Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FeedDogsPurina #CollectiveBias

If your dog or dogs are anything like mine they have spent the past few months of winter eating and sleeping. They are only outside long enough to relieve themselves and they are back seeking the warmth of the house. This has left them with some “Extra” Winter weight that they need to lose in order to stay healthy.  Yes, even our pets need to stay in shape in order to help them live a long happy life. While many dogs would prefer to sleep they do need to get up and get moving. With these Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog you will help your furry companion lose his Winter weight and be excited to get up and get moving. The best part is you will get in some exercise also.

Top 5 Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog

 

Tip #1 — Make your dog’s exercise fun. People don’t like to do boring workouts so why would your dog. Purchase a new ball and set aside time each day to toss the ball. They will enjoy chasing the ball and playing with you they won’t even know you are helping them get a work out. You can also use a new rope toy or their favorite toy to play with.

Tip # 2 – Take daily walks. Your dog is lonely while you are gone during the day or even if you work from home they have not had your attention. They will love seeing you get out the leash and use it to take him/her for a walk. If you dog gets tired easily then start slow and go a little farther each day. This is a double bonus because you will get more exercise too!

Tips #3 – Provide Adequate Water Supply. Once your dog is up and moving more he/she is going to get more thirsty so make sure to provide plenty of fresh water. If you are going on long walks carry a portable collapsible water bowl with you so they can get a drink on the go.

Tips #4 – Offer Healthy Rewards. Dogs are very reward driven but giving them their favorite sausage treat or dog biscuits can defeat the exercise your dog has accomplished. In place of these high calorie treats, give them healthy options such as small pieces of green beans, carrots, apple pieces or  skinless chicken.

Tips #5 – Feed Them Well. This means measured amounts of dog food with regular meal times and high quality food. As a puppy, we started feeding our dog: Dog Chow® Puppy Chow® Complete. From Puppy Chow, we moved onto feeding him Dog Chow® Complete Adult. But since our dog is closer to being an old man than he is a young pup, we have switched him to BENEFUL® Healthy Weight. With 10% fewer calories that BENEFUL® Originals with Real Beef, this dog food will help us manage his weight because let’s face it, we all slow down a bit as we get older. I also love that it is made with real farm raised chicken as the first ingredient and whole grains and vegetables. 

While I think it is safe to say that learning how to exercise your dog is important because every dog benefits from lots of healthy exercise and activity,  however every dog is different and needs different types of nutrition. No matter which food you buy there is an amazing variety of Purina dry dog food products available at Target in the pet aisle. You can also take advantage of these special cartwheel offers:

20% off Dog Chow (all sizes) – 3/5 – 3/11

20% off Beyond Dry (all sizes) – 3/12 – 3/18

20% off ONE dry (all sizes) – 3/19 – 3/25

Before long you and your dog will notice that these simple Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog has you both feeling better. Use these as a stepping stone to get your dog active and discover how great you both feel. The sky is the limit when you get up and get moving.