Are you stuck in the same dog walking routine and looking for ways to get out of your rut? Here are 7 ideas on how you can mix things up in your dog exercise routine.
#1 – Hiking with your dog
Going for a hike is a great way to disconnect and get in touch with nature. Here in Australia, we’re lucky to have so many beautiful parks at our doorstep, but unfortunately, national parks prohibit dogs. Don’t let this deter you – there are still plenty of expansive parks with walkways and hiking trails that allow dogs. Here are the lists of dog-friendly parks in NSW, VIC and QLD.
#2 – Beach trips and water sports
Going to the beach is a perfect active-day-out for yourself and your dog. Other than going for walks and swims, you can also give some dog-friendly water sports a go. Kayaking & Standup Paddle Boarding are great activities for your core and balance, and getting your dog on the board with you will add to the challenge. If you don’t have a board of your own, many rentals allow your dog to go with you too!
#3 – Cycling
Cycling is becoming a popular sport here in Australia and there’s no reason why doggo should miss out on the biking. If you have a big (and fast) dog, running them alongside you is a great way to stretch their legs out and burn that extra energy. If you have a smaller or older dog, there are a multitude of different carriers available that you can either install onto your bike or attach to tow behind.
4 – Tug of War
Tug of war is fantastic mental stimulation and exercise for your dog AND great strengthening exercise for you. You’ll be surprised just how strong your dog is and how much of a workout you can get from playing with them! You can do this anywhere- in the house, in the backyard or out in the park.
#5 – Dog yoga AKA Doga
Doga, yoga with your dog, is a huge trend around the world which has also landed in Australia. You can stretch, relax and meditate alongside with your dog, and both of you will get the benefits. Lookout for studios that offer doga classes – there are a handful around Australia.
#6 – Agility training with Cavaletti poles
Agility training isn’t just for competitions – it’s a fun activity that you and your dog can try at home! Beyond the mental stimulation it provides, it’s also great for boosting confidence, joint awareness and recovery after spinal injury, where important reflexes and nerve pathways may have been lost.
The hurdles help your dog to tune into their own sensory feedback, as they learn how far to lift the feet. Each leg needs to work, helping them move away from the “bunny hop” movement that parents often notice after an injury. If your dog seems hesitant to put weight on their hind legs, this has benefits for balance and limb strength – namely the hip flexors and quad muscles.
If you don’t want to buy a Cavaletti agility set online, you can replicate this at home with some broom sticks, poles or sticks… and tape to hold everything in place. Start low to the ground and gradually increase the height using books or bricks. Keep the high value treats on hand and give them plenty of praise!
#7 – Step Ups
Step ups are similar to human squats, as they grow strength in the hind legs: targeting your dog’s quadriceps, gluteal muscles and hamstrings. It’s great for joint stability and injury prevention, with different variations to suit a range of needs.
The “push up” motion targets shoulder strength, while the bowing movement boosts mobility in the spine.
Your dog physiotherapist will start by getting them to move from sit to stand; and lying down to sitting. Once they’ve mastered that, they can progress to higher and/or more unstable surfaces like an exercise step, balance pad or cushion. These are easy to source online.
