PUPS AT PLAY

IN NEED OF SOME EXERCISE INSPO?

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DOG ACTIVE

How much exercise does your dog actually need? Dr Fiona Patterson, veterinary adviser at Mars Petcare, says there’s no easy answer. “It really depends on individual factors: your dog’s breed, life stage and any health considerations they may have.” Generally, 30-60 minutes is a good amount of daily exercise, with more needed for working breeds and energetic dogs, and possibly less for seniors with mobility issues. But exercise is not just about fitness – it’s also about mental stimulation and emotional wellbeing. Here are some ideas to keep your pup at his or her physical, mental and emotional best.

1 Shake up your standard walk Take a different route or go via a pup-friendly cafe. Make some walks brisk, then mix it up with a ‘sniffari’ by using a long lead and letting your dog set the pace.

2 Play games A good old game of fetch is a great way to stretch your pup’s legs. Or relax and be silly with a game of chasey or hide and seek! Having a giggle with your pooch will build your bond and is great for your mental health, too.

3 Go swimming If your dog likes the water, a trip to a safe dog beach, river, lake or even a backyard pool is heaven. It’s good for dogs with mobility issues, too – if they can swim safely, it’s gentle on their joints.

4 Interactive toys Mental stimulation is as important as any other form of exercise, so try your dog on puzzle feeders and chew toys that make them work for an edible reward.

5 Work with your dog’s personality Think about what your dog really loves and see if you can harness that in an innovative way. For example, Dr Fiona suggests, “If you have a terrier who loves to dig, create a sandpit, bury some treats in it and they’ll dig like mad to find them. This also lets them express normal canine behaviour, but in a desirable location.”

6 Dog park play dates Seek out new dog parks. This will give your pup valuable social enrichment while running off loads of energy, and you might even make a friend, too!

7 Dial up the training Explore obedience or trick training. “This helps you build the bond with your pet, and they’re really using their mind, which burns a lot of calories,” says Dr Fiona. 

TOP BUYS

2 4 5 6

1 Happy Tails ‘Explorer’ dog harness, $20.98/medium, I/N: 0364795. 2 Happy Tails squeaking ball pet toy, $1.98, I/N: 0364854.

3 Happy Tails 120cm bone print dog lead, $3.98, I/N: 0364802. 4 Happy Tails bone print dog harness, $4.48/medium, I/N: 0364784. 5 Happy Tails squeaking ice cream pet toy, $1.98, I/N: 0364853. 6 Happy Tails pet ball thrower, $2.48, I/N: 0364887. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.

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