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Australian Dog Lover
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Recent data has shown that nearly 37% of Australian adults (aged 18 - 64) are not reaching the recommended level of physical activity [1]; however, Australian dog owners are leading the pack with 55% - 77% of them more likely to achieve recommended levels of exercise [2].
With 2025 new year resolutions top of mind for Australians, and exercise being at the top of most people’s list (50%) [3] Petstock have collated the best ways to keep you and your pet active all year round.
#1. Do-ga (Dog Yoga)
As the name suggests Do-ga, or dog yoga is the practice of doing yoga with your dog and incorporates many traditional yoga poses.
Pet Behaviourist and Petstock Ambassador Lara Shannon says, “Who would’ve thought yoga with your pet exists? But what a fun way to spend some quality bonding time together!
Adding yoga to your dog’s weekly workout routine can be beneficial to the both of you. While they may not be able to master all the traditional poses like you do, the stretching, soothing massages and peaceful sounds will work wonders for their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Do-ga is also a great physical activity for more senior or injured pets, the low impact and gentle movements help to improve their flexibility and relieve muscle tension while building strength. If you’re unsure whether Do-ga is appropriate for your dog and possibly their injuries, please contact your local vet before starting.”
“Do-ga is also a great physical activity for more senior or injured pets, the low impact and gentle movements help to improve their flexibility and relieve muscle tension while building strength. If you’re unsure whether Do-ga is appropriate for your dog and possibly their injuries, please contact your local vet before starting.”
2. Explore the great outdoors
We all know how important regular exercise is for both pets and people, so why not make it a little more fun and exciting by changing up the scenery and exploring a new walking trail or park?
Lara says, “Dogs love to explore! Being surrounded by new smells and sights stimulates their brain and releases endorphins, which can help prevent behavioural problems like barking, digging, chewing, and other destructive habits caused by boredom or anxiety.
Remember to research beforehand to ensure the area you are visiting is dog-friendly, particularly national parks!”
Hot tip: Draw a 10km radius around your house on a map and pick a new spot to go to everyday, helps keep your dog stimulated and you get a good walk out of it too.
Hot tip: Draw a 10km radius around your house on a map and pick a new spot to go to everyday, helps keep your dog stimulated and you get a good walk out of it too.
#3. Practise or teach your dog new tricks
Tricks not only enhance your dog's learning abilities, but are also a fun way to improve your bond with them while keeping them active.
✔️ Level fetch: Try the Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster. The high-powered ball blaster launches your dog’s favourite tennis ball over 35ft in the air and is great physical activity for dogs with a lot of energy to burn. Set a timer if your dog doesn’t have an off-switch and consider lower impact activities like retrieving in the water or swimming for older dogs.
✔️ Brush up on name recall: Ensuring your dog has good recall is one of the most important obedience exercises you can teach them. Lara recommends, practising in different locations at home before slowly increasing the distraction in different environments.
1 AIHW, Physical Activity
2 Dogs Australia The impacts dogs have on our live
3 YouGov Surveys Australians top New Year Resolutions for 2024
MEDIA RELEASE, January 2025
Teaching your dog an instant reliable recall
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