Is your dog as fit as you are? Dogs, both big and small, require daily exercise, just like we do. While some dogs get more than enough daily exercise, many dogs get nothing more than their daily walks, if that.

 
Without daily exercise and stimulation, your dog becomes bored, antsy, agitated, some even unhealthy and depressed. Daily fitness activities helps keep muscles toned, while adding elasticity. The same activities also promotes a healthy metabolic system, and keeps the mind stimulated. Lack of physical activity usually results in your four legged friend becoming destructive.

 
I believe many pets do not get the proper exercise they need, simply because a lot of pet owners don’t realize how important it is that their pets receive it. Another reason could be that pet owners aren’t really familiar with exercises that will keep their canine buddies in shape. Here, I will outline 8 exercises for you that will not only get your dog active and fit, but in turn will be a benefit for you as well.

 

Instead of walking your dog, have your dog walk you. Wherever she goes, you go. Think of your dog as a four-legged, furry, walking GPS that isn’t letting you know where the final destination will be. You’ll be amazed where that nose will take the two of you.

 
Running
Running is something that comes natural to most dogs. If you give my little girl an open field, without question, she’s taking off. Next time you’re going on your daily run, suit up your pooch and let him/her come along.

 
Fetch
A simple game of fetch can be all that is needed for your dog’s daily exercise fix. Fetch is easy to squeeze into busy schedules, as there is no need to travel far to fit in a game. A close-by park or backyard works great and on rainy days, fetch can be an indoor sport, played from the comfort of your couch.

 
Group Exercise
The best forms of exercise for any animal are the activities they would naturally do. For dogs, playing with other dogs fits that definition. Set up a play date for your dog, or visit the local dog park, and watch them have a blast.

 
Take your dog for a swim
Swimming is as great for dogs as it is for humans. If your dog isn’t a fan of the water, I was told a great way to get your dog into the water is to train him/her to chase a ball. Jump in the water with her and do a few laps. Perhaps you can even try racing, after you’ve thrown her ball and provided her a target.

 
Walk it out
Walking, of course, tops the list as one of the greatest doggy exercises. This is something that they should be getting every day and walking has been proven to be one of the best exercises for both you and your dog. Every so often, challenge yourself and your dog to walk a little further than normal. I suggest strapping on a FitBit to keep track of your steps.

 
Dog Stairs
A simple way to exercise indoors is to utilize your stairway. Put your dog on a leash and walk up and down the stairs. Take two steps at a time, jog up and down, or walk up sideways to vary the routine.

 
Doga
Dog yoga, often called “doga,” is a wonderful way to stretch and relax – for both owner and dog. Practitioners of doga say it helps them to de-stress and feel connected to their pups.

 
There are many more exercises available for your pet that are not listed here. If you’ve found a fitness routine that your dog is fond of, please continue. The important point of all this, is that your little buddy receives the fitness stimulation needed. This will enable him/her to have a healthy more energetic lifestyle.

 
There is one other perk out of all of this. As your pet benefits from all of this exercise, guess what? You’re benefiting from it as well. What are you waiting for, get up, grab that leash and head out the door!!