The best exercises you can do with your dog

9th April 2016

The warmer months are just around the corner and that means one thing: getting that beach body ready. Well, picnics and Pimms are also included!

Not everyone’s a fan of running (us included), so we find ourselves on a never-ending search of finding alternative, yet creative ways to exercise and feel the burn.

Never ones to leave our canine companions out, we’ve listed our top five ways to exercise with our dog in tow:

Doga

Prefer the serene and chilled-out vibes of yoga? You’re not alone. A craze in 2015, yoga with your dog – or doga – is all about connecting with your dog on higher spiritual levels. Namaste.

Average calories burned per hour:

Vinyasa = 594
Bikram = 477
Ashtanga = 351
Hatha = 189

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Paddle boarding

Whether you stand up or sit down, paddle boards are a great workout for the abs and inner core. If you’re lucky enough to have access to water and your pooch is a good swimmer, then a paddle boarding is perfect to enjoy with your canine co-pilot.

Average calories burned per hour:

Casual speed = 300 – 430
Racing speed = 615 – 710

via GIPHY

Skateboarding

If water’s not your thing and you were a Skater kid of the 1980s and 1990s then it’s highly likely you had a skateboard. Skateboarding’s a surprisingly good workout for the full body and improves coordination. Vans at the ready…

Average calories burned per hour: 430

via GIPHY

Running

Running’s a great workout for strengthening muscles and ideal for improving cardiovascular fitness levels. All you need is a decent pair of trainers and away you go!

Average calories burned per mile (1.6km): 100 – 120

via GIPHY

If you’re a runner and find dogs have a habit of chasing you, then it’s important to follow these steps if attacked by a dog:

stand completely still and avoid staring at the dog.
if the dog manages to knock you down on the floor – immediately lie on your side, curl up into a ball protecting your head, neck and stomach with your arms and hands.
stay perfectly still.

Reacting in the most boring way you possibly can will mean that the dog will lose interest in you. Don’t forget to report it to the police.

Cycling

Cycling with your dog in tow is the perfect exercise for high-energy pups like Collies, Greyhounds, Whippets, Weimaraners, Vizslas and Dobermans.

If you’re thinking this isn’t for you because your pooch has a tendency to chase squirrels or anything that moves, then you can buy a cycle mount to absorb the shock of any sharp pulling from your dog.