How to Give a Pitbull a Workout

If you're looking for a couch potato dog, the pit bull is not for you. This energetic breed needs daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Bored pit bulls are destructive pit bulls, so don't bring one home unless you can dedicate time and energy each day to helping your pit bull get the vigorous exercise it needs. You should also be prepared to offer your pit bull a way to keep its intelligent mind occupied when you aren't exercising.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Dog toys
  • Bones or chews
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your pit bull for at least two walks every day. These walks should be between 20 and 30 minutes each. An adult pit bull should be walked at least half a mile, if not more, every single day. Time spent on the leash can give your pit bull both physical exercise and mental stimulation as it is exposed to new environments.

    • 2

      Go jogging, hiking or swimming with your pit bull. A healthy pit bull has the stamina to engage in strenuous exercise. If you are an active individual, take your pit bull along on your outings to help it burn its extra energy and get the workout it needs. A brisk jog, long hike or swimming at the pond can take the place of one or both daily walks.

    • 3

      Play with your pit bull every day. These dogs aren't just energetic. They are playful and affectionate and crave one-on-one attention from their humans. Spend time in the yard playing fetch or tug-of-war. This will help your pit bull get physical exercise and give it an outlet for instinctive behaviors such as chasing, shaking, shredding and chewing.

    • 4

      Enroll your pit bull in canine competition sports. Pit bulls are intelligent and they love to learn. Canine sports can provide a physical and mental challenge for your pit bull. Research the different sports to find out which are best for you and your pit bull. The breed often excels at weight pull and disc dog, but your dog might also enjoy agility, dock diving or rally competitions.

    • 5

      Provide a variety of toys, chews and bones for your pit bull when you aren't actively exercising. These will give your pit bull something to keep its mind occupied. Mental stimulation is as important for a pit bull as physical exercise, as a bored pit bull can develop habits such as destructive chewing, barking, digging or whining.