Here’s How to Have Fun Exercising with Your Pet

Exercising with your dog is a great way for you and your pet to stay active and have fun at the same time. Dog activities keep your pup healthy and happy, and they're a terrific way to enjoy quality family time both indoors and out. 

Do you and your pet love active pursuits like running and swimming? Are you more into traditional dog favourites like fetch? Are you looking for stimulating, treat-filled toys for rainy days? Whatever your preference, there are activities available to suit every type of owner and pet.

Family-Friendly Dog Activities and Games

It's important to keep your dog both mentally and physically engaged. How much exercise does a dog need? Depending on the type and age of your pet, the amount will vary. Choose dog exercise games and dog toys that fit your lifestyle and meet the needs of your furry friend.

Outdoor Fun with Fido

Does your dog get excited whenever he sees his leash? Having a happy companion to head outdoors with is great motivation in itself. Whatever the weather, the fresh air will do you both good. Consider the following ideas for your next pet-friendly outing.

Step Out in the City

Go for a walk. Great for humans and pets of all ages, a neighbourhood walk is a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors. Does your dog have tons of energy? Take them along when you go cycling or rollerblading and burn it off together.

Bring your dog along as your running partner. This is a great way for both of you to burn off energy and build up stamina. If you're up for it, you can also try stair running to tone up and tire out your pup!

You can't go wrong with a doggie playdate. Meet up with a dog and friend duo for a walk at the park or backyard tumble, and watch the dogs tire themselves out.

TIP: Dog parks are a great place for your dog to roam free and socialize. If your dog has a lot of energy, look for dog-friendly bootcamps or canine charity races and train with dogs in a social setting.​

Enjoy Nature All-Year Round

If you have access to trails, venture out on a scenic hike. It's a beautiful way to explore nature in any season, and your pet will love sniffing all the new and exciting scents.

Visit the water in warm weather. If your dog loves swimming, dive in and do laps together, or throw him a stick for a game of fetch. Other low-impact water activities you can do with your dog include kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Cold and snowy outside? Take your pooch along while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. These are great family-friendly, low-impact workouts that get you outside and exercising with your pet on winter days.​

Classic Doggie Favourites

Play fetch in your backyard or nearby park. It's a doggie favourite that's easy to do at a moment's notice with a stick or a tennis ball. Dog exercise toys like football slingers, ball blasters and ball launchers are great for distance throwing. A dog frisbee is another great option; choose a glow-in the dark dog toy for nighttime play.

Looking to burn energy at the same time? Sprint after the ball with your dog, or drop and do squats, lunges, or push-ups while they fetch.

An obstacle course is a great dog exercise game. Set up a course for your pup in the backyard with obstacles for them to run to, jump over, and crawl through. This is great for dog training and for mentally and physically challenging your pet. Bad weather? Simply set up a course indoors and keep the game going!TIP: Be careful in extreme weather conditions.

In heat and humidity, it's important to make sure your dog stays hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you on outdoor adventures.

In cold weather, consider boots and a jacket, especially if your dog isn't built for colder climates.  ​

Rainy Day Dog Activities

Bad weather doesn't have to keep you and your dog down. Consider these ideas to keep your pet active indoors. 

Play hide and seek or set up a scavenger hunt with treats. These are great games for the whole family to participate in. 

• For hide and seek, you (or the kids) hide and call your dog by name until they find you. Make sure to reward them with a well-deserved treat 

• For a scavenger hunt, hide treats around the house for them to search and sniff out. 

Take on a battle of tug-of-war with your feisty pet. It doesn't take up much space to play, gets out their pent-up energy, and it can help you work on your upper body strength. Another dog toy that's great for fetch and solo play sessions, dogs will love this ball dog toy for its squeaking and crunching sounds.

Food-dispensing dog toys are a great way to challenge your pet while playing. The best part? The reward of a tasty treat at the end!

If you have a treadmill, train your dog to walk on it. Start slow and work up to a speed that they’re comfortable with. If your pet is a fan, consider investing in a dog-size treadmill.

Dog yoga or "Doga" is a fun way to integrate your uber-flexible pet into your practice. You can set up your yoga mat indoors or in your backyard. Search videos online to try at home or check with yoga studios nearby for in-person or virtual classes.

Depending on your space, you can always enjoy common outdoor dog activities like fetch, an obstacle course, or a doggie playdate indoors.​

Pamper Your Pet with these Everyday Essentials

Consider these everyday necessities to keep your dog happy and prepared for play.

• Set up a kids pool out back for your pet to cool off in the heat

• Always have a dog leash handy for daily walks, runs and excursions

• Grab a grooming brush or kit to clean up your pooch in between outdoor adventures

• Stock up on dog treats for rewarding play and good behaviour

• At the end of the day, ensure your tired pup has a cozy place to sleep with a pet bed

Exercising with your pet is a great way to build a strong bond between pet and owner while having fun and staying fit. Whether your focus is dog training, fitness or simple family fun, there are plenty of dog activities to keep you active both indoors and out.