Health Benefits of Canine Fitness & Conditioning

Exercise is an extremely important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy throughout their lifespan. An active dog stands the best chance of extending their lifespan and avoiding health complications. If you’re looking to enhance your dog’s fitness routine, explore our guide to the importance of canine fitness and conditioning.

Five Reasons Your Dog Needs Exercise

Canine fitness should be a top priority for every dog owner. Whether or not you plan to get your dog involved in competitive sports, such as agility or dock diving, helping your dog adhere to a regular workout routine can yield the following benefits:

• Improved overall health: Research shows that dogs who exercise are healthier in almost every imaginable area. They have enhanced cardiovascular systems, strong bones and muscles, balanced blood pressure, and they tend to stay at a healthy weight.

• A must for being competitive in K9 sports and obedience: Canines who are top runners in every dog competition, including obedience, agility, and rally, follow daily workout routines. Walks, the use of competition equipment, swimming, and running are some of the main ways that the world’s most skilled pups stay in shape, both physically and mentally.

• Helps promote good behavior: With few exceptions, almost every dog breed is full of energy, especially when they are young. Some breeds, such as Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, are extremely energetic throughout their entire life. Building up energy over an extended period of time can lead dogs to develop behavioral problems. When you encourage your dog to get the appropriate amount of exercise each day, you can help prevent these behavioral issues.

• Keeps your dog happy: As a result of being physically healthy and sufficiently tired out, your dog will be as happy as they can be!

• Makes the aging process easier: Although certain age-related conditions cannot be fully prevented, keeping your dog at a healthy weight and on a regular fitness routine can decrease the effects of arthritis and other joint problems.

How to Exercise Your Dog

If your dog is not yet on a regular exercise routine, there are a myriad of activities that your dog can try out. Here is a sample of some of the best ways to get your dog the workout they need:

• Walks: Nearly every pet owner knows the importance of taking dogs for walks. Even 10-15 minutes per day can provide significant benefits to your pup. In addition to taking your dog for walks around the neighborhood, you can also take them to pet-friendly stores for their exercise. This is an especially helpful tip when the weather turns cold or inclement.

• At-home training equipment: Want to switch up your dog’s training routine or get them prepped for the next competition? Invest in fun fitness and conditioning equipment that can be used at home.

• Take your dog swimming: Dogs who enjoy the water can go for a swim, both indoors and outdoors. Across the nation, there are many swimming facilities dedicated to dogs. If you have a pool at home, you can let them swim there as well. Despite having innate paddling skills, always supervise your dog when they are in the pool. If your dog is brand new to swimming, consider purchasing a life jacket for them to use. And if your dog loves swimming, check out our dock diving gear!

The Best Dog Exercise Equipment

Looking to add dog exercise equipment to your pup’s daily routine? Here are some of the best-selling canine fitness equipment items that we carry at J&J Dog Supplies:

• dogPACER treadmills: dogPACER treadmills provide a safe and effective way for your dog to get their steps in while staying indoors. These treadmills are super valuable for individuals who live in northern climates, where taking a walk in the snow and cold isn’t always a possibility. dogPACER treadmills help promote weight loss, agility training, and injury rehab.

• Dog Runner treadmills: Designed in Dendermonde, Belgium, Dog Runner treadmills are specifically made for working dogs and dogs who participate in high-intensity competitions. Their high-end designs are built to withstand consistent use over the years, making this a great investment for owners who are serious about their dog’s training routine.

• FitPaws: Known for their line of compact training devices that can be used anywhere, FitPaws is especially suited for dogs in agility competitions. Their line includes tools such as wobble boards, balance discs, agility sets, donut balls, and much more.

• Blue-9: Blue-9 brand offers training platforms and accessories that are intended to help build the bond between handlers and their K9s. Products include the KLIMB Professional Grade Platform, KLIMB Propel Air Platform, and platform accessories.

J&J Dog Supplies Has All Your Dog Sport Conditioning Gear

Want to explore our complete line of dog exercise equipment? Trust in the superior, USA-made canine fitness equipment offered by J&J Dog Supplies.