Do you love working out? Maybe you’re more like me and know it’s a good idea, but you need a bit of a push. When you have a partner sometimes it just doesn’t seem as grueling. If you’re into strength training or trying to do more of it, then your dog may be the nudge you need. Today let’s dig into how to get healthier with strength training with dogs and discover some of the best exercises.
NOTE: Always check with your doctor and vet before starting a new exercise routine.
Budget tip: It can be a drag at times to get to the gym and work out. Sometimes we look for every excuse to not make it for a workout. But the good news is you can save some money and still get a great strength training workout at home with your dog. There’s no membership involved and your dog gets to encourage you with a wagging tail, wiggly bum, or slobbery kiss. What could be better? You save some money and improve your health with your dog. That’s a big win-win!
What are the benefits of strength training for you?
You might be asking what the benefits are there to strength training in the first place. Is it even worth it? Simply put, yes! Even strength training your dog has great benefits. Here are the 10 basic benefits:
| Benefit | Dog Parent | Dog |
| Increases your overall strength | X | X |
| Helps with flexibility | X | X |
| Strengths bones and reduces arthritis | X | X |
| Improves brain and cognitive health | X | X |
| Increases metabolism | X | X |
| Reduces abdominal and total body fat | X | X |
| Helps to control blood sugar | X | X |
| Promotes improved heart health | X | X |
| Can help with improved sleep | X | X |
| Boosts self-confidence | X | X |
Is it a good idea to work out with my dog?
Most dogs love hanging out with their dog parents. They may want to be in the middle of what you’re doing, but that’s when you get to put them to work.
NOTE: Always make sure your dog is comfortable and at ease during your exercise routine. I think it’s a great idea to play music as well. It helps me and Henry.
What kind of strength training can I do with my dog?
I admit this will depend on the size of your dog. If you have a smaller or maybe even medium-sized dog it will be much easier. Although, you can still work out with a large or giant dog. The idea is that your dog is your exercise tool. In other words, your weight or resistance.
But don’t worry, if you have a large dog have your pup lay across you while you do pushups or on your feet while you do sit-ups.
Although, if you have a very small dog or puppy, then try to do more reps.
But, if you are able to lift your dog, then try these weight training or strength-building dog exercises:
1. Dog curls
This is the same as a normal curl, except instead of weights you use your dog. Hold your dog in both arms and curl up and down. Bonus if you give your dog a kiss on the up curl!
2. Dog squats
Again, you will be holding your dog in both arms and doing squats as normal.
3. Dog lunges
This is the same as a normal lunge, except you’re holding your dog again in both arms for even distribution of weight.
4. Dog split squats
Resting one leg bent behind you on a chair and holding your dog in both areas, you’ll do squats as normal. Make sure to switch legs.
5. Dog pushups
This will work for any size dog, but if you have a back problem, you’ll want to skip this one.
Simply have your dog lay across your back, ask for a stay or wait, and continue with push up as you would normally.
Can my dog do strength training?
Yes. For most dogs, it’s a great idea and they’ll get the same sort of benefits (see the table above) as you do with strength training. However, always check with your vet before starting any new exercise program.
What other easy strength training exercises are good for dogs?
There are a number of exercises you can have your dog do that will help him or her with strength training. However, just like your training, don’t overdo it or overtrain your dog. Instead, build up slowly to 15 minutes perhaps three or four days a week. Your goal is to build your dog’s overall strength, not create a puffed-up-looking pup.
Here are some easy strength training and resistance exercises you can try with your dog:
Stair climbing
If your dog isn’t used to climbing stairs then go slowly and encourage your pup along the way with a treat and praise. Henry can climb stairs, but if he thinks he can get a treat without climbing he’ll go for that option.
Tug of war
This one works well if your dog loves to play with toys. There’s no real trick to it, simply pull out a dog toy and play tug-of-war. It will help to strengthen the legs, neck, heck nearly all the muscles. But if your dog doesn’t like toys, there are other options.
If you need a quick, easy, and cheap new tug dog toy, then check out this great tutorial video by the Huston Humane Society.
Swimming
This is a great strength-building exercise for an older dog or one recovering from injury. However, don’t assume your dog knows how to swim. Always be with your dog and provide encouragement and praise for swimming. If this is new water to you then off with a life vest.
Walking backwards
Some dogs walk backwards naturally. Henry learned it fairly easily. It’s a super exercise for gaining strength and working on the hind leg muscles.
NOTE: Henry also likes to stand on his hind legs a lot. His vet insists Henry has the strongest rear leg muscles of all his patients
Here’s a quick video on how to teach your dog how to walk backwards by McCann Dog Training.
Weighted backpack or vest
Of course, this works best if you already have a dog vest or backpack. Simply put a little bit of weight in the backpack evenly distributed. One great option is small water bottles or water bottles filled only part-way. Then you can add if it seems too easy for your dog.
Flirt pole
This is a great option for dogs that are highly prey driven. Some dogs that just love to chase will like it too. A flirt pole will help with overall core muscle strength and especially the rear leg muscles.
Although, you may need to get your dog used to the idea of chasing a “thing” on a pole by rewarding him or her with dog treats and praise. Honestly, though, some dogs like Henry won’t find it that engaging. Henry would rather chase me – or vice versa. That’s a good option as well.
If you don’t have a flirt pole, but would like to try it for regular exercise with your dog, here’s a great video to walk you through the process by Positive Response Training.
Can my senior dog do strength training?
Yes. Strength training isn’t just for a young dog, working dog, or agility dog. It can really be for nearly any dog as and yes, a senior dog, long as your vet approves it for your dog. It’s actually a great idea to help build your senior dog’s core strength with resistance training which can lead to a healthier dog. Of course, if you’re using your dog as your strength training or resistance training tool then age isn’t as much of an issue. But, I’d still check with your vet first.
Related articles:
- Is Overfeeding A Dog Harmful?
- Shocking Guide of How Homemade Dog Treats Save BIG!
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- 6 Easy Dog Winter Activities
- Great Exercises With Dogs
- Dog Goals – Yep, You Want Them
- 6 Dog Park Etiquette and Unwritten Rules
Summary of getting healthier by strength training with dogs
Exercise is a critical part of life, even for our dogs. Strength training and weight training are also highly beneficial as we age and that’s the same for our dogs. While we can use our dogs for our strength training and resistance training tools, we can also help get our pups in better canine conditioning with just a few simple resistance exercises a week. It’s good for them, breaks up our boring dog routines, and helps our furry friends’ overall health. That’s a very good idea.
