Summer is quickly approaching and it’s a great time to take advantage of fun and new fitness activities. When you have a dog you love by your side, it can be an even greater motivator to stay fit and healthy.
There are plenty of activities that your dog will love that will keep both of you healthy and allow you to spend time together.
Swimming
Many dogs love swimming and are naturally good at it. Others may need some training before they can jump right into the water. If this is the case, you might consider taking a local class to teach your dog to swim.
Try finding a local lake where you can take your pup too. If there’s no lakes in the area you can always try swimming in your backyard pool if you have one. If not, you can always look up your local pools finance company to get started. Swimming is a great workout for yourself and your furry friend, and it’s plenty of fun for you both.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore the area around you and it’s something your dog can enjoy with you. With a little research you can find a nice trail that is dog friendly. Make sure to always follow the rules of the trail and use a leash to keep your dog safe on the trail. Some people suggest investing in hiking boots for their dogs to protect their paws from sharp rocks or rough terrain. Hiking is always more fun with a companion. If your dog is smaller they can still come along in an appropriate backpack carrier.
Classic Jogging
There’s always the classic option of taking your dog on a nice jog around the neighborhood. Find a time in the day that’s not too hot where the pavement won’t burn your dog’s paws. Bring some water for the both of you to make sure you’re staying hydrated.
If jogging is hard for you, then start by taking gentle walks with your dog. You can transition into fast walking and then a gentle jog or run if you’re feeling comfortable. Make sure to always stretch before and after to avoid pulling muscles.
Play Soccer
Playing soccer is a great option if you feel you’re more coordinated with your feet and legs than your hands. Your dog can join through several ways. Try keeping the ball away from your pup. Or if your dog is good at fetching then they can bring the ball back to you. Make your own game out of it, and it will be a great way to have fun and stay active. This is also a great activity to have more people or dogs join in on.
Yoga
Recently the trend of “Doga” has been growing. Doga or dog yoga was originally created by Suzi Teitelman and has proven its success in the yoga community. Many dog owners find that dog yoga is a great way to be a part of an exercise class while spending quality time with their pup. Just like yoga has great mental and physical health benefits, this is the same case for your dog. Go ahead and see if your community offers a dog yoga class. Many run into the problem of not being able to find a class close enough to them. If this is the case, do some research on how to try it at home.
If you’re struggling to incorporate your dog into a yoga routine, don’t become discouraged. Have a good sense of humor and enjoy the connection you can gain with your furry friend.
There are so many options when it comes to workouts with your pup. Try as many out as you can to see what best fits both of you. Remember to stay safe and have fun.
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