Activities for Happier Healthier Dogs
Maintaining the right balance between physical and mental fitness is vital for a dog’s overall wellbeing. Just like humans, dogs benefit from a combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy, engaged, and happy.
Planning playful routines that challenge both their bodies and minds helps to prevent obesity, manage stress, and keep them mentally sharp as they age. It helps if you can find varied activities that enable you to spend more time with your four-legged friend, and even more so if those activities can keep you fit and healthy too.
Running Routes and Scenery
Running is a skill dogs are born with, so they make the perfect partner for your running routes throughout the week. Depending on the breed, you might need to tailor your routes to accommodate their age and ability, but whether you’re training for a marathon or getting started with Couch 2 5k, taking your dog with you is a great way for you both to get exercise and a change of scenery throughout the week.
If you’re a more advanced runner, you might want to try canicross, an exercise where your dog is attached to your waist with a bungee cord and pulls you along as you run. This way, you can cover more ground and enjoy a range of scenic routes.
Walking Trails and Golf
Walking is the go-to exercise that your dog relishes day in and day out. Rather than sticking to the same old walks, areas, and parks, be sure to mix it up a little and vary the routes you take your dog on. If you live near the sea, take your dog to the countryside and woodlands, especially during Autumn. Your dog loves nothing more than crunchy leaves, leafy burrows, and finding a log or two.Naturally, your dog won’t be taking part in the golf itself, but they can join you on the course and enjoy a walk while you practise your swing. Golf courses are beautiful outdoor locations, so it’s a great opportunity to break away from your regular walking routine, allowing your dog to discover new sights, sounds, and scents. The varied terrain and fresh environment will
offer a stimulating adventure for your dog, making the outing enjoyable for both of you. Plus, the peaceful, natural atmosphere of the course can provide a calming experience for your pet while you focus on perfecting your game.
Wild Swimming
For older dogs or pets with joint issues, swimming is a fantastic way to keep them fit and mobile without putting pressure on their joints. It’s a low-impact sport that will keep them engaged and active well into their senior years. Outdoor or ‘wild’ swimming is the perfect way to swim with your dog because you don’t have to worry about chlorine irritating their skin.
So, find a local lake or river, or the nearby beach to take them to – just make sure you’re aware of the waters and coastline to keep your dog safe. You will also need to monitor them to make sure you take them out of the water when they start getting tired or you’re worried they might have swallowed too much seawater.
Hide-and-Seek
Just like humans, dogs often enjoy playing hide-and-seek. To make it easier, make sure your dog knows how to “stay” or ask a friend to help you out by keeping your dog in another room while you find a hiding spot. Once you’re hidden, call your dog to come and locate you. This game challenges your dog’s problem-solving abilities and sense of smell. In day-to-day life, they might not get as much practice using these skills, so offering this activity is an exciting way for them to engage in both.
Create a Scent Adventure
Set aside special walks where your dog can move at their own pace, freely exploring and sniffing all the intriguing scents around them. Sniffing not only helps to lower their heart rate and reduces stress, but it also triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with happiness.
These walks are more focused on giving your dog time to explore and enjoy their surroundings rather than covering a specific distance. Ideal environments for these adventures include areas with plenty of grass, trees, and bushes, so think of local forests or covered areas where they can really explore.
Circuit Training
Circuit training with your dog is an exciting way to work out together, and it can be adapted to fit any fitness level or accommodate injuries. Select a series of exercises for your circuit, like push-ups, lunges, squats, sit-ups, or planks, and mix in fun tricks for your dog between each set to train them. For example, after each lunge, you could ask your dog to “shake hands” by giving their paw.
Some dogs may even enjoy mimicking your actions – when you’re holding a plank, encourage your dog to do a ‘downward dog,’ or during a wall sit, ask them to sit beside you. If your dog is small enough, consider lifting them up for a snuggle between reps as a fun alternative to weights.
Combining Fun Activities with Proper Nutrition
A playful routine is only effective when it’s supported by proper nutrition. Active dogs require a balanced diet that supports the microbiome for healthy muscle growth, energy expenditure, and recovery. Puppies need nutrient-dense foods to support their growth and high energy levels, while senior dogs may require diets rich in joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine.
Your dog’s nutritional needs will also vary based on their breed and activity level, so it’s important to tailor your dog’s diet to their specific requirements. Healthy treats can also be incorporated into playtime as part of reward-based training or puzzle games. Opt for low-calorie, nutritious treats that reward your pup without adding unnecessary calories to their diet.
The role of play in a dog’s wellbeing
Play is one of the most effective ways to ensure that dogs stay both physically and mentally fit. Physically, regular play enhances cardiovascular health, builds strength, and improves their agility by keeping their joints supple and muscles active. It also helps prevent weight gain and lowers the risk of obesity-related health issues, such as joint problems, heart disease and diabetes.
On the mental front, engaging games stimulate your dog’s brain, fostering problem-solving skills, sharpening their instincts, and combating boredom. Mentally fit dogs tend to show fewer behavioural problems, such as anxiety or destructive tendencies, and they are generally happier and more content. Tailoring activities to your dog’s age, breed, and energy level, as well as pairing these activities with a healthy diet ensures you can create a balanced, healthy lifestyle for your pet helping them to live longer, happier lives.
