Some dogs, no matter how much you try to get them to do something, are lazy-dogs who don't like to move, and prefer to snuggle all day long. It's important for lazy and lethargic dogs to get exercise, as excess weight or lack of enthusiasm can cause serious health problems and shorten your dog's life. Dogs are bred to earn something by working, and yet some breeds are less active than others. All breeds of dogs should do some form of exercise for 45 minutes at least once a day to maintain good health.
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Method 1 of 2: Using Food and Playmates
Step 1. Use a food divider toy
If your dog isn't motivated to move or seems bored with exercise, excite him by using a food-sharing toy such as a Kong toy. Kong is a toy made of rubber with a hole in the middle. This toy is non-toxic and dishwasher safe. Kong toys are sold in various sizes, from very small to very large. You can buy it at most pet supply stores. You can fill Kong toys with your dog's favorite food, such as cheese or peanut butter, or a variety of dog foods. Furthermore, your dog will be motivated to chew and play with the Kong toy.
- If your dog has never been used to a food puzzle toy, such as a Kong toy, you will need to teach him how to use the toy. Start by filling Kong's toys with kibble (dog/cat biscuits) or food that will come out of Kong's toys easily so the dog learns how the toys work.
- As soon as your dog has easily emptied the Kong toy, challenge the dog by making it difficult to get the food out of the Kong toy. Do this by using larger pieces of food such as fruit or vegetables, or pieces of cheese. You can also layer foods in Kong toys, such as peanut butter, bananas, mashed potatoes, or canned foods (wet food), so your dog gets a variety of foods when chewing and playing with Kong toys.
Step 2. Go on a biscuit hunt
Another great way to get your lazy dog to practice is to hide biscuits or dry food around the house when the dog is outside or in the crate. Then, let go of the dog and encourage him to go on a “biscuit hunt”. You can start by making the biscuits easy to find so your dog will understand the game. Over time, you can hide their food in more difficult-to-find places to challenge your dog to keep hunting.
You can also play hide and find games with Kong. Put the dog's breakfast in Kong's toy then hide it and see the results it shows the next morning. This game will give your dog something to find and play with while you leave him. Keep in mind that some dogs can create a mess when playing with Kong toys, so avoid leaving Kong toys full of wet food while you're away or unable to keep an eye on your dog's play
Step 3. Find a playmate for your dog
Most dogs will show little interest in other dogs and will naturally respond by circling, sniffing, and perhaps playing with them. Introduce your dog to other dogs in your neighborhood or to your friend's dog and plan a get-together to play together. This will motivate your dog to run around, even if it's just to show the new friend who he is and mark his territory.
You can also encourage your dog to play with other dogs by getting him involved in play sessions. You can use food to motivate your dog to play a game of throw and catch with his new playmate and reward him when he interacts with other dogs
Step 4. Take your dog to a neighborhood park where dogs play
It is important for your dog to get along with other dogs around him and be given the opportunity to play with other dogs in a communal setting at least once a week. Every time you go for a walk, take your dog to the neighborhood park and encourage it to play with other dogs. You can also search for dog groups in your neighborhood that consist of dogs of the same breed and size. Your dog will have the opportunity to play together with the dogs of the group.
Method 2 of 2: Training Using Clicker Tools and Physical Games
Step 1.
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Do clicker training on your dog. If your dog is just starting to learn basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come," you can introduce training with a clicker to motivate him to participate in training sessions and do some exercises. You can also use the clicker on a dog that already knows the basic commands and encourage him to try some advanced commands. A clicker is an animal training device that you can hold in your palm, with a metal tongue that makes a sound (it sounds: clicks) when you press it down. You can buy a clicker at your local pet supply store.
Exercise a Lazy Dog Step 5
Clicker training is a form of training in which you stimulate your dog physically and mentally to relieve stress and boredom. Doing clicker training at a really fast pace throughout the day will force your dog to move around and can tire him out as quickly as playing hide-and-seek or catch-and-see
Step 2. Practice with tugs and catches
If your dog isn't excited to run far after a toy or ball, stimulate it by playing tug and catch in a small space. Use a tug toy (toy to bite with a certain shape, such as a ball, doll, etc.) made of wool or soft string up to one meter in length. Find a long hallway or empty space in your home where you and your dog can play this simple and effective game.
- Set rules around tug and catch: your dog is not allowed to catch/take a tug until you give him permission to do so, so he must sit or lie on the floor until you call him to play. Use certain words/phrases, such as: “Take it/ Get it! to signal the start of the game. Your dog should also let go of the toy when you ask him to say "Drop it" or "Give it".
- Start by holding the tug toy in your hand and telling your dog to sit down. As soon as the dog sits down, say "Take it!" and wave the toy in front of him or along the floor in front of him. Encourage your dog to take the center of the toy so it doesn't catch/bite your hand. While you and your dog are tugging at each other, rock the toy back and forth and up and down for 10 to 20 seconds.
- After 10 to 20 seconds, tell your dog "Give" and stop pulling the toy. It's best if your arms are limp but you're still holding the toy. Tell your dog to "sit". If your dog lets go of the toy and sits down, say "Get it!" and encourage the dog to return to tug and catch. Repeat this series of games so your dog learns to take off the tug and sit down as soon as you say "Give". From time to time, you can change how long your dog must remain seated before you encourage him to return to tug and catch.
Step 3. Play a game of hide and seek in a new environment
If you tend to play the same game as your dog, avoid boredom and lethargy by moving the play activity to a new environment/location. The new neighborhood may be another part of the house or yard, or in a fenced parking area or in an open space near your home. If you intend to let your dog run without a leash, it's a good idea to make sure your dog is properly trained in an enclosed area to avoid the risk of loss.
- Encourage your dog to play a game of hide and seek in a new environment by putting his favorite food in your pocket. Next, instruct the dog to sit and be still. Go into another room or a nearby hiding place. Don't make it difficult for the dog to find you, as you need to make the game fun and acceptable to him.
- Call the dog to approach you, just one call by saying his name clearly. Wait while the dog looks for you.
- As soon as the dog finds you, praise him enthusiastically and give him a treat or toss his favorite toy. The dog should be motivated to keep playing the game of hide and seek with you, especially when food is involved.
