How to Develop Muscles in a Dog

Developing muscles in a dog is a wise way to keep your pet lively and healthy. A common misconception pet owners have is a dog is capable of performing difficult physical activities -- such as running long distances or pulling hard on a chew toy -- with relative ease. This is not the case. A dog, like a person, needs its body to mature before its muscles can fully grow. Training can commence once your dog reaches 18 to 24 months in age.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Frisbee
  • Fabric bone
  • 40-inch metal chain
  • 1- to 10-pound dumbbells
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk your dog on a leash once a day for at least 30 minutes. Throw a Frisbee with your dog to increase physical exertion. Dog-walking and Frisbee playing builds the stamina of your pet.

    • 2

      Play a gentle tug-of-war with your dog using a fabric bone. The tug of war helps the dogs neck, back and leg muscles activate simultaneously. Play tug-of-war at least twice a week with your pet, or as a warm up to weighted harness pulls.

    • 3

      Purchase a weighted pull harness at your local pet store. These harnesses are specially crafted to allow your pet to pull weight without damaging his bones or ligaments. Place the harness onto your dog. Attach a 1- to 3-pound dumbbell to a 40-inch metal chain. Attach the free end of the chain to the harness.

    • 4

      Command your dog to "pull" or "move" with a one-word order. Remain consistent with your command throughout training. Work with the dog for 30 minutes, three times a week, pulling the weight. Reward the dog for its workout with treats and love. Once the current weight becomes effortless for your pet to pull, increase the weight, up to a maximum of 10 pounds

    • 5

      Grip your dog's back right ankle. Move the back right leg up and down by hand 10 times in a row. Continue with every additional leg to help the pet build range-of-motion muscles. Repeat range-of-motion exercises at least three times a week.