Let’s Get Physical! ‘Doga’ And Other Pet-Friendly Exercise Ideas

Here at Jetpets, we love keeping up with the latest pet trends! This month, we’re looking at some great pet-friendly exercise ideas.

Are you heading away with your pet in the near future? Whether you’re travelling around, or taking a much-deserved vacation with your pet in tow – it’s always a great idea to stay active whilst away. Keeping your dog active whilst you’re out of your normal routine will help to make sure they’re comfortable in their new surrounds, and it will make you feel energised too! So what are some great pet-friendly exercise ideas to try out next time you’re away?

Pet Friendly Exercises | Pet Tips | Helpful Hints | Jetpets | Pet Movers

Doga

Yep, you heard us right, Doga! Think yoga, but you get to hang out with man’s best friend at the same time! Yoga is a great way to relax, de-stress and strengthen – and it does all this for your dog too! Doga is all about connecting and relaxing with your dog, and helping you work together as one. Try starting off with downward facing dog every morning with your dog!

Many Doga classes ask humans to stroke and massage their dogs, breathe with them and sometimes perform some light stretching. Other classes simply involve the dogs being there, present alongside other dogs and humans in a calm, friendly setting.

But you don’t need to head off to a Doga class to get involved. Why not simply try starting off with downward facing dog every morning with your dog!

Hikes

When travelling with your pets, forming a holiday routine is of paramount importance to maintain their energy, their diet and keeping them happy. If you normally go for a daily walk, or a weekly hike, then try and keep this routine going while on holiday. Going on hikes is also one of the best ways to experience a new place!

Stair running

Stair runs are a great way to get a cardio workout in for you and your pet whilst on holidays! Head down to the local park, and see what type of stairs, or inclines you can find. Changing it up between steep, short stairs, and longer stairs will ensure that you get a full body work out. Try changing up the pace to keep your pup engaged!

Agility Training

Agility training is a great way to get your dog’s brain working, as well as getting their daily cardio in! Of course, you may not always have access to an agility track, otherwise why not make your own! Position sticks for your dog to jump over, get them to jump up onto park benches, and run around trees. You’re both sure to work up a sweat! 

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way for you to bond with your pup! Not only does it take core strength, it also takes quite a lot of cooperation between you and your pet. Here’s a few steps to help you and your pup become SUP pros:

  1. Bring treats with you to the beach!
  2. Help your dog feel comfortable around the board and paddle first. Use treats to reward them for sitting near, or on the board
  3. When they’re comfortable, float the board in the water with your pup on it, remember to reward them for all good behaviour!
  4. Sit on the board with your pup and float around, so they can find their balance with you on the board too!
  5. You’re ready to go! Remember to start slow, and reward your pup as you go.

No matter your dog’s skill level, it’s always a great idea to hire them a doggy-life jacket, just to be safe. 

Pet Friendly Exercises | Pet Tips | Helpful Hints | Jetpets | Pet Movers

How do you and your pet stay active whilst travelling? Let us know your best tips on our Facebook page.

Fun ways to mix up your exercise routine with your animals

One of our favourite ways to motivate ourselves to exercise is to take our pets with us, but sometimes even that can get a little dull when walking the same path, or running around the same oval, day after day!

 This year, make a resolution to mix up your exercise routine with your animals so you both can have some fun bonding and reaping the health benefits of physical exercise.

Here are some great ideas:

Dog And Owner Walking - Fun ways to mix up your exercise routine with your animals

Try somewhere new:

Perhaps one of the most simplest and easiest ways to have fun when you exercise with your pets is to try a new location. This could be taking your dogs to the beach, on a hike, or to a new park you’ve been dying to find the time to go to.

Let your dog guide you:

Instead of leading your animal, let your dog do all the steering and see where you end up. If you are in a secure location and your dog is highly responsive when called, let them off the leash and see where they wander. Otherwise, just hold the leash a little looser and let them wander at their free will. You may be surprised where you go!

Go running:

Most dogs love to run, so why not get fit and have them join in too. It doesn’t matter where you go, or if you choose a long distance run or some fast sprints across the oval. They will love to chase you and will push you to run harder and faster! If you do choose sprinting, make sure your pet follows you by giving them a treat and showing them the second treat to encourage them to chase you. We guarantee they will follow you!

Play a game:

We all know dogs love to chase the ball at the park, so why not chase it with them? Throw the ball at a large distance and try and sprint to beat them to the ball. Do that 10 times and you’ve added a great high intensity workout into your routine for both you and your pet.

Climb stairs:

This killer exercise is so great! Stair climbing gets your heart beating while working your legs and glutes. This exercise is also great for high-energy dog breeds who don’t get satisfied at the park. Why not choose stairs near a beach so you can work out, and then both of you can cool down in the ocean afterwards?

Go swimming:

As the hot weather is well and truly here, going swimming will exercise you and your pet and cool you down as well. You can play fetch in the water, or bring along a friend and play piggy in the middle with your dog who will love to chase the ball!

What kind of exercise do you do with your pets? Share your favourite activity with us on Facebook!