A simple stroll up and down your street is a great way to begin an exercise routine with your pet. Start with a brisk 5-minute walk twice a day to help get their legs moving and heartrate pumping and slowly begin to increase duration or even turn it into a light jog once the routine is solidified. Remember, building exercise into your pet’s day can be just as much a commitment for you as it is for them; having a regular daily walk schedule will help both of you stay on track!
If your dog gets along well with others, a trip to your local dog park is another great exercise option. Your dog can run around with their puppy friends, burning off all the energy, while you have some time to relax on the sidelines. Many dog parks also have a separated area for smaller dogs to play away from the strength and speed of some of the larger breeds around.
Playing fetch is a great way to help get your dog running outside. You can use a dog toy designed for throwing, or simply a tennis ball, soft frisbee, or even a large stick. It may take some trial and error at first to find out what your pet likes to chase best, but the game itself is very instinctual for many of our canine friends so try not to give up on them!
If you enjoy jogging around your neighborhood, try bringing your dog along. It may take a few runs for you both to sync up your strides, especially if your dog is unfit, but after a while your runs can become a very peaceful, exercise-filled bonding experience.

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