For dog owners with an active lifestyle, there are lots of ways a healthy active dog can burn off energy with you. Jogging, mountain biking, and Rollerblading are excellent ways to exercise dogs with boundless energy. Just make sure that you start off slowly and gradually build the distance.

Also, pay attention to your dog's feet, checking them frequently for cuts and scrapes. Try to have him run on a variety of surfaces, since pavement is hard on a dog's joints and bones.

Dogs that participate in such activities should be at least one year old and recently checked by their veterinarians for potential health problems. (Just as it can with people, vigorous exercise can exacerbate certain bone and joint disorders.) A fit dog is happier, and you will find that he is more focused on whatever activity you are enjoying together, and he will be more likely to do it longer and without injury.

Dog Sports and Activities

The reason many people get dogs in the first place is to enjoy their company and share them with other people. Depending on your dog's personality and activity level, you may consider participating with your dog in any of a great variety of dog sports or activities.

Enrolling your dog in an agility class might be an excellent way to introduce both of you to something new while maintaining a good level of fitness. Agility is an obstacle course for dogs, usually comprised of hurdles to jump over and things to climb over, around, and through. The course is timed, and your success depends on your ability to lead your dog through a maze of obstacles to the finish.

If you would like to be an active participant in your dog's exercise program, you will find that many canine sports require you to be almost as fit as your dog. From fly ball to tracking to search and rescue, the possibilities are endless. If your style is quieter, you may consider a visiting-therapy dog program that allows you to go and visit a hospital or nursing home on a weekly or monthly basis. This is an excellent way to meet other dog owners and keep your dog's obedience skills sharp, because you will use them constantly.

A golden retriever competes in an agility trail.

If you have a lot of free time and financial resources, you may consider becoming part of the growing number of search and rescue dog teams that look for missing nationally. No matter what your interest, there is a people locally and nationally. No matter what your interest, there is a dog sport out there that you and your pup will both enjoy.

Games Dogs Play

Games are a great way to simultaneously boost your dog's interest in learning new things and strengthen your bond with him. Regardless of the game, the true objective is to make sure you both have fun. Keep the rules simple and easy to follow, and play often. Involve as many people in the family as you can, and see how much fun it can be to learn new ways of interacting together. Consider any of the following activities and games:

• Play fetch: This is a great way to tire out a tireless retriever. Use a tennis racquet to hit the ball that much further for all-out sprints.

• Go swimming: Here's another great way to exercise a very active dog. Combine it with some retrieving for a really exhausting workout.

• Play hide-and-seek: This indoor rainy-day game may provide some dogs with enough activity to let them sleep the rest of the day. Also use this game to perk up your dog's recall and teach him that coming to you is always the best option.

In this dog-friendly age of ours, services like doggie day care, play groups, and dog parks are available to help us exercise our restless pooches. If you try to fit in more exercise sessions but just can't seem to put a dent in your dog's energy, consider doggie day care one or two days a week.

• Hide your dog's toys: He'll learn to use his nose to track things down and bring them back to you.

• Learn a new trick: Practice until it's perfect, then show off to your friends and family.

• Practice Pavlov: Set up a treat-dispensing toy and show your dog how to interact with it until it pays off.

Whatever you do, be sure you have a blast! Keep it fun, and keep the pace fast and interesting; you will see your dog perk up at the mere mention of playtime with you.