10 Home Exercises for Dog Fitness, Strength, and Mobility
1. Sit-to-Down - -aka puppy push-ups.
- How: Have your dog sit, then down , and then return to sit on command. Repeat several times.
- Benefits: Strengthens hind legs and core, improves mobility.
2. Figure Eight
- How: Guide your dog to weave between your legs in a figure-eight pattern.
- Benefits: Enhances coordination, balance, and agility.
3. Paw Lifts
- How: Gently lift each of your dog’s paws one at a time while they’re standing.
- Benefits: Strengthens leg muscles and enhances balance.
4. Bicycles
- How: With your dog lying dog gently make bicycle motions with each leg
- Benefits: Builds muscle strength and range of motion.
5. Leg Weaves
- How: Guide your dog to weave through your legs as you walk.
- Benefits: Improves flexibility and coordination.
6. Spin in Circles
- How: Use a treat to guide your dog to spin in circles, both clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Benefits: Enhances flexibility and balance.
7. Step-Ups
- How: Have your dog step up onto a sturdy surface like a step or low stool, then back down.
- Benefits: Strengthens legs and improves joint mobility.
8. Cavaletti Rails
- How: Lay broomsticks or other objects on the ground and guide your dog to step over them.
- Benefits: Improves coordination, stride length, and muscle strength.
9. Backwards Walking
- How: Use a treat to encourage your dog to walk backward.
- Benefits: Strengthens hind legs and enhances coordination.
10. Down-to-Stand - this is a bit more tricky to teach, but even the practice counts!
- How: Command your dog to lie down and then stand up repeatedly.
- Benefits: Builds core strength and leg muscles, and improves flexibility.
These are all exercises I did with Poppy during her rehab after a knee injury.
Importance for Senior Dogs
Even for seniors like my 19-year-old dog, regular exercise is crucial. Here’s why:
- Maintains Muscle Mass: Regular exercise helps prevent muscle atrophy, keeping your senior dog strong and mobile.
- Enhances Joint Health: Movement keeps joints flexible and can reduce stiffness and discomfort associated with aging.
- Boosts Mental Stimulation: Exercise provides mental enrichment, preventing boredom and promoting a healthy mind.
- Improves Balance and Coordination: Helps prevent falls and injuries by maintaining your dog’s coordination and balance.
- Promotes Overall Well-being: Physical activity contributes to a better quality of life, enhancing mood and energy levels.
Remember, always monitor your senior dog during exercise and adjust activities to their comfort and capability levels. Short, gentle sessions can still provide significant benefits!
If you do want to add some fitness tools to your activities, take a look at these!