No Expensive Equipment Required! How to do Strengthening Exercises at Home.

Keeping your dog strong and fit doesn’t have to mean you have to buy expensive gym equipment or fancy gadgets! With a little creativity and some items you already have at home, you can start creating some safe and effective exercises for your furry friend.

Here are some simple ways to help your dog get stronger using everyday household items so that they move better, have less pain and live longer!

1. Step-Up Exercises Using Stairs

The first step of a staircase is an excellent tool for step-up exercises. This activity strengthens your dog’s hind legs, core, and improves balance.

How to do it:

• Have your dog stand in front of the bottom step.

• Encourage them to place their front paws on the step and push up with their hind legs to stand fully on the step.

• Gently guide them back down to the floor.

• Repeat 8–10 times on each side.

Special Note - for smaller dogs or those new to exercise, start with a lower surface, like a thick book, and gradually increase height.

2. Cavaletti Exercises with Mops and Brooms

Cavaletti exercises improve your dog’s coordination/proprioception, joint mobility, and strength. Instead of purchasing poles and cones, you can use household items like mops, brooms, or if you're super handy, some PVC pipes.

How to do it:

• Lay the mops or brooms on the floor, spaced a few inches apart in a straight line.

• Encourage your dog to walk slowly over the poles, lifting their legs higher than normal. Repeat for 1 minute. 

Special Note: You can change the height of the brooms by propping the poles up with books for a greater challenge.

Brooms and mops can be used instead of purchasing poles and cones

3. Couch Cushion Walking

Strengthen your dog’s core and improve their balance with a simple couch cushion or pillow.

How to do it:

• Place the cushions on the floor and have your dog walk over them.

Special Note: Use a non-slip mat under the cushion to ensure safety.

Couch cushion walking

4. Towel Resistance Pulls

This is a great exercise to build strength in your dog’s neck, shoulders, and core.

How to do it:

• Use a sturdy towel or an old t-shirt as a tug toy.

• Sit on the floor and encourage your dog to pull against the towel while you hold the other end.

• Allow them to pull for a few seconds, then release to let them “win.”

• Repeat 5–7 times, ensuring your dog doesn’t overexert themselves.

Special Note: Always let your dog initiate the tug and avoid pulling too hard to protect their teeth and neck.

5. DIY Incline Walks

Strengthen your dog’s hindquarters and increase endurance by creating an incline with household items.

How to do it:

• Use a sturdy wooden board or a ramp propped against a low surface, like a step.

• Encourage your dog to walk up and down the incline slowly.

Special Note: Make sure the surface is secure and non-slip to avoid accidents.

With just a few simple adjustments and household items, you can create an engaging and effective strengthening program for your dog. Start slow, be consistent, progress the difficulty of the exercises and watch your furry friend thrive!

Looking for more tailored exercise plans for your dog without leaving home or having to buy fancy equipment?

Check out The Dog Rehab App for lots of different exercises you can do using stuff around the house!

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