Eight exercises to try with your dog

With the Olympics taking place this summer, many of us have been struck by exercise fever, and are looking for ways to stay fit and healthy whilst enjoying the great outdoors. And, if you are a dog owner, why not let your pup in on the fun too?

We have paired up with Dr. Emma Scales-Theobold, PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science, to share eight key forms of exercises you can try out with your pet, as well as any specialist equipment you will need to take with you. So, read on to find out more, alongside other dog-friendly workouts to try indoors.

These exercises are perfect for trying out when staying in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages. Click the button below to check out our full range.

How to introduce your dog to new exercises

Emma advises to introduce any new exercises into your dog’s routine slowly, as they may need to build up their stamina, or take part in some training to enable them to perform the exercise safely.

Watch your dog’s behaviour closely to see if they are nervous about participating, as it may just take time for them to build their confidence.

When trying out any new exercise, remember to take regular breaks, give your dog water, and to give yourself the chance to assess how tired they are. If your dog’s having a lot of fun, they may not show how tired or thirsty they are until you ask them to stop for a break.

Make sure you also have a read of our other guide, with tips from Emma on how to exercise safely with your dog, so you can spot other signs of when they may be struggling.

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Eight exercises to try with your dog

If you are looking to introduce some new exercises into your dog’s routine, then here are some fun activities for you and Fido to enjoy together while you are on holiday.

1. Walking

A classic and low-impact activity for a reason, walking is a great form of exercise for all dogs, and you can tailor it to your pup, and how they are feeling – whether it is a short stroll around the block, or a longer walk around the park.

If you are heading on holiday, make sure you discover our list of the UK’s best dog walks, covering Cornwall to the Cotswolds and beyond.

2. Hiking

For something a little more intense than walking, why not try hiking? We would recommend searching for routes with the ‘miles without stiles’ logo, which indicates that it has easy access without any steps, stiles or deep gradients… after all, you do not want to be hauling your Dobermann over every single stile!

Whether you are looking for a Yorkshire cottage that is dog-friendly, or a pet-friendly cottage in the Peak District, there will be lots of picturesque hikes nearby, whether it is through the Yorkshire Dales, Dovestone Reservoir, or somewhere else entirely.

3. Jogging

Build your dog’s stamina by jogging together, to get their (and your!) heart pumping. Join the #runningwithdogs community on TikTok and take part yourself – whether it is jogging along the seafronts of Whitby or Brighton, or taking a canal route instead like Forth and Clyde.

4. Catch

Another great form of exercise for you and your dog is a good old-fashioned game of catch. You can tailor the length of time you play by how energetic your faithful friend is feeling, and with lots of nice green spaces across the country, such as Richmond Park in London, or Roundhay Park in Leeds, you will have loads of opportunities to play together on holiday.

5. Canicross

Canicross is kicking up a storm on trails across the UK, with owners running with their dogs, attached by a bungee. The result? A whole lot of fun and calories burnt – provided your pup has the stamina for it.

Some of the best canicross routes in the country include Kinglsey Green and the Forest of Dean; whether you are embarking on a dog-friendly holiday in North Wales or Norfolk, there is sure to be a trail near you.

6. Paddleboarding

A great form of exercise when the weather is warm, paddleboarding will take a little longer to train your dog to sit and balance on the board with you, but it is extremely rewarding!

Make sure your furry friend always wears a doggy lifejacket to stay safe, and opt for swimming in lakes instead of seas, where there can be stronger undercurrents or tides.

7. Agility and frisbee

Agility and frisbee are other great exercising options for both humans and hounds, and you can tailor them to suit you both in terms of stamina.

With options such as Hampstead Heath in London, Birkenhead Park in Merseyside, and Birmingham’s Sutton Park, there is no end of parks to partake in some frisbee with your pet.

8. Puppy yoga

An ideal activity that can be done inside and outdoors (all you need is a yoga mat!), your dog will no doubt love to join you for some yoga. They can either sit and watch, or get involved in some of the positions themselves, with the standing forward bend one an easy position to try with your dog. Reward them with treats and tummy tickles, and watch as they become calmer and stress-free over time!

And if that is not enough, why not try surfing or bike riding? Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous (and there is enough snow), you and your pooch could even try skiing together!

Emma notes that hiking and jogging can be some of the easier exercises to pick up together, with many dogs also enjoying swimming in a dog-friendly pool. And, with a little training, you could soon get your dogs out on a bike ride or rollerblading.

If you and your dog are doing a more ‘people-centred’ exercise together, then it is important to keep a close eye on your dog to make sure they are enjoying themselves, and are not struggling. For example, if you are paddleboarding, it will take your dog time to be able to sit and stay on a paddleboard, compared to hiking, where they can take to it naturally.

Equipment to pack when exercising with your dog

Exercises such as cycling, running or canicross can require special harnesses and leads; and if you are exercising in water, getting a life jacket for your dog can help to keep them safe and calm.

Typically, your dog might enjoy wearing a raincoat in cold, wet and windy conditions, but they may not want to wear one when exercising, as they could get too hot. If this is the case, make sure you keep a coat or towel handy so you can dry them off after and they do not lose too much body heat, or get too cold.

Wet and windy conditions can also result in low visibility; a reflective harness or collar, high-visibility coat, or a light for their collar are all essentials, so you can always see your dog.

Exercise away from home

While you can get into an exercise routine at home, a staycation will provide you and your pet with uninterrupted time to play together. For fun and frolics, why not book a stay in one of our luxury dog-friendly cottages – just make sure all mucky paws are clean, and pups are dry before you head back into your holiday cottage!

Emma Scales-Theobald PhD MSc

A canine behaviour and nutrition consultant who provides regular expert advice to Canine Cottages on the subjects of canine health and behaviour. She holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science from the University of Surrey, as well as an MSc in Animal Behaviour from the University of Exeter.