Do you have an energetic dog? Are you looking for ways to get your dog more active each day? You've come to a good place.
When my dog's younger, I found it difficult to keep up. She was not tired at all by our daily walk; in fact, it seemed to energize her even more. She was very clear that a two-hour walk would not be enough. She needed to do a lot more exercising.
I began experimenting to see which exercises were most likely to exhaust her. Luckily, I discovered a few. The best part is? These activities are great for quick breaks during the day. They will provide your dog with a lot of exercise in a short time. Here are 5 ways to exhaust your dog quickly.
1. Flirt Pole
A flirt pole will help you tire your dog out quickly. A flirt pole, also known as a stick, is a pole that has a lure at the end. The lure will move as you rotate the pole, which will entice your dog to chase it. They're also a great way to get your dog moving and stimulate their mind. Here's a fantastic video showing one in use.
Flirtpoles allow your dog to use its natural instinct for chasing in a safe and non-destructive way. For those of us that have trouble keeping up with their dogs, this is a great activity because your dog does the work. You will see your dog running around like crazy as you move the lure for them.
Your dog will be exhausted after a couple of minutes with a flirtpole. Because it is such a high-impact activity, keep sessions short in order to avoid injury.
You can find flirt poles at most pet shops. There are also plenty of them on Amazon. Or you can create your own with pvc pipe, bungee cord, and a dog's toy.
2. Frisbee
Frisbee can be compared to fetch, if you could throw well. A frisbee can be thrown much further than a football, which is good for physical exercise. You can't make it easier than standing and tossing the frisbee, while your dog does the work.
Start with a soft frisbee if your dog isn't sure how to catch one. If your dog is accidentally hit with a traditional frisbee, it could discourage him from trying to catch one. Toss the frisbee short distances, or roll it on the floor and encourage your dog whenever they show an interest.
3. Tug of war
My favorite game with Laika is tug. It's good exercise for your dog and a great way to teach them good behavior. Remember to stick to one rule when playing the tug: The game ends if your dog touches your skin. This rule can be difficult for puppies who haven't yet learned bite inhibition. Remember to teach your dog not to bite when you are playing tug.
It's a great way to exercise your dog and, if you have a large dog, it can also be incredibly challenging for you. Don't forget to store your tug toys after you play. Most are made of materials like rope that dogs can easily destroy. I've done this mistake several times and that's why we have so many tug toys.
4. Chasing Bubbles
Teach your dog to chase bubbles. Laika loves it. If I had to guess, I would say that it is probably Laika’s favorite game. (If she could speak I could confirm this). She gets excited as soon as I walk over to the sink in the kitchen where there are bubbles.
Start by blowing bubbles one at a time if your dog isn't familiar with the process. Encourage your dog to chase the bubbles by pointing them out. You can catch some bubbles to show your dog that it's not a problem and that the goal is to grab them before they hit the ground.
There are plenty of bubbles for dogs available on Amazon. The most popular scent is bacon. Although they're not toxic, they can upset a dog's stomach if he eats too many. Because bubbles may irritate your dog's eyes, be sure to clean their face afterward.
5. Playing with the Hose
The hose or sprinklers can be used to exercise your dog if they don't mind water. This was something I discovered by accident when I first tried to wash Laika outside after she had rolled in some gross stuff. She was unable to stand still and chased the water stream.
Some dogs enjoy chasing or biting water coming from a sprinkler or hose. She would chase the hose for hours if I allowed her. It's one of those things where your dog does all the work (or the water bill).
Mental Exercise is Important.
A balance between mental & physical exercise can keep your dog entertained. Your dog's mental and physical needs will be influenced by his age and breed. Laika, a German Shepherd/mix, needs both mental and physical stimulation. I started adding new sessions of play and exercise each day until I found a routine that worked. When your hyper dog begins to relax during the day, you will know that you have found the perfect balance.
Try adding some activities that stimulate the mind to your dog's physical activity. My favorite activities are playing games and food puzzles. Filling a Kong up with peanut butter and frozen may seem simple, but this is a great way to keep your dog entertained for at least 30 minutes.
How much exercise does your dog need?
Does your dog need more than a simple walk? Does your dog receive a combination of mental and physical exercise? What is your favorite way to exercise your dog?