The 10 Minute Doggie Workout

Here are some 10 minute workout tips that can accomplish a mini fitness goal for your doggie: burn some calories, strengthen your dog and work on flexibility as well as obedience.  The best part is that you can do these workouts in your home or backyard, whether its an apartment or townhouse.  Use them to supplement your dog walking routine or when you can't fit in a long walk.   Especially, if you have an energetic or hyper dog, these 10 minutes workouts will help relax your dog and drain that excess energy. 

10 minutes isn't really a long time and certainly not long enough to replace a strenous walk with your dog.  But it is long enough to practice your training work and get in some exercise to jump start your dog's day or help him sleep restfully while helping you bond with your dog and reinforce your role as pack leader.
 
Stairs and Fetch
For 2 minutes have your dog run and up down the stairs. 
During this interval, you have your dog fetch a ball at the bottom of the stairs and bring it back.  If you don't have stairs, then try the backyard or nearest park, dog run or basement. 

or

Walk on the Leash and Heel
For 2 minutes walk your dog on the leash and practice the heel command.  This is especially useful if you live in an apartment and are short on time.  This will help you and your dog practice for when you do get out. 

Doggie Push Ups
For 2 minutes have your dog practice the "sit", then "down" (or whatever command you use to have your dog lay down), and finally "stand" (your dog will stand on all fours) commands.  Do as many doggie push ups as your dog can handle. 

Stairs, Fetch and Stay
For 3 minutes have your dog run up and down the stairs and fetch.  This time, if you have a doggie backup, attach it to your dog and add weight, as much as your dog can handle.  To mix it up, have your dog practice the stay command at the top and the bottom of the stairs and then walk away for a moment.  If your dog breaks from the stay position, then repeat until your dog understands that you want him to stay. 

or

Walk off Leash with Heel
For 3 minutes walk around your apartment with your dog off leash and pratice the heel command.  If your dog gets distracted, then repeat with leash.  For an added challenge add a doggie backpack with weight.

Doggie Push Ups with Stay and Paw
For 3 minutes have your dog repeat doggie push ups but attach a doggie backup with weight.  Also, practice the stay command and walk away.  If your dog fails to stay, then repeat until your doggie understands.  If your dog understands the "paw" command feel free to add when your dog is in the sit position. 

If your dog struggles with staying focused, just have some patience and not get frustrated with yourself or your doggie.  It takes time and practice but you'll get there with persistence, consistency and determination.  If you find it helpful, try these exercises with treats as a reward and then gradually rely on your commands, including hand signals. 

Content copyright 2010. Top Dog Service, LLC. All rights reserved.
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