Skip to content
  • Home
  • About
  • Support Us
  • Help & Advice
  • Services
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Support Us
  • Help & Advice
  • Services
  • Contact
Adopt a Dog
Adopt a Dog
  • Home
  • About
  • Support Us
  • Help & Advice
  • Services
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Support Us
  • Help & Advice
  • Services
  • Contact
Announcement

How to exercise with your dog

Reading Time: < 1 minutes

From improving your mood and boosting energy to losing weight and promoting better sleep, we all know the benefits of exercise.

But when you have a dog, finding time to put on your trainers and do a workout can often be difficult. So why not get your pooch involved?

Here, we look at 7 ways to get fit – and spend time with your dog.

  1. Hiking

Your dog plus the great outdoors. What more could you want?

If your canine companion hasn’t been on a hike before, start small. As with humans, dogs need to build their endurance so while you might like the idea of heading up Ben Nevis for your first owner-doggo climb, it’s probably not wise.

Make sure you stick to visible pathways, take food and water, pack a first aid kit and take a dog jacket just in case the weather turns.

Also, bring a lead – some places may require one, plus it will help keep your dog under close control near livestock.

  1. Swimming

There are swimming baths across the country dedicated to dogs, so you don’t have to worry about your pooch interrupting another swimmer’s morning breaststroke.

Swimming not only helps get your dog ready for doggy paddling on the outside but can also help with things like joint problems and arthritis, weight loss and mental and physical stimulation. What’s more, owners can get involved too, with canine swimming lessons helping them to bond with their dog and offering a low impact exercise.

  1. Running

Running with your dog is a fun and easy way for you both to get fit – but not all pooches are suitable for long distance sprints. The PDSA suggests considering their breed (flat faced dogs can struggle with their breathing, for example), general health, age and personality before picking running as your exercise of choice.

Before heading out, pack some water and a dog bowl to allow for regular drinking breaks during your route. Check the weather too – if it’s warm, it may be best running early in the morning or late at night to avoid your dog suffering from dehydration or burnt paws.

  1. Doga

Have you ever tried doga – or dog yoga – before? If not, you’re missing out.

Doga is a way to practice yoga with your pooch, getting them involved with your usual stretching and strengthening poses.

Of course, your dog won’t be able to do every single pose you do, but you could guide them through yoga moves like the downward dog. Alternatively, if you go to a doga class, your canine may not get involved in the stretches, but instead bond with the other dogs and feel relaxed through the calming atmosphere.

  1. Agility classes

Agility training involves teaching your pooch to tackle obstacles around a set course, such as jumping over hurdles, running through tunnels and maneuvering a see-saw.

Dogs will often zoom from one piece of equipment to the next, so it’s not just them who get a workout – their owners do too!

Agility training can also help your dog build confidence, develop self-control and improve their behaviour. Where do we sign up?!

  1. Circuit training

Now, it’s unlikely that your dog will be doing a lunge or sit-up but circuit training provides an ideal way to spend time together.

Get your pooch involved during your workout by getting them to sit on your back as you do a push-up (only if they’re small enough!) or giving the paw when you do a sit-up. They could even sit each time you squat!

  1. Kayaking

Live near a lake or canal? Dog love swimming? Got the ‘sit’ command nailed? Then kayaking might be the exercise for you.

Ensure the kayak can comfortably and safely fit both you and your pooch, and buy a doggy life jacket. If it’s your dog’s first time out on the water, choose a quiet and calm lake and keep near the banks so your pooch can get on dry land should they need to.

Interested in adopting one of our dogs? Click here.

Other News

Royal Cheshire County Show

Read More

Dogfest 2023

Read More

Family Fun Day at The Shed

Read More

DONATE

Help us to continue the work we do.

Donate Now
Loading...

SUPPORT US

Would you like to fundraise for us?

Find out more

Help us make a difference

Make a Donation

Keep updated with our newsletter.

Some of our residents

Cheshire

Bjorn

More Info
Cheshire

Tiffany

More Info
Manchester

Cookie

More Info
Manchester

Oreo

More Info
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Support Us

  • Sponser a Kennel
  • Visit our Charity Shop
  • Just Giving
  • Collection Box
  • Our Amazon Wishlist
  • Leave a Legacy
  • Fundraising Event
  • Single Donation
  • Volunteer in Manchester
  • Volunteer in Cheshire
  • Standing Order
  • Sponser a Kennel
  • Visit our Charity Shop
  • Just Giving
  • Collection Box
  • Our Amazon Wishlist
  • Leave a Legacy
  • Fundraising Event
  • Single Donation
  • Volunteer in Manchester
  • Volunteer in Cheshire
  • Standing Order

Dogs Home

  • Latest News
  • Job Vacancies
  • Farewells Pet Crematorium
  • Our Patrons
  • About
  • Help & Advice
  • Services
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Latest News
  • Job Vacancies
  • Farewells Pet Crematorium
  • Our Patrons
  • About
  • Help & Advice
  • Services
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Charity Number 1001346

Copyright © 2020 Manchester and Cheshire Dogs' Home All Rights Reserved.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT