12 Easy and Creative Ways to Stay Active with your Dog

With everyone being cooped up at home on quarantine, we know that we need to exercise at some point, and our pups need to be walked too. Some dog breeds need up to two hours of daily exercise! But could there be a better way to integrate the two to make it fun and efficient for both pup and pet parent?!

Being both a lover of efficiency and a lover of dogs, I set out to answer this question for myself and Toto, since Wheaten Terriers are notoriously high drive, hyper dogs ( especially when they are in their teenage years, like Toto is)!

The obvious first things that came to mind were jogging. I got geared up, ready in my running outfit, with my pup, good to go. However, once we got outside and onto the path I quickly realized that (and Terrier owners will likely know this) is that Terrier breeds are not particularly keen on runs! They like to do their own thing: sniff around, dig some holes, and investigate. Toto kept biting the leash, going very slow, being distracted like he is, and overall not that enthusiastic! What a bummer, since this type of activity would have been perfect (in my mind!). 
Next, I thought of agility courses. But depending on where you are located, that may not always be available or free either. So being the problem solver that I like to call myself, I came up with some alternative ideas of what you can do if your dog is an adult, pup, older breed, small breed, or just likes to be a little unconventional! 

First, some words of caution:
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• Do not run/jog with puppies until they reach at least a year old or what is advised by your vet. Their limbs do not finish developing until that age, and can lead to chronic pain in the long term
• Be mindful of your dog's condition, and do not force them to do something if they are scared or uncomfortable to do it
• Some breeds are prone to overheating. If it's a hot day then it's better to go early in the morning or evening. Make sure your dog gets plenty of fresh water during the activity

Activities for ALL Dogs (Puppies, Older Dogs, Small Breeds included)

1. AGILITY
You don't need to live close to a fancy agility course to get creative! Do some exploring of your neighbourhood parks, and community area for any features such as: 

• Logs - Try to see if your dog can walk on one
• Barriers/Shelves - Get your pup to hop on on these and run/walk along side them. Just be sure that the wall or barrier is not higher than what your dog can jump up onto, in case they need to jump down
• Large Rocks/Boulders or Tree trunks - Do a little climbing with your pup! Just make sure you have a safe way back down
• Tree stumps or platforms - See if you can get your pup up on one and sitting - which can be rewarded with a treat
• Tunnels - Depending on the size, you can both go through or just your pup! Just make sure you know what's on the other end first! 
• Gates - Running through gates or around obstacles can really up the mental game for your dog. Be careful, especially with puppies, as they can get distracted and not keep up - so you should go at their pace, not yours.

2. SWIM
If you live close to a lake, beach, or river and your pup isn't shy of the water it is a great option. I highly recommend using a lifejacket for dogs unless you are confident in your dog's swimming ability. Another option is going to a dog swim center (if that is available to you). It's basically like an indoor pool for dogs! 

3. TRAIL WALKS / HIKES / SNOWSHOE
This is a great activity for all ages and dog breeds. Picking a trail that is suited for both your ability and your pup's is crucial, and packing the right gear for the type and length of trip. Extra water and a bowl, and a jacket or booties (if your dog gets cold) is a must if going on a longer trail. Be sure to do a little research ahead of time to check if the trail you have in mind is dog friendly. Here are some more tips:

• Tell some one you trust where you are going and what time you will be back, in case of an emergency
• Be trail smart - keep your dog on a leash unless the trails explicitly allow dogs off leash. Bear spray could be a good idea if there are wild animals in the area.
• Pick up your dog's poop and carry the bags out with you. Nothing like seeing a bunch of poop bags left on a trail. 
• Start small and build you way up.

​4. DOG TAG
Take turns running from your dog, and chasing him/her. Some dogs may not catch on at first, but if you bring great enthusiasm and a toy or treat, you could turn this into a fun active game!

Activities for Adolescent and Adult Dogs

5. HILL TRAINING
Got a hill nearby? This high intensity activity could be turned into interval training and fun for your pup! It can vary from running to walking, running up and walking down, or vice versa. Try for 3 sets of 3 hill climbs, taking a few minutes rest in between. Be mindful of the terrain conditions as to not injure yourself, especially in wet or cold weather.

6. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Dogs love when their humans go at their pace (which is often running)! Some Nordic centers allow dogs, on certain portions of the trails. If not, you might be able to find a public golf course or field that is suitable for cross country skiing with your dog. Bring all the necessary gear such as water and jackets based on your dog's needs.

7. ALPINE SKIING (BACKCOUNTRY)
For those who are familiar with backcountry skiing, and are doing a mellow day in easy terrain, this could be an opportunity to bring your pup along. Bringing the right gear for you and your pup is crucial, so i would only recommend this to those that have backcountry skiing training, experience, and winter travel experience with their dog already. A dog beacon could be great if you have one in case there is deep powder, or your dog gets separated. Tell somewhere where you are headed, what time you will be back, and bring lots of poop bags! ​

8. STAIR RUNNING
Whether this is outdoors, inside your condo building, or the stairs inside your home, it is a great way to build a sweat and tire out your pup! Bring lots of water for the both of you, and avoid hot sunny days. Try starting small and building your way up - such as first walking and then building up to a run - doing 3 sets of 3 flights with a few minutes rest in between.

9. DANCING
I didn't know about this concept until I saw a show about it on Netflix, where apparently there are fierce competitions internationally in dog dancing. It might be worth getting some inspiration first from video's online, but start with throwing on your favourite tune, and twirling, side hopping, getting down low, and shuffling along side your pup. The energy and excitement is sure to get them engaged! 

10. JOGGING / TRAILRUN
Despite my initial failure to run with Toto, I began training him with treats and positive reinforcement to encourage him to run. When he was doing well and when he responded to my command to "come" then I would reward him. This also went for "leave it" in case he got distracted by other dogs, or things on the ground. Slowly, we are working our way up, but it's still a challenge. I also recommend starting out small and working your way up in this activity, especially if you have not run for a while, or have never taken your dog on runs. Avoid hot sunny days, as both you and especially your pup can get heat stroke. Some breeds are more sensitive to heat than others, so it's not something to be taken lightly. If your dog is panting hard, or stops frequently for rest - it means time to call it quits, and get him/her some water and shade fast. ​

11. STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
If this is your forte, or something you just want to try, I recommend getting you and your pup equipped with a life jacket and starting our paddling on your knees. From there, work your way up to standing, and eventually cruising. You will both be working on your core and balance, and might take the occasional dip! 

12. CAMPING OR MULTI DAY BACKPACKING
Saving this one for last, as it is the activity that requires the most planning and prep work. But if done right, it could be amazingly rewarding! Also recommended for those who have experience with camping and/or backpacking, and now wish to bring their pup along for the adventure! Here are some tips on organizing a single or multi-day trip:

• Bring the dog essentials, such as enough food, water, bowls, jackets, and snacks to last the time you will be travelling
• Make a plan on where your dog will sleep: In your tent, in their own tent, or elsewhere. I do not recommend that dogs sleep in cars due to the temperature fluctuations, nor outside due to wild animals and bugs. Regardless of which tent your dog will stay in, bring an insulated pad (such as the blue foam pads or old foldable thermarest to keep your pup off the cold ground. Depending on the season, you may also consider a special sleeping bag for dogs, a blanket, or a dog coat for added warmth at night. Personally, I prefer my pup to sleep in the tent beside me so I can always check up on him if conditions chance, or animals are present.
• Let someone you trust know where and how long you are going for, in case of emergency
• Check trail conditions ahead of time, and make sure the trail allows dogs. Follow the rules if dogs must be leashed, and pick up and carry out all poop.
• Having done doses of anti flee and tick medication is good, as those suckers can latch on quick and leave some nasty surprises for you afterwards
• If you have the means, purchasing a doggie backpack can help you share some of the extra weight you may have to carry
• Paw balm or wax (although never having tried this myself) can help to reduce and prevent wear on the paw pads
• Take lots of pictures of your epic adventure!

Hopefully this has given some you some inspiration to get outside and start exploring! 
If you have some ideas you'd like to share that I haven't mentioned here, please let us know!