How to get your lazy dog active and exercising

Though some breeds can be less active than others, all kinds of dogs should do some form of exercise for 45 minutes at least once a day to stay healthy. Here are some tips. 

If your dog is not motivated to move around or seems bored by exercise, get him excited by using food dispensing toys like a rubber kong. A rubber kong is a nontoxic, dishwasher safe rubber toy with a hollow center. Kongs come in a variety of sizes, from very small to very large, and you can buy a kong at most pet stores. You can stuff your dog’s kong with his favourite food, for example peanut butter or cheese, as well as with dog treats. He will then be motivated to chew on the kong and play with it.

Another good way to get your lazy dog to exercise is to hide his kibble or dry food around the house while he is outside or in his crate. Then, release him and encourage him to go on a kibble hunt. You can start by making the kibble easy to find so your dog gets the hang of the game. Over time, you can hide his food in more hard to find spots to challenge him to keep hunting. 

Most dogs display some interest in other dogs. They will naturally respond to their peers by circling, sniffing, and perhaps playing with them. Introduce your dog to another in the neighbourhood or a friend’s pet and arrange a play date. This will motivate your dog to run around, if only to figure out who this new play mate is and mark his territory.

If your dog is just starting to learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come, you can introduce clicker training to motivate him to participate in training sessions and do some exercise. You can also use clicker training on a dog who already knows basic commands and encourage him to try more advanced commands. A clicker is an animal training device that you hold in the palm of your hand, with a metal tongue that makes a sound when you push down on it. You can buy clickers at your local pet store. 

If your dog isn’t big on running far for toys or balls, stimulate him in a small space indoors by playing tug and fetch. Use a tug toy that is made of fleece or soft rope that is three feet long. Find a long hallway in your home or an empty space where you and your dog can play this simple but effective game.