Some dogs are inherently lazy. It doesn’t matter whether your pooch is a pedigree workhorse of a canine such as a beagle, a Labrador retriever or a border collie and sometimes it doesn’t matter how strong their genetic profile is, they buck the trend. Your mutt is probably happier curled up on the couch with you rather than doing anything that requires any form of active participation. The idea of walking is too much of a stretch for them, they exert too much energy moving from the living room to the kitchen so tend to stay put, and they love nothing more than chilling out, eating doggy treats and sleeping all day.
Although you love to cuddle four-legged fur ball, you know that this attitude isn’t healthy and that your hound needs to start getting active. While they may never be as energetic as the dogs seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADCIMxo0iTw, they need to start moving more to prevent obesity and stay healthy. Take a look at how you can turn your canine pal from bone idle to bone to run.
Set An Example
Although it sounds more than just a tad ridiculous, if you get down on all fours, writhe about on the floor of your living room and play with some of your pooch’s untouched toys, he or she might be willing to join in. Although they may look at you as if you have lost your mind for a moment from the comfort of their well-used dog bed, they will eventually be curious enough to move. Grab an old piece of rope, encourage your mutt to give it a chomp and play with your pet. Yes, you’re not venturing outdoors yet, but you are getting him up out of his usual seating position.
Doggy Play Dates
Your dog may be a little bit lonely. While you like to think of yourself as wonderful company, you may soon realize that your dog needs some canine companions. Head outdoors with your mutt and go to the park where you know there will be plenty of other pooches of all shapes and sizes for your hound to socialize with. Your dog’s demeanor may move from slow, lazy and melancholy to energized, eager and excited in an instant. Dogs love the company of other dogs, and even though your canine pal is lazy, he will be no different.
As you begin to meet new owners, you’ll be expanding your own human social circle. As you arrange meetups, you can take your dog along and watch him play with your new friend’s pug while you catch up over a coffee.
Health Check
If your dog has only recently become a little bit lazier than he used to be there could be an underlying health condition that could be the cause. Ensure that your dog is flea, tick and worm free. If not, he could become lethargic. If you spot a little critter on the fur of your beloved pet, head over to https://www.petcarerx.com and make sure that your dog is taking the right medicine to get him fit and healthy again.
Encouraging a lazy dog to exercise can be an uphill battle. If you can manage to get your dog out and about taking a leisurely stroll every day, you are well on your way to getting them active again.
Our dog loves when we get down on the floor with her. She knows it’s play time when that happens!
I’m so glad I don’t have a lazy pooch. She has energy for days. I swear she’s also half cat…she leaps everywhere.
My girl, Sheba still loves to run and play even though she is 8. I am glad she is still active.
Setting an example definitely works. My dog loves for you to play with her toys and she will join in and try to take them . She then wants to be chased.
My dog is so lazy. All she loves to do is sleep. These are all great tips! I will try them out.
Odin still loves to play. He is now a senior, and also blind. He still likes to play tug and play in the snow. He is a bit slower but still loves to play.
Our dog is a chihuahua and she definitely loves when we get down on her level to play. She is pretty active but needs daily walks to be happy. She really does not love her winter gear much but it is necessary.
My dogs love to play and run around our backyard staying active
Great tips, I especially love the “Set an Example tip. Our dogs love when you get down on the floor and in our yard to play with them.
Keeping your dog fit will help YOU stay fit.
This is very good to know. I know my dog keeps me fit.
These are all great tips. Sometimes a little encouragement is what it takes!
These are great tips on encouraging your dog to be active.
My dog is getting older but she’s never been a high energy dog, which suits our lifestyle! 😉