Fat Dog Games

While exercise is vital for the health of all dogs, your overweight dog may have a more difficult time when beginning a new exercise program. Games make the transition easier for him and allow him to lose weight at a gradual pace. Remember that any bit of exercise helps and will allow him to be a healthier dog.

  1. Fetch

    • As an old standby, fetch is a game most dogs love. Simply throw your dog's favorite toy a short distance and run to the toy with him. Seeing you run toward his toy will give him the extra motivation to run a little faster. Gradually increase the distance you throw the toy. Use a variety of toys in order to see which gives your dog the most pleasure. Stop before he gets too tired or he'll lose motivation and won't want to play again.

    Swimming

    • Fetch in the water gives your overweight dog two different types of fun.

      Take your overweight dog swimming. This exercise is easier on his joints. Throw a bit of fun into it by throwing a floating toy out for him to fetch. Make sure that your dog knows how to swim before allowing him out in the water.

    Tug of War

    • Tug of war is a wonderful game to reinforce your authority and work on the "take" and "release" commands. Since this game gets most dogs hyped up, it's a great form of exercise. Offer your dog a long, rope-like toy and when he takes it, pull gently. He should tug back. Continue the play and then ask for the toy. Offer your dog a low-calorie treat when he complies. Give the toy back and start the game again.

    Hide and Seek

    • Most dogs love to use their nose. As a social animal, dogs love to be with people. Sneak off and then call your dog. Allow him to use his nose to find you. If you hide upstairs with your dog downstairs, the stairs will provide him a bit of extra exercise. Start out in easy hiding places and gradually increase the difficulty.

    Tricks

    • Training your dog to do tricks provides wonderful exercise and a bonding experience. Train tricks such as "spin," "through," and "jump" to give your overweight dog some extra movement. Use a low-calorie treat and lure your dog into position for the trick. Use a clicker and click and treat him. The click tells him what he did right so that he can repeat it, so make sure you time the click and treat correctly.