! Before you let your dog off leash be sure he understands your command to come. Here is a quick recap of how to teach your dog to come. If you’re unsure of your training keep him on a leash. But then he can’t chase squirrels. Happy trails to you!
Any breed of dog will be head over heels to run trails and chase rodents with you, however don’t choose a breed that may run off like a greyhound or other independent minded dogs. Terrier are an excellent choice for trail running because they won’t run too far from you. However if you run into a bear they might hide behind you so teach your dog how to play dead.
Training Tip: Have a visual signal for come to re-inforce your vocal command. Hold your leash tab up in your right hand to signify “come”.
5. Swimming – For the Old Dog
Do you have an old dog? Are you an old dog? Even if you are not, you will be some day, so read on. A great low impact exercise for the two of you is swimming. Search online for a dog swimming pool in your area. Dog pools are designed for easy entry and exit from the pool. The Academy of Dog Training is a highly rated facility with a pool located in Delaware. They offer agility and rally classes as well.
Another option is to drive to the beach in the summer time. Visitors love this dog beach in Somers Point, NJ.
Labradors and retrievers are the obvious breeds for swimming. Here are some other excellent water dogs: Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog and a lesser known and much smaller retriever the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Conclusion
Think about which workout best fits your personality, and your dog’s personality. Also consider health goals and physical abilities. Finally, let your dog’s motivation be the driving force behind your daily activities.
Your Ideas?
We’re sure there are many other creative ways to get fit or stay active with your dog. Please share your ideas!
