Small dogs may not have as much energy as bigger dogs, but they still need exercise. It’s not just their size you need to take into consideration when wondering how to exercise your dog – their age is a big factor in limiting how much exercise they can do. Ask your vet if you are unsure about how much exercise your small dogs should be getting.
Exercising your dog can get boring for you and your dog, so we have come up with some innovative ways you can exercise your small dog.
Walking
First things first, there are some basic things you can do that are simple to learn but will be good for your dog. For example, small dog sections in specified dog parks can be a great way for your dog can get off their leash to exercise and socialise with other dogs of a similar size without the worry of them getting injured by bigger dogs.
If you are maybe unsure about the type of walk you should be taking your dog on, how about investing in a dog walker? They will know what kind of walk is suitable for your small pup and will be there to keep an eye on them around the other dogs, without you having the stress of doing it yourself.
Indoor Swimming
If you have the luxury of having a pool that’s great, but it’s even greater for your dog! But if you’re not lucky enough to have your own pool, for small dogs a decent-sized bath can act as a swimming pool for them. This is a great way to control your dog in the water and get them used to swimming before taking them out to a larger mass of water.
If you are a big fan of being out in the water and maybe do canoeing or kayaking as a hobby, how about you take your dog out there? If you trust your dog enough to sit on the front of your canoe or kayak, then this is a great way of getting them out into the open water and bonding with them. If they are competent swimmers, you can let them jump off and swim about to get their much-needed exercise.
Doga
This one is weird, but if you want to spend more quality time with your dog, how about taking them to a doggy yoga class? Affectionately known as Doga, these classes work mostly the same as human classes. The dogs will be taught a range of body postures, expressions, and actions which will ultimately leave them feeling calmer.
If you don’t want to go to a class with your dog, there is a range of Doga classes to be found on YouTube. If your dog has had an injury, doga can also be a great way to rehabilitate them as the stretching can relieve muscle tension, which in turn relieves pain.
Obstacle Course
Creating a small obstacle course at home is a fun way to get your dog exercising without having to take them to an agility course where they may not be able to use some of the obstacles due to their size. Using simple things you have around the house such as cushions, blankets, or chairs, you can create tunnels or jumps. Train them lots and next year you could enter them for Crufts!
Treadmill
Most gyms will not allow dogs, but if you have a treadmill at home, you can take your dog on a walk without leaving the house. You just have to make sure they are safe on there without a lead on. Make sure it is at a slow speed and feed them treats from the front to make sure they stay focused. If you don’t have a human one, you can buy specialist pet treadmills.
Hopefully, this article has given you some great ideas on how to keep your little doggy entertained and energised. Exercise is a must for your dog, big or small, but they can just be as bored as you with the same old walks and need to have some difference and excitement in their lives.
