Fat Dog? Fat Owner? Try These 10 Fun Exercises This Summer

Our dogs are a reflection of ourselves. If your dog is fat, chance is you are too. If you choose to lead an unhealthy lifestyle and let yourself go to waste, more power to ya. But it is wrong, and leaning on animal cruelty to force that on your pet. You, as its owner have a responsibility to it and its general wellbeing.

The heat is already here, and summer is officially just around the corner. What better time to get yourself and your dog in shape than for all the joys summer has to offer? And don’t worry about getting bored. When your best friend is involved, every exercise can be fun. No counting down the minutes on a boring treadmill here folks.

If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your dog’s sake. You owe it to your faithful companion. Your dog deserves to be in the best possible health.

- A dog is the perfect alarm clock. Once your morning routine is set, your dog will wake you up at the same time every day for your morning exercise.

- Destructive habits, such as chewing on shoes, couches, and other destructive behavior will stop. Dogs usually act out lack this because their routines lack physical activity and boredom. These are some of the ways they use their pent up energy and relieve their boredom.

- No more super energetic dog running all over the place and jumping on guests. Dogs will behave in this manner because they are desperate to play and get some exercise. With a regular exercise routine, you can expect your dog to adopt a calmer demeanor.

- With a regular exercise routine, both you and your dog can expect an increase in strength, stamina, and a longer lifespan.

-These workouts are aimed at regular sized dogs. Chihuahuas and other small dogs are limited by their size. I just can’t picture a wiener dog running alongside me on my bicycle. I’d be afraid of running it over.

- Even if tired, dogs will do their best to keep up with you. Keep your eyes open and be aware when your dog is overexerting itself.

-Choose the workouts according to you and your companion’s fitness levels. Factors to take into account include weight and breed. Don’t go all out if your dog is severely overweight. Take it easy.

- Some breeds are built for stamina, others are built for cold weather and don’t perform very well in the heat. Educate yourself on your breed’s limitations before you take part in any rigorous exercise regimen.

-Be careful when working out in really hot weather as dogs have a higher risk of sunstroke than humans. We sweat to stay cool, dogs don’t sweat. Their only method of cooling themselves down is through their tongue. So if your dog’s panting more than usual, it most likely needs to cool down. Bring it under some shade and give it some cool water.

-Have a source of water available at all times. For you and your dog.

-Similar to people, it is important dogs wait at least two hours after eating and drinking a lot of water before strenuous exercise.

The most basic exercise you can do with your dog. While not particularly rigorous, it is a great starting point if you and your dog are out of shape. Walk a minimum of thirty minutes. A five minute walk around the block simply won’t do.

A more advanced workout. 3-6 miles a day is more than enough. Make sure you slowly build up your mileage. Going all out is not recommended unless you know your dog can take it.

This one is a favorite of my father’s Malamute. A large, fenced in field is ideal. You take off your dog’s leash and chase it. It’s a fun workout because it lets you test out your agility and your dog gets to mess around with you, psyching you out pretending that it’s tired until just about you’re about to grab it and it takes off again. You don’t have to worry about your dog overexerting itself since it will let you catch it once it’s gotten tired.

Unless your dog is obedient and properly trained I would avoid this workout. There are a number of things that can go wrong. I avoid this, but I know many people who do it with no problems whatsoever. But I must state, their dogs are all well trained. Special leashes are also sold to make cycling with your dog safer.

Dogs love swimming and safe for dogs with joint problems. There are all kinds of activities you can do with your dog in the water. My two favorites are racing and throwing a ball around. Avoid chlorine as it can be harmful to dogs.

Exploring national parks is a wonderful exercise and bonding experience for you and your dog. What could be more fun than exploring nature and camping with your best friend?

A simple and effective workout. Large fenced in open space is ideal for this. Simply unleash your dog, and take off! Your dog will always catch up with you, but it’s fun trying to outrace it and your dog will get a kick out of chasing you down.

It’s best if your dog is obedient and properly trained for this exercise. Running alongside you as you rollerblade and pulling you when you get tired is a great workout. I’d avoid doing this workout in the streets as there is too high a risk of getting hurt. Find a paved path in a park somewhere and rollerblade to your heart’s content. Florida, which is as flat as a pancake is ideal for this exercise routine.

Just like rollerblading, I’d recommend you stick to paved trails with this one. Avoid becoming lazy. I’ve seen people skateboard with their dogs and not set a foot on the ground. Their dogs do all the work and all they do is lean left or right. While a good workout for the dog, you don’t want to forget about your workout in the process.

Make sure your dog is on friendly terms with the horse. You don’t want it biting the horse. Yes, this happened to me once. Horseback riding is a great workout for people and your dog will have a good time a healthy workout following you wherever you ride.

I’ve worked out with all kinds of people, and I can tell you right now that there is no better workout partner than your own dog.