Can you exercise with your dog?

Like humans, dogs need regular physical activity to stay healthy, too. Have you always wanted to go backpacking with your dog or take them with you for a run? CURREX® insoles have you and your pooch covered with our quick guide to working out with your dog featuring important safety tips and recommended exercises.

In This Article:

• The benefits of working out with your dog.
• What to know before exercising with your dog.
• How much exercise does a dog need?
• 7 ways to work out with your dog.

Remember, all dogs have different exercise needs. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s health before involving them in your workout routine.

Why Work Out with Your Dog

Regular exercise has many of the same benefits for our dogs as it has for us. Whether you’re going for a daily walk or biking a nearby trail, being active with your dog takes your workout to a new level that’s good for both of you.

Need an excuse to spend more time with your canine companion? Here are some benefits to working out with your dog:

• Improves heart health
• Helps prevent arthritis and other joint problems
• Keeps you motivated
• Strengthens your emotional bond
• Controls and reduces the risk of obesity
• Helps reduce stress
• Provides mental stimulation, which can reduce destructive behaviors

Structured exercise makes a dog think and it’s good for working breeds who need to burn off excess energy. Puppies can benefit from lots of play time while senior dogs need low-impact exercises to keep their joints healthy and strong.

What to Know Before Exercising with Your Dog

The right exercise routine starts with a good foundation. Understanding your dog’s limits is key to keeping them healthy, happy, and safe. Aches, pains, and fatigue caused by poor support in your shoes could keep you from giving your dog the exercise they need.

CURREX athletic insoles help you stay active with your dog by providing dynamic, flexible support for a more comfortable fit in your shoes. From our SUPPORTSTP™ insoles for walking to our adventure and sports insoles for all the ways you like to move, CURREX insoles help prevent injuries and reduce fatigue so you can stay on your feet.

Before you grab that leash and head out the door, here’s what you need to know when exercising with your dog:

• Bring plenty of water with a portable dog bowl you can attach to their lead and keep them hydrated during long treks or in warm weather.
• Wear the right shoes with support from a dynamic sports insole like CURREX and stay comfortable during all activities with your dog.
• Pay attention to the weather especially if you’re a cold weather runner or if it’s too hot and humid. You may need to accommodate your pup with dog booties or change what time you work out.
• Use a non-retractable lead and harness for more control and to avoid pulling on your dog’s neck. Depending on your dog’s recall ability and your environment, running with a dog lead is the safest option.
• Choose activities your dog enjoys so they feel comfortable and confident. If your dog fears water, swimming is off the table. Dogs who are easily overstimulated may not like exercising in crowded parks.
• Build their endurance by slowly increasing duration and distance. A dog’s paws, joints, and heart take time to acclimate to high levels of activity just like our bodies need conditioning to avoid common running injuries like shin splints.
• Use preventative flea and tick medication year-round along with your dog’s regular vaccines to keep them safe outdoors.
• Talk to your vet about whether your dog is healthy enough for frequent exercise and what types of exercise are most appropriate.

How much exercise does a dog need?

The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on their breed, age, energy level, and general health. Veterinarians suggest that healthy dogs can thrive on 30 to 60 minutes of exercise or more a day.

Pay attention to your dog during your workout to determine how much exercise they can tolerate. Dogs can easily overexert themselves to follow your lead, which can cause them to overheat. Signs of this include:

• Frantic panting
• Excessive drooling
• Tongue lulling out
• Pale or bright red gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dog is falling behind
• Unwillingness to go out or continue

Every dog has different exercise needs. High energy breeds will exercise multiple hours a day while puppies under a year old do better with short, frequent intervals of play. Low-impact, light intensity workouts are best for flat-faced and senior dogs.

The 7 Best Activities for Dogs

Dogs make great workout buddies when you include them in your exercise routine or create a new one based on their needs. Try a dog exercise class near you or use your cross-training days to enjoy new activities with your pup.

As the only activity-specific insoles on the market, CURREX athletic insoles and walking insoles keep you on your feet whether you’re playing tennis, running, or taking your dog for their daily walk. Here are some of the best ways you can work out with your dog:

Walking

Most dogs can handle a daily walk and with CURREX SUPPORTSTP insoles, so can you. Since the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week, taking a 30-minute walk five days a week may be enough for both of you to start.

For more of a challenge, add other exercises to your walk like lunges, brief sprints, and squats. These intervals of higher intensity activity keep your heart rate up and your dog on alert, working their body and mind.

Running/Jogging

If your dog needs lots of exercise, take them jogging or go for a short run. Allow your dog to set the pace as long as they aren’t pulling you too much. For enhanced comfort, fit, and performance, add CURREX RUNPRO™ insoles to your shoes.

When running with your dog, watch for signs of exhaustion and keep your dog on a leash and harness. Hands free leashes that wrap around your waist may be easiest for maintaining pace.

Hiking

Hiking with your dog is a great way to get outdoors and bond. Trekking, trail running and backpacking work various muscle groups, strengthening the body and joints. Start with shorter hikes on easier terrain to build your dog’s stamina and fight post-hiking fatigue by wearing CURREX HIKEPRO™ insoles for comfort and stability.

Cycling

Want to take your dog for a bike ride? Cycling with your dog should be casual and fun. Some dogs might enjoy the faster pace compared to walking. Start with short sessions in a quiet area and avoid going too fast for them to keep up.

Biking with a dog leash and harness will help prevent strain on their neck. CURREX BIKEPRO™ insoles for cycling keep your feet comfortable and supported, giving you a more stable ride for any distance.

Swimming

Water takes the weight off your dog's joints, making swimming ideal for seniors and dogs who love being in the water. If your dog is new to swimming, use a doggy life vest until you’re confident they don’t need one. Make sure they have fresh drinking water nearby and avoid hazards like algae blooms or strong currents.

Circuit Training

Your dog can do a HITT workout, too. Circuit training provides mental stimulation that’s great for dogs in training. Between each rep of push-ups, lunges, or wall sits, incorporate commands like asking them for their paw or inviting them to “sit” with you.

Interval training works different muscle groups, building endurance and strength. The dynamic support of CURREX ACTIVEPRO insoles will help keep those muscles activated and optimize your performance.

Yoga

Doga, or yoga with dogs, is a healthy, calming activity for dogs who love to watch their owners. Some dogs are naturals, performing poses like downward dog, while others simply enjoy your company.

During restful poses, having your dog lie next to you can strengthen your bond. Small dogs may be used as weights during poses that improve balance. Even anxious or high-energy dogs can learn how to “lie down” and “stay,” giving them a chance to calm their minds.

Get Moving with Your Dog and CURREX Insoles

From daily walks to games of fetch in the backyard, being active with your dog is fun and has many health benefits. Take your fitness routine to the next level with your dog and CURREX insoles.

References:

How to Include Your Dog in Your Exercise Routine. (2023, February 24) Vetster.

Robins, M. (2024, March 14) How To Get Fit With Your Dog. American Kennel Club.

The 9 Best Ways to Exercise With Your Dog. (n.d.) Small Door Veterinary.