Dog Exercise Tips

So you’ve got the dog. And she is as Sosyal as ever. Pampered, cared for, and loved. What more can she need? I think I speak for most dog owners when I say I’d want my best friend to be with me for many, many years. And to have that, I’d need to keep her healthy.

Belle, Conan, and Charisma (all shih-tzus)
playing at Eastwood Mall

When it comes to keeping healthy, dogs are like people I guess. They need to eat right, get enough rest, be best friends with the vet, get their shots… and one other thing… Yep, our little pals need exercise too.

There’s more than a handful of ways to give your dog the workout he needs. Here are just some of them…

Walk!

Dogs love to walk. Around the block, at the mall, wherever. They get to encounter other places, other objects, other people and other dogs even, which helps them become more friendly. This may be the most common of all exercises, and perhaps the most convenient. You don’t need any special equipment at all.

Selfish (shih-tzu) strolling
at Eastwood Mall

Run!

Running a course with your dog is one way to do it. Though this will require you to be capable of running at pace with your dog as well. Yep, they do love to run. So if you have a wide but safely enclosed field or yard, then take your dog off the leash and watch her take off!

Catch!

Whether it’s throwing a ball or tossing a frisbee, playing Go Fetch, is another one of a dog’s favorite games. Just make sure he’ll be running in safe terrain, and that whatever it is he’s catching is made of safe and dog friendly materials.

Jump!

Ginger (brown toy poodle) meeting
a dog-friend at Eastwood Mall

It shouldn’t take much effort to get a dog to jump. It’s not hard to imagine a dog bouncing off the walls almost literally. It’s safer though to have them jump unleashed, to avoid accidentally choking your dog. Just start them off slow and low, and you’ll soon see them set their own bar.

Kick!

Okay, so maybe they won’t be kicking, more of nosing. Another game, but with balls not exactly meant to fit in their mouths. Playing football with them shouldn’t be too alien of an idea. Don’t you ever wonder why the Philippine football team just happened to be called the Askals?

Workout!

There are actually pet gyms in the metro, with equipment like treadmills, hurdles, teeter boards, and more! Plus PTs… Personal Trainers, or Pooch Trainers to perhaps be more accurate. The Vets In Practice wellness center has just one of these pet gyms, which is where we met Yaya Sari with Aria and San Mig.

VIP Pet Hotel and Wellness Center
in Mandaluyong City

VIP pet gym

San Mig (Schnauzer) on the treadmill

These are just a few ideas to get your doggie moving. He can also hike, pull weights, run obstacles, and even dance! But whatever your choice of workout, always remember to respect his limits, keep him hydrated, give him time to rest, and of course, keep it fun… for both of you.

Remember, this exercise thing won’t just be strengthening your little pooch… but your relationship with him as well. That’ll take the work out of working out, and make for a truly Sosyal Dog!