Great Ways to Stay Active With Your Dog

We all understand that it's important to stay active and get enough exercise to keep our bodies healthy. We also know that our pets, specifically our dogs, need exercise to stay healthy, too. Rather than look at these two things as separate activities, you can combine them both into one! One of the amazing things about dogs is that they'll play off of your energy and habits, so if you get up and get active, they'll come along for the ride gladly.

Activities You Can Do With Your Dog

Because our dogs rely on us to help them stay healthy, taking the initiative to get active for them can be a great motivation to stay in shape, yourself. There are all sorts of places you can go to in order to get inspiration for activities that involve both dog and man. Whether you review blogs on the internet, read thrive reviews on health and fitness, watch how other people interact with their animals at the dog park or create an activity all your own, you're sure to find some fun things you can do together. So without further ado, here are some great ways to stay active with your dog.

Play Some Soccer

Did you know you can play soccer with your pup? That's right, dogs aren't relegated to only playing with tennis balls and racquetballs, they love to play with soccer balls and volleyballs, too. This doesn't mean you need to be running miles and miles down a regulation size field, but get out there and pull out your best moves and see if your dog has the defensive chops to guard you. Also, you may be surprised how competent your furry little friend is when it's pushing the ball around the field.

Go on Walks

If soccer isn't your speed, you can just go out for a good, old-fashioned walk. Getting some fresh air is good not only physically but also mentally. Sometimes, being cooped up too long in a house or an apartment can start to wear on the mind and you don't even realize it until you've broken out and gone outside in nature for a bit. Dogs are naturally curious, so a walk is a welcome pastime to most canines across the world. If your pup is a little out of control on the first few walks you go on, never fear - they'll learn to respond to you as they get more familiar with the patterns and habits you establish while also getting some exercise.

Go Camping Together

Who says that physical activity has to only come in the form of running or walking? With how much beauty there is all around in forests and mountains, this can be not only a great escape, but a great chance to do some fun, outdoor activities together. Some typical camping activities that you can enjoy with your dog include going out and finding firewood together, going to the lake for a swim or kayak session, taking a hike on a nearby trail together, or checking out any natural landmark like a large rock formation, river, etc. The possibilities are nearly endless when everything is beautiful around you.

Go to the Beach

If you're not near forests or mountains, but you have a beach nearby, by all means take your dog! With waves to chase, crabs to sniff, sticks to bite and boardwalks to explore, your pup will have no shortage of fun things to do. You'll want to check your local beach guidelines to make sure they do allow dogs before packing all the way up and heading out, but this can be a great way to both get some exercise while also fitting in some great relaxation time.

Play Fetch

If you want to go the classic route, go out in the backyard and get a stick or ball and chuck it in a grassy area. See how much fun your pup has and it may be all the motivation you need to do it over and over again.