To keep healthy and fit, you must exercise regularly. Dogs aren't exempt from this. One of your dog's basic needs is exercise. Because life gets in the way, many people neglect to provide their pets with the exercise they require.

Most dogs need to get one to two hours of exercise per day to stay healthy. Depending on your dog's age, breed, and tolerance, he may require more or less. A senior Shih Tzu may only want to lounge on the couch, yet an adult Border Collie, Rhodesian Ridgeback, or Bluetick Coonhound may want to play agility for four hours a day and still want more. Because no two dogs are alike, determining your dog's activity requirements may need some trial and error. If you're unsure, offer your dog as much exercise as she wants, but don't overdo it.

Heavy panting, wheezing, lameness, confusion, and slowing or halting to lie down during activities are all indicators of tiredness. On extremely hot days, avoid outdoor activities and make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times. 

Why not have some fun and introduce your dog to a new exercise routine? It's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your dog while remaining healthy.

1. Games

You may play a variety of entertaining games with your dog, some of which will also provide some exercise. Fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war are all games that give your dog moderate exercise while also providing modest activity for you. So grab your softball bats and hit some balls for your dog. 

Games can also be employed in training, which provides your dog with a good source of cerebral stimulation. Keep dogs as the Black Mouth Cur stimulated with nose work and puzzles, as they can get into trouble if they aren't stimulated.

2. Go for a Run

For some dogs, running is an excellent form of exercise. Not all dogs can handle this type of activity, but some dogs can't get enough of it!

Using a hands-free leash while running with your dog can make things easier. For safety and legal reasons, running off-leash is typically not a good idea. However, if your dog has a truly solid recall and your local rules allow off-leash dogs, it might be worth considering.

When you initially start running with your dog, go slowly and gradually increase your speed and distance. Running in hot weather, especially on hot asphalt, can burn your paws. Monitor your dog's exercise tolerance and take breaks as needed by checking in with him frequently. On runs, bring lots of water with you.

3. Hit the Trails

Hiking with your dog may be ideal for you if you enjoy both outdoors and dogs. Hiking allows your dog to see the world on a more in-depth level than a simple walk.

Start with short day treks on a cooler day when you first start hiking with your dog. Avoid challenging paths with a lot of rocky terrain until your dog has become accustomed to mild to moderate hikes and is more sure-footed.

Bring a lot of water with you. It's possible that your dog will bring her own rucksack; just make sure it's well-balanced and not too hefty.

4. Dog-Centered Sports

There are a plethora of fun dog sports available these days, and new ones appear on a regular basis. Agility and canine freestyle provide light to moderate exercise for you while also providing a terrific workout for your dog.

To begin participating in a canine sport, do some research to see which ones are appropriate for your dog. Then, in your area, seek classes to help you and your dog learn the sport.

Remember when you're out exercising your furry friend to not overdo it and monitor them for signs of fatigue. Otherwise, taking care of your dog's exercise needs is an excellent way to take care of your pet and make lasting memories together.