Now that summer is finally here, you probably cannot wait to get outside and take your dog for a walk. Who doesn't love to see their furry friend happy and enjoying beautiful weather? Of course, some people want to exercise with their dogs but they do not have the first idea of how to go about it. In this article, you will learn some of the best tips and tricks for exercising with your dog and making the most out of the exercise.
Getting the Right Leash
If you have a big dog that loves to pull you around, you will see that taking him or her for a walk is less than enjoyable and you may find that you are going on more walks alone rather than together. If this is the case, you can really change the way things are going simply by changing the leash you are using to walk your dog. It is important that your dog has enough leash to walk on. The best kind of leash that you can use if you are trying to take your dog walking, jogging or hiking is one that goes around your waist. It will prevent the dog from taking control and dragging you around.
Swimming is Great Exercise
If you are going to the beach or to the pool, why not take your dog with you? After all, swimming is a great exercise for humans and dogs alike and many dogs love the chance to cool off on a hot summer day by diving into the water. Be sure to keep your dog properly hydrated, as it will be hot outside and always be sure that you do not leave your dog unattended, especially because drowning is a serious risk. You also do not want to take your dog somewhere that the water flows too quickly or there is a chance of an undertow. Should you find that you are concerned about your dog's swimming skills, you can get a doggy lifejacket to keep your furry friend as safe as he can be.
Check the Weather and Pavement
If you think that it is too hot for you to be outside, then it is too hot for your dog to be outside too. You will want to avoid taking your dog out on hot pavements, especially during the heat of the day, as his paws can get burnt and your dog can also dehydrate. Make smart choices for your dog and his wellbeing. If your dog is panting and lethargic, or having trouble breathing, you may want to seek out medical treatment from a vet to be safe, rather than to be sorry.
As you can see, exercising with your dog is a great thing to do, as long as you do it safely. You now know more about how to get the most out of exercising with your dog, so get out there and get exercising together! Your dog will be forever thankful.