How to Make Your Dog Get Stronger

Modern dogs, like their owners, are often flabby and out of shape. Fortunately for both dogs and their owners, getting them into shape can be fun for both parties ̵1; and it might also have the fringe benefit of helping the owner get slim and fit as well. The best part of exercising your dog for strength and fitness is that it consists of more than just boring walks around the block. Some exercises are more like games, turning exercise time into playtime.

Things You'll Need

  • Thick foam mattress or pad slightly longer and wider than your dog
  • Toy
  • Treats
  • Leash and collar
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to the vet for a physical and cardiovascular exam. No dog should start an exercise program without first being examined to determine if it has physical flaws that might prevent it from exercising comfortably.

    • 2

      Warm up before every strenuous exercise session. Take a short walk before a jogging session or play a short game of keep-away before an all-out game of fetch.

    • 3

      Let your dog relieve itself before starting its exercise sessions. Your dog will be more relaxed and more willing to cooperate with you if it is comfortable.

    • 4

      Build your dog̵7;s core strength. Start with mild exercise and increase the demands you place on your dog. According to physical therapist Susan Davis, some core-building exercises include playing ̶0;wheelbarrow̶1; with your dog and holding your dog by its front paws or upper arms up to ̶0;dance̶1; with it. Using a toy to encourage your dog to roll from side to side will also help it develop its core strength.

    • 5

      Build your dog̵7;s balance and leg strength. Start by standing your dog on the foam pad. It should be standing in a relaxed fashion, squarely on all four legs. Pick up one paw at a time, starting with the front paws, picking one up, pausing for a couple of seconds and putting it down. Repeat the process with the rear paws. Repeat the process with the second front paw and then with each of the rear paws. Once your dog is comfortable with your lifting individual paws, progress to lifting a front paw on one side of your dog̵7;s body and a rear paw on the other side, lifting both at the same time. Finally, lift both paws on the same side of your dog̵7;s body at the same time.

    • 6

      Develop your dog̵7;s lung capacity. Start by walking your dog for short distances ̵1;10 minutes provides a good start. Gradually increase the distance that both of you walk until you are walking briskly for approximately 30 minutes. If you feel the need to jog with your dog, do so only for short distances. Precede and follow your jogging sessions with brief warm-up and cool-down walks of about 10 minutes each.