How To Start Workout With Your Dog (Exercise Routine Guide)

Quick Summary

• Some of the best workout routines you can do with your dog are running, yoga and pilates, bootcamp routines with stretching and cardio-focused workouts, and water activities like swimming.
• Common dog sports that owners can do with their dogs include playing fetch, jumping jacks, obstacle course, tennis, frisbee, and tug of war.
• Make sure to accompany the workouts with a healthy diet and good hygiene for both you and your dog.

Obesity is a growing and serious problem for both people and their dogs.  The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that about 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. There are many factors that can cause dog obesity, so I highly urge you to start a workout routine with your dog. Doing a great workout with your dog can help fight dog obesity and make you to be the best dog owner.

The following workouts are divided into four weeks. Perfect for cycling through each month and are great for overweight dogs and pet parents who wants to lose weight together or just stay fit. This is a good workout program that gives the best health benefits.

Week One: Running 

• How often do you walk your dog? If you aren’t sure, follow this plan. Before starting a new exercise plan, take your dog to the vet for a check-up. Your vet may implement restrictions on how much running your dog will be able to handle. As with starting any new exercise schedule, it’s best for both you and your dog to build up your endurance [1]. For beginners, try walking and working up to a jog on Mondays and Thursdays. Run only as fast and as far as you and your pooch can handle on Tuesdays and Fridays, resting up on Wednesdays. Walking has several health advantages, including improved and maintained muscle tone and joint health, as well as mental well-being. A good benchmark to build on is to remember what house in your neighborhood you made it to on your first run. As you continue the new regimen, add one or two houses each time. For weekends or exercise enthusiasts, try to give your run some meaning. Jog to the dog park or a nearby dog-friendly restaurant; the reward at the end will make it all worth it. Make sure you get the best dog leashes for when going out.

Week Two: Doga And Pilates

• Time for you and your pooch to do your best downward dog stretch. Dog yoga, or doga, combines stretching and meditation to burn calories and help put your mind at ease. If you haven’t tried yoga before, it’s probably best to find a group class in your area to start with—dog yoga classes are now a thing. Advanced yoga enthusiasts can kick up their workout by hiking up to a quiet spot or running around the beach first before a session. Pet parents can also try dog pilates, which combines spine-strengthening exercises, core toners and simple lifts. With either workout, both you and your pooch will get to spend some time together while working toward a healthier lifestyle.

Week Three: High Tail It Outside 

• Dog-friendly Bootcamp is a great fun way for dog owners and their pets to get in shape while enjoying the outdoors. While bootcamp routines will vary by instructor, most combine stretching, cardio and focused workouts to tone your arms, abs or legs. In the Los Angeles area, Thank Dog! Bootcamp offers classes that incorporate dog obedience training. Pet parents who want to exercise outside can also try hiking with their dog or going for a run along the beach. The change of scenery will give you and your dog a new experience, making the workout go by faster.

Week Four: Water Workouts  

• Perfect for the summer months, these are a few dog-friendly water exercises that will help both you and your pooch keep your cool while shedding some pounds. Swimming is always a great option for exercise since most dogs know how to doggie paddle and can learn to swim back and forth with you. For a more challenging workout, try stand-up paddle boarding with your pooch. This activity is a great arm and shoulder workout for you and obedience training for your furry friend since he’ll have to lay beneath you on the board without falling in the water. Be sure your dog is wearing a life vest when you paddle board in a marina or ocean.

Dog Health Care Resolutions

Make a resolution this new year to be the best pet parent you can possibly be. After all, caring for your dog’s health is the most important task of dog parents.

• If you don’t already do this each night, here’s our helpful guide on how to brush your dog’s teeth. Additionally, you should make a resolution to keep your dog’s coat healthy by brushing it. Not only will this untangle your dog’s fur, it’ll help you cut back on vacuuming by getting most of the loose hair out with the brush.
• This year, make a resolution to try a more holistic approach to your dog’s health. Most conditions can be treated with natural supplements, like our i Love Dogs vitamins. Learn how green tea helps your furry friend keep his new year’s resolutions.
• A healthy diet is the foundation of your dog’s health. If possible, try to get your dog away from processed, commercial food. Dogs benefit from a home-cooked diet or fresh dog food.

Best Doggie Games—Physical Activities With The Whole Family

Today we’re going to talk about dog sports and fun games you can play with your dog—and how it all ties back into the workout for those of us who use fitness as a way to better bond with our dog.

Top Dog Sports To Make Small Dogs & Senior Dogs Happy

• Playing fetch
• Jumping jacks
• Obstacle course
• Tennis
• Frisbee
• Tug of war

Dog parents like nose work games as a fun way to assist their dogs in growing and improving their scent smelling abilities. It keeps them mentally and physically engaged while stimulating their mental powers.

Get Focused: Quality and Training Time

One of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make as a dog owner is to spend more time with your dog. We all love coming home to a wagging tail, but sometimes a long workday or helping the kids leaves many of us unmotivated to give some attention to our furry best friend.

On days you can’t workout, Eugenia Vogel, our i Love Dogs Ask a Trainer, suggests training your dog or doing a fun game during TV commercials.

“If you have time to sit down and watch an hour-long show, you have time to train your dog,” says Vogel, a dog training expert. “Every time a commercial comes on, go to your dog and work on any commands or tricks you’re training. TV shows are a great training assistant because the commercial intervals are perfect for brief, frequent, and fun sessions.”

She adds, “just be sure to really focus on your dog during these brief training sessions; you’ll hear when your show comes back on, so during commercials, make it all about you and your four legged friend.”

If you have some extra time to devote to your pup, you can always try teaching him how to dance or speak.

Bottom Line

Many dog lovers hire a personal trainer because they are unsure what exercises to do with their dogs, plus they are not motivated to exercise. In San Diego, many trainers provide classes where dogs and their humans may exercise together. However, by following our simple suggestions above, you can do workout with your dog and it will be something you will look forward to.