💪🏻 Switch Up Your Dog’s Fitness Routine

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Training when you need it, where you need it!

One-on-one dog training is the most effective means to address severe behavioral problems like anxiety, house training, and leash reactivity

However, in-home training with a professional dog trainer can be expensive, and finding a time that works for everyone can be difficult. Virtual Leash offers the same benefits as in-home dog training with a lower price tag and more flexibility.

Most resources recommend dogs receive 30-120 minutes of exercise daily, depending on the breed. Southern Living explains that energetic breeds, like border collies, require more exercise than smaller breeds, like toy poodles.

Does that mean you should be taking your pup for a daily 2-hour hike? Not necessarily. First, talk to your vet about your dog’s individual needs. Factors like breed, age, size, and overall health will determine how much activity is right for your dog.

Once you have that information, your vet will likely recommend breaking your dog’s fitness routine into smaller chunks throughout the day. Keep reading to learn about some of the more creative ways to keep your dog fit—and how it can help your dog’s training journey, too.

Poll Results

We asked, and you answered! Most of our readers use a flat nylon leash (and luckily no one uses string).

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Modern Exercises for Modern Dogs

The Figure-Eight Stretch

Stretching is a great way to warm up your dog’s muscles. The Figure-Eight Stretch is a favorite of the AKC, and it’s also the perfect way to provide your dog with some exercise on a rainy day in a very small space.

As you continue, you’ll be able to associate a command with this trick, like “weave” or “eight,” and only reward once the movement is completed. It’s a fun trick, keeps your dog active, and helps improve their focus.

Cavaletti Rails

You can have a lot of fun with Cavaletti training, and all you need are some Dollar Tree cones and sticks to get started. The benefits for your dog include focus, joint flexion and extension, and cardiovascular exercise.

This video and article from Canine Conditioning Coach explain how to properly space the cones and rails for your pup.

Burpees

We’ve discussed how you can get fit while exercising your dog, and the woman in the video below has taken that sentiment to heart. However, you don’t have to do burpees to teach your dog burpees. Lure them into a down position, then into a jump, and then down again. Be sure to attach a command to it, and eventually your dog will be swol—or at least really healthy and happy.

Poll

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

No new recalls to announce! 🥳

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendations

As Fitzroy Vet Hospital explains, regular exercise helps prevent:

• Obesity

• Respiratory issues

• Joint problems

• High blood pressure

• Digestive problems

• Boredom

Click here to read the full article.

Treats

• 🤳 Young cowboy teaches his dog to slide and take a selfie: Watch this young boy tell his cattle dog, Blue, to go down a slide and then hop onto his shoulder for a selfie, then feeds him a fat carrot.

• 🐼 The viral panda costumer: Watch how one woman’s “pet” project for her pup turned into a viral video and a line of costumes.

Want your dog to be featured?

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Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!