Edit Article

Some dogs, no matter how much you try to get them to do things, are the canine equivalent of couch potatoes. Obviously, a lack of moderate exercise can lead to an overweight dog, and possible health risks. It is important that lazy and lethargic dogs get their share of exercise, and there are several ways to do so.

Ad

EditSteps

  1. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 1.jpg
    1
    Figure out your dog's favorite napping spot. Wherever your dog likes to lie down best. This could be anywhere, a crate, a blanket, the couch, etc.
    Ad
  2. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 2.jpg
    2
    Once you've found their favorite spot, find their favorite toy (if they have one). For example, your dog might like a rope pull toy, or he/she might like a throwing disc. If your dog doesn't have a favorite toy, any old toy will do.
  3. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 3.jpg
    3
    Try to get the dog to play with the toy. Fetch, tug-o-war, etc. If the dog doesn't seem willing to play after repeated attempts, try putting some chicken broth or fat on the toy. This is a sneaky way to exercise your dog, as your dog will think of it as fun play, not as exercise.
  4. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 4.jpg
    4
    Try to incorporate some exercise into your daily walks. At random times during the walks, speed up so that you and your dog are running, don't go to fast for your dog however. Also try making the walks longer.
  5. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 5.jpg
    5
    If your dog refuses to budge from their favorite spot, try taking away the blanket or crate when you want them to exercise. This will confuse them and they won't have a place to lie down while you want to give them exercise.
  6. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 6.jpg
    6
    When you exercise, if they start running of their own volition, use a cue (like a clicker, whistle, or clap) and give them a treat or pet them. This helps them associate the noise, and running or exercise with a good thing, as a positive reinforcement. This way, your dog will be eager to exercise, as they will see it as a good thing they get rewarded for.
  7. Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 7.jpg
    7
    Bring your dog to a dog run. This will give your dogs exercise while they romp around and play with other dogs.
    Ad

We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about
hair bumps?
Yes
No
hair bumps
how to prevent hair bumps
Can you tell us about
horseback riding?
Yes
No
horseback riding
how to ride a horse
Can you tell us about
fighting acne?
Yes
No
fighting acne
different ways to get rid of acne
Can you tell us about
Minecraft?
Yes
No
Minecraft
different ways to cheat in Minecraft
Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about
...
Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.
Tips
Provide Details.
Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it. For example:
Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Submit

EditVideo



EditTips

  • Always make it inviting to your dog.
  • Make sure you don't force your dog, or it won't enjoy it.

EditWarnings

  • Don't work your dog too hard.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Leash
  • Dog run
  • Toy
  • Chicken stock or fat
  • Whistle/clicker/clap
  • Treats
  • Place to walk or run with your dog.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Exercise when Lazy

How to
Exercise With Your Dog

How to
Play with Your Dog

How to
Walk a Dog

How to
Choose Healthy Dog Food

How to
Make Healthy Dog Treats

Article Info

Categories: Dog Toys and Play

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,553 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No

Become
an Author!

Write an Article