Exercise your dog and yourself at the same time!

Let your dog walk you!

Start with increasing the distance of your usual walk with your dog. In fact, you could let your dog choose the route and you must follow (no cheating!).

Use exercise equipment at off-lead dog parks

While your dog is having a sniff around, take advantage of some of the outdoor exercise equipment found in most parks these days. These often include elliptical machines, leg presses and pull up bars. Always keep an eye on your dog while they are off the lead, especially so you can pick up if they have a call of nature!  

Tennis

Practise your tennis serve with your dog by incorporating it into a game of fetch!

Just a bit of cardio

Spice up your usual morning walk with your dog, by running for 30 seconds followed by a strengthening exercise. For instance, run for 30 seconds then do a strengthening exercise such as squats. Every time you squat, give your furry friend a rub or a scratch. You can also choose a walking route where there are steps and run up and down a few times.

Shake and lunge!

You lunge, your dog shakes! Each time you do a lunge, ask your dog to shake hands. They’ll love it.  If they haven’t been trained to shake, now is a good time to start!

Dog beach

Running or walking on sand is great for your leg muscles and will use up more energy – for you both!

Frisbee

Take the whole family to the park and play frisbee together with your dog – this is also great for hand-eye coordination.

Push ups

Combine some obedience training with exercise. Try 10 push-ups against a picnic table at the park while teaching your dog to sit and/or stay.

Depending on the age and breed of your dog, always check with your vet before starting any type of exercise regime (and your doctor for you if you are planning to increase your exercise regime).