Exercising with your dog is great for you both. Going for regular walks down the park is certainly great but maybe you have a super high energy dog that needs extra stimulation or you just want to go on more adventures together. We thought we’d take a look at a few different activities. Getting out and doing activities that require a bit more involvement are great for both you and your dog. Exercise, fresh air and training are both physically and mentally rewarding and getting your pooch to focus is great for strengthening your bond together.
This blog post is here to inspire and introduce you to a few activities that are out there. Although we have some knowledge and experience of these activities we advise you to always have the safety and heath of you and your dog at the forefront. If you are inspired to get active with your dog please read up about your chosen activity and where possible, chat to your local experts. Any mushing activities, particularly, can be tough on paws and joints so get advice, start steady, don’t push a dog that doesn’t want to go and always have plenty of water available.
Hiking / Backpacking / Hill Bagging
What’s that?
Okay, so this is an obvious start but why not step your regular walks up a notch by venturing further afield, particularly if you spend all week working in the city. Hill bagging is the particular quest to climb and “collect” or tick off peaks. Here in the UK we have the perfect opportunities and a range of adventures to suit your ability.
What do I need?
The ability to travel with your dog and a good pair of boots are the main aspects to consider. Always take layers of clothing, snacks and plenty of water. Even on a nice day, the fell peaks are likely to have a chilly wind and weather can be highly changeable across different valleys. If you have a big strong dog with good health and fitness you can even get them their own backpack to help carry some gear.
The fun
Pushing further afield on your doggy adventures is exciting and rewarding for you and your pooch. They get introduced to new situations, sounds and smells and you will get rewarded with spectacular sights, meeting new people (lots will want to come say hi just because you have your pal) and maybe even a cosy pub stop at the end.
Cani-X / Cani-cross / Running
What’s that?
Cani-X is essentially, upping the game and pace from your regular adventures and taking your dog for a run instead of just a walk. But at it’s heart, as a sport, it links with other mushing activities as your dog is attached to you, can pull and you are a team.
What do I need?
If you have a dog with good re-call and a safe place to train then there’s nothing to stop you just getting out and going for a run with your dog. However, to call it cani-x you’re going to need a well fitted harness for your dog, a bungee style lead and a comfortable walking/running belt to attach you together.
The fun
The fun is up to you and your abilities. This is a good activity if you want to get active and improve your fitness. Having your buddy by your side makes you a team and encourages you to get going. If you have a puller then they can help you up the hills. This is an easy sport to do for fun and you can get active anywhere with any fit and healthy dog – the park, the woods, along a river. Just give the key command to go “HIKE HIKE” (though once you get into it they don’t usually required telling….
Bikejor / Bikejoring / Scooting
What’s that?
Bikejoring and scooting are the easiest and most accessible of the more serious mushing activities to get started with. This involves you riding your bike or scooter with usually, one or two dogs out in front pulling. This is a more serious activity and requires dedication to training and safety for both you and your dog so if you fancy a go, make sure to read up and get advice from those with experience.
What do I need?
Bikejoring can be done with most medium to large breeds that love to pull.
Scooters are the easier method to get started with, as you can buy ready purposely designed ones off the shelf and ready to run such as a Paw Trekker. In both cases the lead is attached to the scooter or bike, rather than yourself. For bikejoring you need good mountain biking skills (you’re going to be off-road to keep those paw pads safe) a good quality mountain bike and an arm attachment to stop the lead falling into the wheels.
With bikejoring having more safety concerns, you may also need to research where you can get out and train. Some parks and wood trails have restrictions and may require a license pass to be acquired to take part.
The fun
Bikejoring, when trained for and carried out safely is fantastic fun. You can’t let your buddy do all the work so it’s still great exercise, particularly uphill, but you’ll be exhilarated getting up to speed. You DO need to be dedicated to training as your dog will need to be sharp on commands to go left and right, pass other people and traffic on the trail safely and possibly…”STOP!” when a squirrel inevitably crosses your path.
Doga
What’s that?
Yes, it’s just what it sounds like and it’s a thing! That’s right, performing Yoga moves in partnership with your pooch is one of the more recent exercise trends. You can learn to perform moves together or by synchronising and performing the shapes at the same time.
What do I need?
Just yourself and a willing participant. You don’t need any special equipment for this one, except maybe a yoga / exercise mat and appropriate clothing. You will however, probably need to join a class to get started.
The fun
This one is all about the relaxation bond with your dog. It’s a great way to train your dog to focus on you and wait for your cue. Doga can be a beneficial way to exercise gently to improve strength and flexibility in animals that are older, nursing injury or have restricted movement.
