You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

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03 August 2015
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Before you get stuck in, remember that both of you need to warm up properly.

Exercise 1 - Leg weaves

This exercise gets your dog moving and is good for stretching your muscles. Stand still with your legs apart and get your dog to sit in front of you.

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

Use your hand to lure your dog around and through your legs using either a low-calorie treat or a toy...

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

...in a figure of eight movement.

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

Then bring your dog back to the start in front of you again. Repeat five times.

Exercise 2 - Using a mop

For this exercise you'll need either a mop or a broom as a prop. Get your dog focused, and sitting or standing by your side, so he's not tempted to chase the mop.

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

Lunge forwards with the prop as if you were mopping the floor. Return to the start position. Repeat five times for each leg.

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You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

Hold the mop upright in one hand, and with the other holding a low-calorie treat or toy lure your dog around the mop in a circle. You can do this either on or off the lead. Repeat five times clockwise and then anti-clockwise.

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

You can then progress to getting your dog to jump over the prop. Stretch the mop out in front of you and encourage your dog to jump over it. You can use a treat or a toy to lure him over. Repeat five times in both directions.

Exercise 3 - Step up

If you're at home you can use the stairs to do this exercise, or a low step or stool.

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

Encourage your dog to put both his front paws on the step and then step off again. Repeat this at a quick speed several times.

You and your dog can get fit together with our easy exercises

You can then join in; as your dog puts his front paws on the step, step forwards so you're both stepping on and off at the same time. If the step isn't wide enough, try the exercise solo. Repeat several times. Gradually increase the length of the exercise as you get fitter.

Remember: If you have any concerns regarding your or your dog's health, remember to consult your vet and/or doctor prior to embarking on any weight loss and/or fitness regime.