Sometimes, it’s easier said than done to get your pet to exercise. One day they are full of energy and can’t wait to get outside, the next they’d rather just sleep in the corner all day.

So how do you get them up on their feet and running around on the latter days? After all, the more active they are, the healthier their bodies.

So with this in mind, here are 5 tricks to get your pet to exercise more.

1. Classes

First up is getting your pet into a class. Not only are they great because they will get good exercise, but they also allow your pet to socialize with others. 

There are so many different types of classes available; if they like to get in the water, put them into a swimming class; if they like to be around other pets, sign them up to something like flyball.

It may be worth considering an agility class to get them up and running. This will help them in their everyday life too.

Do some research online and see what kind of classes are available in your area. Dog gyms are one option as they offer specific classes and other ways to get your pet active. Plus, you can get to know other pet owners and get tips on what they do to get your pet to exercise more. 

2. Tug-Of-War And Fetch

Dogs love these games. They’ve been played for centuries and for good reason – they are great for getting your pet active. Plus, you can play them inside if you have enough room in your house. But even if you only restricted space, all you need is a hallway to get them involved.

Start by throwing their favorite tennis ball or toy. However, instead of just waiting for them to chase it themselves, challenge them to a race to get it first. You’ll have a lot of fun yourself. Of course, try and let them win. Use a softer ball or toy so you don’t damage anything valuable.

Tug-of-war is another great game to get your pet to exercise more. You don’t need any extra equipment to start. All it takes is some rope or an old piece of cloth and you’re good to go. This particular game is great to teach your dog self-control too. 

If you do decide to play tug-of-war, just bear in mind that it can come with some added risk. The competitive nature of the game may bring out your pet’s aggressive side. Make sure you have developed trust and respect between the two of you before you enroll.

3. Hide And Seek

Next up is hide and seek. It’s great if you have kids too as the whole family can get involved and take turns hiding and seeking in the house. Stock up on your pet’s favorite treats before playing this game (perhaps the kids’ too so they don’t feel left out.) 

In terms of getting the dog in the game, the people who are hiding should call the dog by their name. Once they’ve been found, they should reward the dog with a treat. All that’s left to do is restart and play the game all over again.

It’s a lot of fun, the dog will get the exercise they need and allows everyone to bond even more with their best friend.

4. Organize A Playdate

Playdates are great for keeping your pets entertained and up on their feet. Invite your friend’s furry friend over and have the group of you hang out for a while. It could even be for a group walk at the park. While you and your friend catch up, your dogs will be running around with each other, burning off their built-up energy.

Pack some toys with you and they’ll have a great time. Make sure the toys are different for both pets though as they could get confused and tussle over it.

You could arrange to make it a regular activity. At least once a week, you all get together and head to the park for some group fun.

5. Running On A Treadmill

If you’re in a hurry and you haven’t got time to take your dog out for a walk or play inside, get them on the treadmill. 

You have two options here: you can use the one you have at home or you can take them with you to the gym (assuming they accept pets inside, of course.)

If it’s their first time on the treadmill, they need some time to get used to how it works. Set the machine to a very low speed so they can get the hang of it. When they’re comfortable, start increasing the speed to a brisk walk and then up to a steady jog. This will give them a great workout.

If you have access to another treadmill, you could even hop on next to your dog and run together. Your dog will feel more encouraged to keep going if they notice you’re doing the same thing.

Now, if you don’t own a treadmill or don’t have a gym membership, but still think they’d benefit from the walk, there’s a specific market dedicated to dog treadmills. They tend to be better than normal treadmills as they’re smaller so they require less room in your house to set up.

With all this said, never force your pet to stay on the treadmill if they’re getting too tired or not enjoying it. As you can see from this list, there are plenty of other tricks to get your pet to exercise more.

Conclusion

These five tricks will have your pet up and at it without them even realizing what they’re doing. Some of them you can do with little to no effort on your part, others you can get involved and have some fun of your own. No matter which one you choose, your pet will benefit from the activity.