5 Quick Ways to Tire Out Your Dog
Does your dog have boundless energy? Are you in need of ideas to give your furry friend more exercise every day? You’ve come to the right place.
When my dog was a pup, I had a tough time keeping up with her. Even a two-hour walk left her more energized, and it was clear she needed more activity. So, I experimented with different exercises to find out what truly tired her out. Here are five quick ways to give your dog a lot of physical exercise in a short amount of time.
1. Flirt Pole
A flirt pole is an excellent way to quickly tire out your dog. It’s essentially a long pole with a lure attached by a rope at the end, which you twirl around to entice your pet to chase. This exercise is both physically and mentally stimulating for dogs. The best part? Your dog does all the running around while you stand and move the lure. Just be mindful to keep sessions short to avoid injury due to the high-impact nature of this activity. You can find flirt poles in many pet stores, on Amazon, or even make your own with some PVC pipe, bungee cord, and a dog toy.
2. Frisbee
Playing frisbee is like fetch but amped up. You can throw a frisbee much further than a ball, giving your dog extra running distance and a great workout. If your dog isn’t familiar with catching a frisbee, start with a soft disc to prevent accidental injuries. Toss it short distances or roll it on the ground to get your pup excited about the game.
3. Tug of War
Tug of war is a fantastic physical activity and a fun way to help your dog practice good manners. The key rule? Stop the game if your dog’s teeth touch your skin. This is especially crucial for puppies still learning bite inhibition. A spirited game of tug can be exhausting for dogs and, if you have a large dog, quite the workout for you too. Just remember to put the tug toy away after playing to prevent it from being destroyed.
4. Chasing Bubbles
Teaching your dog to chase bubbles is one of the easiest ways to tire them out. My dog Laika absolutely loves it! Simply blow a few bubbles, point them out to your dog, and encourage them to chase. If your dog is hesitant, catch some bubbles yourself to show them how fun it is. This simple game can provide endless entertainment and exercise.
Try out these activities with your dog and see which ones they love the most. A tired dog is a happy dog!
