12 Clever Hacks for Sneaking Exercise into Your Urban Dog’s Routine

Let's get them down a few points on the chonk scale

“He’s so skinny!”

That’s the comment I often receive as I walk around the city with my dog, Luca. I can’t help but laugh. On the one hand they’re right - Luca is trim for a Labrador.

But that’s not because he’s too thin (his Body Condition Score is 5/9, which is perfect), but rather because most Labradors are too large.

Canine obesity has become so prevalent that many owners don’t even realize what a healthy dog looks like anymore. Being overweight has become the new normal. But this has serious health consequences for your dog, setting them up for a number of diseases and a shortened lifespan.

Body weight is as simple as energy in - energy out.

If your dog needs to lose weight, the best way to achieve this is by reducing the amount of energy they consume and increasing the amount of energy they expend. When living in the city and working from home, it can be difficult to ensure that you’re getting enough exercise, let alone your dog. So I’ve compiled a list of tactics for sneaking exercise into your city dog’s daily life.

You can pick and choose which ones work best for you.

1. Bring them on errand runs

You have to leave the house anyway, so why not bring them along?

An increasing number of establishments allow dogs inside, and if they don’t, you can tie the leash up outside for a few minutes (weather and safety permitting). Every additional step your dog takes will lead them further down the path to health.

2. Pass by the dog park

While you’re out and about, see if you can pass by the dog park and give them a few minutes to run and wrestle off-leash.

Even if it’s not the fastest route to the grocery store, it will certainly be a worthwhile one.

3. Walk with dog friends

Walking with other people who have dogs is a great way to up your dog’s activity.

Instead of slowly walking by your side, they’ll be jumping, spinning, sniffing, and playing. An effortless way to amp up their energy expenditure.

4. Get them out the bag

If you have a small-breed dog, get them out of the bag and carry them as little as possible.

Those little legs will be doing double-time on the ground, and forcing them to walk themselves will increase their exposure, improve their social skills, and help them build their confidence.

5. Enroll them in day care

Even if it’s just one day a week, enrolling your dog in day care is an excellent way to bring more exercise into their routine.

Day care provides a structured environment for play with humans and other dogs, and some even have agility courses and different activities to keep them moving throughout the day.

6. Go for a run together

We all need to get in some cardio, and your dog is no different.

Take up urban canicross and go for long runs through the city. The special harness allows you to run hands-free, and it’s a great way to incorporate regular exercise for you both. It may even help to hold you accountable — if you cheat and skip a day, you’re cheating your dog too!

7. Take a bike ride

In places like Amsterdam, this one is a no-brainer, but you’ll have to assess your confidence and how bike-friendly your city is before you take this up (do not do this in Manhattan).

Depending on how comfortable you and your dog are on the bike, you might be able to get away with using a regular leash. But there are also leashes made specifically for biking with dogs. Incorporating biking into your routine is an excellent way to passively increase your dog’s activity.

8. Use the stairs

Maybe you live in a walk up, maybe you live in an elevator building. If you live in the latter, always take the stairs.

9. Take them for a dip

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for your dog — full body activation and low impact on the joints.

If there’s a suitable area in the city where your dog can go for a swim, let them go for it. If your dog is anything like mine, a few ducks is all it takes for him to launch into the canal. And if there are no birds around, a ball always does the trick.

You’ll catch them one day, bud!

Be careful, though — some urban waterways are filled with toxins or experience dangerous algal blooms.

Always check the water quality online before you let your dog into a new body of water, and keep your eye out for water warnings from the municipality. Boats present another potential safety concern —  if there are any passing by, make sure your dog has a life vest or floaty on so the boats can see them paddling ahead.

10. Seek out urban hiking trails

If your city has any urban hiking trails or nature reserves nearby, this is a great weekend activity for you both.

Varied terrain will provide them with mental stimulation and more intense activity than walking down the sidewalk alone.

11. Throw the ball

Fetch — every dog’s favorite past time.

Well, many dogs, anyway. If you can get your dog interested in the ball, this is an excellent way to build in some anaerobic exercise.

12. Play inside

Indoor games like tug-of-war are a great way to fit playtime in your tiny urban space.

And if you’re looking for something to keep them busy while you work, try interactive toys like puzzles or an automatic ball thrower. This will get them using their brains and their bodies. Two for one!

It’s always important to consider your dog’s specific abilities and health status before diving into a new activity.

If your dog has severe arthritis, maybe the stairs aren’t an option. Or perhaps they sink like a led anvil in the water. Each dog is different.

But no matter their situation, I’m sure there are a number of things from the list above that you can incorporate into your dog’s daily routine with ease.

Now let’s get moving!

Dr. Sami

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If you’re looking for tailored advice on how to safely incorporate more exercise into your dog’s routine, drop me a note in the comments section. You can also book a virtual consultation with me directly. I’m always happy to help.