4 Summer Fitness Activities To Keep Your Dog Healthy And Active

These fun fitness activities will help your dog stay in tiptop condition, so he can move into the summer with ease! Summer fitness for dogs is all about engaging in safe and enjoyable activities to help them stay active and avoid injury.

Hiking, jogging, swimming, and playing fetch are just a few things you may be doing with your dog this summer. But jumping into them too quickly can lead to injuries such as torn ligaments, especially if your dog hasn’t developed enough strength, flexibility, and overall fitness prior to engaging in them. Check out four fitness activities you can do with your dog that will help get him super-fit and summer-ready – all while having fun and boosting your bond with one another!

Tug and drop

In the past, people were warned against playing ‘tug’ with their dogs, as it was believed to encourage dominance. Fortunately, this myth has been debunked, and we now understand ‘tug’ offers many benefits that include building the dog-human bond, developing self-control, and helping build overall fitness. Also, because “tug” is such a reinforcing game, you can use it to reward behaviors you like. 

Who’s it for?

Most dogs can play “tug and drop” safely. They love it, and it’s a fun way to engage with your dog. However, it’s not a good choice for dogs with dental issues or unaddressed resource guarding issues. 

The rules

• Emphasis should be put on teaching the “drop” cue, so alternate the “tug” and “drop”, beginning with treats as a reward for the drop, then verbally cuing the drop and rewarding that. The next step is the use of tug play, rather than treats, to reward the drop. 
• Minimize risk of injury by ensuring the tug movement is always slow, back and forth and side to side. Never tug up and down or you’ll risk injuring your dog’s neck. 
• If your dog’s teeth contact your hand, even accidentally, give a drop cue and reset the game.
• Toys for this game should be designed specifically for tugging, and include rope toys. 
• It doesn’t matter who wins or loses the toy — the essence of “tug and drop” is a spirit of fun and cooperative back and forth play. 

Doggy yoga

Everything is more fun when our dogs are involved, and yoga is no exception! Doggy yoga (also called “doga”) includes fitness exercises for both dogs and humans. It involves a series of mindful poses that help both doggy yoginis and their humans maintain focus and build muscle while improving flexibility and balance. Perhaps most importantly, almost any dog or puppy can safely do many of the low to no-impact doga poses.  

“Expect to do plenty of traditional yoga exercises, except in doga class you will be guiding your dog to jump over, crawl under, and circle around you while you hold the poses,” says Sarah Keller, a canine fitness expert and certified fitness coach.

A growing number of fitness centers offer doga nowadays, and you and your dog can even take online classes. 

Stability ball exercises

Exercises using stability balls offer an enjoyable and challenging way to add to your dog’s fitness program. Stability balls provide a low impact workout. One of the best things about using a stability ball for balance work is that it gives your dog just enough challenge to keep him interested and having fun. He won’t even know he’s strengthening his core muscles and building body awareness! 

Most dogs will be able to do balancing exercises with their front paws on a stabilized stability ball, fitness peanut, or bosu ball, but if your dog has a history of injury, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before beginning ball balancing.

Important tips 

• Choose the appropriate size and shape of stability ball for your dog. Bigger is better. Peanuts are suitable for large dogs, while small dogs will benefit from a half (bosu) ball. 
• Whatever stability ball you choose, be sure to stabilize it with a purpose-built ball stabilizer or pedestals.
• Work on a low-impact surface for easy landings when your dog comes off.  
• Be sure to help small dogs and puppies down from larger stability balls.
• Take baby steps, with on-off alternation. Start by luring your dog to put two paws on the ball for just a second or two, then increase the length of time by just another second or two at time. After your dog is really good at balancing with two paws on the ball, increase the challenge and reward for three or four paws on.
• Keep sessions short and fun.

Ping-pong recall

This is a fast-paced game that gets your dog racing back and forth between two people. Not only is it a fun way for him to burn off energy with aerobic exercise, but it also helps him learn to come running when called. Here’s how to play: 

• Start in a low-distraction environment, with your dog dragging a leash attached to the back attachment of a harness. You may need to use the leash to get your dog back on course if he happens to get distracted.
• This game requires two people – we’ll call them Handler 1 and Handler 2.  Each should have 10 to 15 tiny, delicious treats in their hands.
• The handlers stand six feet apart to start with, and increase their distance one step at a time as the dog gets practice. This makes it super easy for the dog to learn the game before he has to put real effort in.
• Handler 1 holds the dog close on the leash. Handler 2 calls the dog encouragingly and Handler 1 immediately drops the leash. 
• When the dog gets to Handler 2, he gets enthusiastic praise and a treat.
• As soon as the dog swallows the treat, while he’s still a bit distracted, Handler 1 calls him, doing everything she can to convey: “Hey, the party’s over here!” At this point, she might even need to slap her legs, or move rapidly away with “chase me” vibes. When the dog gets to her, he gets a treat and excited praise. Then Handler 2 calls the dog.
• After each handler has successfully called the dog twice, the distance between them increases one step to add challenge.  
• Repeat until there are no more treats! 

Getting your dog into peak condition for the summer will help minimize the risk of injuries. While regular walks are an essential part of his exercise regimen, engaging in these fun activities can help increase his fitness level while improving your bond and enhancing good behavior.   

See the vet first  

It’s a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian before beginning a new summer fitness for dogs routine, especially if he has health concerns that may limit his activity. Your vet has a trained eye and can spot injuries even if your dog is good at hiding them. Age, breed, and weight will also affect what he’s capable of doing safely, so your vet may have some recommendations to complement your dog’s fitness plan. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a better idea of the best exercises for your dog’s unique needs.

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