Dog exercises at home

Since so many of you loved our article and newsletters on physiotherapy & sidewalk exercise, we're bringing you more. Here are more simple, safe exercises you can do at home to help improve your dog's mobility, strengthen their muscles, and support joint function.

Why Low-Impact Exercises Matter

Low-impact exercises help keep your dog moving without putting extra strain on their joints. They're ideal for maintaining muscle tone, improving flexibility, promoting joint health, and providing mental stimulation, all while being safe for dogs with mobility challenges.

1. Gentle range of motion and stretches

Indoor exercises are a great source of physical and mental stimulation for your dog, but it is important to keep training sessions gentle.
We recommend starting indoor activities with easy stretches to warm up dog's muscles.

Leg Stretch:

• Gently extend each of your dog's legs (front and back) to stretch their muscles.

• Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds, being careful not to overextend if your dog seems uncomfortable.

Neck and Spine Stretch:

• Encourage your dog to follow a treat from side to side and up and down to stretch their neck and spine gently. This also doubles as a fun bonding moment!

Why it helps: These simple stretches can improve flexibility and joint mobility.

2. Paw lifts

Strengthening your dog's core and improving balance can be as simple as encouraging them to lift a paw:

• Start by getting your dog to sit.

• Lift one paw gently for a few seconds before lowering it back down.

• Rotate through each leg, repeating this exercise 3-5 times for each paw.

Why it helps: This physical exercise strengthens muscles without stress on the joints, improves coordination, and can be done in short, playful sessions.

3. Sit-to-stand

A simple but effective exercise that mimics squats for dog indoors:

• Have your dog sit and then encourage them to stand up by holding a tasty treat in front of them.

• Repeat this movement 5-10 times, ensuring your dog maintains good posture while standing.

Why it helps: Sit-to-stand exercises strengthen the hind legs and core while promoting better balance and mobility.

Activity trackers like our CSOM tool from our Paws in Motion™ program are great for monitoring the positive progress with the exercises you are doing and our Jope Hip & Joint supplement.

4. Cavaletti poles (or household items)

Set up a few indoor obstacles, such as low poles or even household items like broomsticks on the ground for your dog to step over:

1. Lead them slowly over the poles one at a time, ensuring they step with all four legs.

2. Start with the poles low to the ground and gradually increase the height as your dog improves.

Why it helps: This exercise promotes balance, coordination, and muscle strengthening without putting stress on the joints. And to your dog, it can be another fun game!

Need some inspiration? We found this video from a UK Rehab vet that can help you!

5. Figure eight walking

This exercise helps improve balance and coordination while gently stretching your dog's joints.

1. Set up two objects (like cones or chairs) a few feet apart.

2. Guide your dog in a figure-eight pattern around the objects, moving slowly to encourage controlled movement.

3. Repeat this 3-5 times in one session, adjusting the size of the figure eight based on your dog's comfort.

6. Pillow or cushion balance

Using a pillow or a soft cushion, this exercise helps improve your dog's stability and balance.

Place a firm pillow or cushion on the floor and encourage your dog to stand on it with all four paws.

1. Start by having them balance for 10-15 seconds, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable.

2. You can make it a game by asking them to "sit" and "stand" on the cushion for added strength training and to keep your dog entertained.

Why it helps: Balancing on an uneven surface helps engage stabilizer muscles, improves core strength, and increases joint flexibility - all in a low-impact way.

If you see that your dog is able to comfortably incorporate more exercises, then you can create an indoor obstacle course, play hide and seek or play tug of war with your pup. Adding puzzle toys provides great mental stimulation and ensures your pup won't lose interest.

With these easy at-home exercises, you'll help your dog stay mobile and comfortable, and provide mental and physical stimulation no matter their age or joint condition.

Exercises at home are great but you can also adapt your home to your dog to improve his quality of life: read more in our dedicated article.