different types of exercise?

azpit5 · 01-03-2013, 05:39 PM

Hey guys,

My boy is a little over a year and a half. We've had him for almost 3 months and I've been walking him 3 miles everyday for that duration. Unfortunately, this is starting to take a toll on me as I have a bad right big toe (how pathetic lol). Seems ridiculous, but it makes walking painful. I was wondering if there are any other alternate activities/games that I could try on some days so he doesn't get bored and frustrated with inactivity? I have started the treadmill but it's slow going because I want all his treadmill experiences to be positive ones, so I treat often and only go a few minutes at a time. Any help would be awesome!

Cain's Mom · 01-03-2013, 05:56 PM

You can look into spring poles or flirt poles. You can search them on here. They aren't very expensive to make. And with your pup being younger of you do a sprig pole all his feet need to be on the ground so he doesn't hurt himself.

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Mr.JayCee · 01-03-2013, 05:56 PM

Have you tried a flirt pole? One of the things I use is simple and costs a dollar. Just get a laser pointer, and have some fun, run him around the house, yard, etc. My dogs have always loved it, and you don't have to do anything really.

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Cain's Mom · 01-03-2013, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.JayCee

Have you tried a flirt pole? One of the things I use is simple and costs a dollar. Just get a laser pointer, and have some fun, run him around the house, yard, etc. My dogs have always loved it, and you don't have to do anything really.

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Haha my boy loves the laser pointer too

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azpit5 · 01-03-2013, 07:05 PM

I thought that once the dog hits the one year mark they are ok as far as jumping and not injuring themselves? He will be 2 in May. I have a tug of war toy that looks like an infinity symbol with the middle being connected with pvc pipe. I used that just know and he seemed to love it and looked as if he had a good time. Thanks for the suggestions.

Cain's Mom · 01-03-2013, 07:10 PM

Oops for some reason I thought he was younger than a year. I didn't read correctly lol

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VaBeachTennis · 01-09-2013, 10:36 PM

If you have good control and balance and a god area to do it, you can bike with the dog. Fetch is good, in fact fetch mixed with agility and obedience is good exercise and a good way to bond with your dog and make it responsive to your commands. I also do what I call "Pit Bull gymnastics" with my dog basically it's making the dog do 360's and spins in each direct while trying to bit a tug, Frisbee, branch or other prey item. I mix that with 8 plus mile walks on the beach on the weekends and 3 mile runs during the week.
I even make her fetch in the water on our walks on the beach.
It all depends on what you exercise goals are for your dog. Mine is just to keep them fast and strong with good endurance so they come back home and chill out a little. It usually works until the female wants to start some "stuff".

HeavyJeep · 01-09-2013, 11:04 PM

As another idea and option, you can reduce the distance and increase the resistance. Get yourself a nice pulling harness for your dog, and start by doing those walks with him leashed and just on the harness, then move to him leashed (we'll assume from here he is ALWAYS leashed

) with some kind of light noisy thing.. on the harness. A noisemaker so to speak, but not heavy. Over a few months you can move to eventually having a half tire or something of equal resistance (tires being the best for street walks IMHO)
Reducing the distance and increasing the resistance (weight on the harness) a few days a week, while keeping those regular 3mi no harness walks on the other days to keep up cardio. That should help.

Also, they make a treadmill for dogs... for a few hundred bucks you could significantly reduce your walking

but you still want to go on walks sometimes lol

Hope this helps!

**ames** · 01-09-2013, 11:37 PM

You can also find a cheap human treadmill on freecycle or craigslist

HeavyJeep · 01-10-2013, 12:08 AM

i definately used the free craigslist treadmill for quite awhile myself!! the manual ones worked the best

azpit5 · 01-10-2013, 03:54 PM

Thanks for all the replies! We're getting him used to the treadmill and this guy will do anything for a treat so he's done well with it. I also started taking my razor scooter (lol) out and I'll be going a pretty good clip down the sidewalk and he will run beside me. He seemed to love it so I will probably mix that in to reduce the walking days to about 2 or so. Speaking of running, how much is too much? The loop we do is 3 miles on pavement, should I take a day off in between or is it ok for him to run this two days in a row? He's 1 yr 8 months with a lotta energy. He wanted to play ball 30 minutes after getting back from the run yesterday!!