Keep fit within 2k with help from your furry friend
March 30, 2020
Exercise tips for dogs and owners to stay active during lockdown
Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has introduced a ban on travelling more than two kilometres from your home to get your daily exercise hit. Irish pet store, Petmania say enlist your pet to help build up your steps and ensure that they stay active during lockdown with these 10 fun ways to get moving with your furry friend and beat the cabin fever blues.
Set Up Obstacle Courses
Challenge your dog both mentally and physically with a DIY obstacle course. This can be indoor or outdoor. Make jumps, use a hula hoop, fashion a tunnel from a cardboard box, set out the furniture and get your dog to duck and weave between it.
Walk the Walk
Depending on the breed of your dog some pets need at least 40 minutes of exercise per day. Abiding by the rules and keeping within 2km of your house it is estimated 2km is on average 2,700 steps and takes 50 minutes at a moderate pace. Plan your route and explore your local treasures with man’s best friend by you side.
Run Your Dog Up and Down the Stairs
Using the stairs is a great way to add an additional challenge to a dog’s workout. Stand at the top of the stairs, call your dog and throw a ball or toy back down to fetch.
Play a Game of Classic Fetch
An oldy but a goodie. Your dog will delight in chasing that ball down, bringing it back to you and relish in the “good dog” reward.
Make Your Dog Work For its Treats
Get some of your dog’s favourite treats and hide them around the house – behind doors, under tables, underneath rugs and let him sniff them out! Treat toys also provide great stimulation both mentally and physically. Be careful to monitor their portion size, treats should make up no more that 10 percent of the dogs intake.
Cycle or Rollerblade
Introduce creative ways to get your daily walk. Take out your wheels and let your pet run alongside you, this can be a bike, scooter or rollerblades.
Tug of War
There are lots of rope toy options available. This playful game will provide lots of active fun.
Blowing Bubbles
Dogs love chasing bubbles! Set the kids up with a bubble station – let them blow bubbles through the wand and delight in your dog’s attempt to hunt them down.
Play Frisbee
Stand apart by 3 meters or more and throw a frisbee to each other. Your puppy will love chasing it back and forth.
Teach Tricks
This is the perfect time to teach your furry friend some simple tricks like ‘roll over’, ‘give me the paw’ or ‘bow’. Visit Petmania’s YouTube for its recommended playlist.
Emily Miller from Petmania Ireland said,
“We hope you use this time at home to enhance your pets health and exercise regime. Animals are terrific companions, especially in uncertain times to boost our mood, get us active and most importantly offer unconditional love.”
Petmania is an Irish owned pet retailer with 12 stores nationwide. Pet stores are considered essential workers and Petmania would like to reassure its customers that it will remain open throughout the crisis and is now offering a carry-to-car-service to help customers get essential supplies safely whilst maintain social distancing. Simply call the local Petmania store to place your order the staff will deliver it to the car and place them in the boot.
