As the new year is in full swing, many of us probably have goals to get back into a fitness routine. What better way to stay motivated to reach your goals than by having your trusted companion join in on the fun, too. After all, regular exercise is just as important for our dogs as it is for us. 

Not only is exercising with your dog good for your physical health, but it also helps you create a stronger bond, helps keep you motivated and accountable and helps increase your daily activity levels. If you’re looking for some workouts that you can do with your dog to contribute to a long and healthy life, check out the ideas below. 

1. Swimming

If your dog is comfortable around water, swimming is a great exercise that comes with many benefits. Swimming is great for strengthening the heart and lungs and building endurance—for both humans and dogs! To make it mutually beneficial, do laps around the pool or whatever body of water you’re in and have your dog follow your lead. 

You can also have your dog get out of the water, throw a toy into the pool and have them jump to catch it. Make sure to take frequent breaks outside of the water to avoid over-exertion and make sure you’re practicing proper water safety. 

2. Hiking 

Switching it up with a scenic hike is always a great workout to engage in with your dog. First, make sure to check in with your vet to make sure your dog is physically equipped for this kind of activity. For example, if you’re exercising with a senior dog, always make sure the trail you’re taking is low impact and isn’t harsh on their paws, as senior dogs are more sensitive to different surfaces since their paws tend to be more tender. 

You’ll also want to be sure to plan ahead and confirm that the trail you’re planning to hike is dog-friendly. When on the hike, make sure you’re practicing the National Parks B.A.R.K rule: 

• Bag your pet’s waste

• Always leash your pet

• Respect wildlife

• Know where you can go 

3. Running 

For those who want to take it up a notch, going for a run with your dog is another great option for mental and physical well-being. If you and your dog are ready for a challenge, start with a brisk walk for about five minutes, then work up to a slow jog. From there, you can increase your pace to whatever feels comfortable for you both. 

If you’re new to running, try running in intervals to build up your stamina. You can run in two-minute intervals, walk for two minutes, then repeat. Each week, increase the time for your run to eventually lead you to run at a steady pace without getting tired. When running with your dog, run safely by wearing the right pair of running shoes, making sure the trail you’re running on isn’t too hot for your dog's paws and keeping you both hydrated. 

4. Tennis 

If you’re looking to switch things up, grab some tennis balls and a racket and head to the nearest tennis court. Hit the tennis ball as hard as you can and have your dog play a game of fetch with you. If you don’t have a tennis court nearby, any open area with enough room for your dog to run will do! 

For more fitness tips and ideas for keeping your dog safe and healthy during your workouts, check out the infographic below. 

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