Low Impact Exercises for Hips and Back Legs

You may or may not know that I (Nala) have been struggling to lose weight for several years to move from overweight to ideal weight. Most dogs in the US, like most humans, are overweight or obese. Especially as we age, obesity can cause or exacerbate many health conditions and shorten our lives by 1-2 years!

After prescription food made me GAIN weight, we moved to a customized nutrition and exercise plan. I am thrilled to share that I have lost 30 pounds since February and regained some muscle mass in my hips and thighs!

The exercises Mom and I do every day can help any dog and are especially important for large breeds who tend to have hip and joint problems. Recently, Uncle Buddy (Grandma and Grandpa’s dog) has been having issues with his back legs. Grandma and Grandpa are adding supplements and exercises to his routine. Grandma asked for a demonstration of the exercises I do everyday with Mom, so we made these videos at Rialto Beach:

Exercise 1: Two Feet Up

Exercise 2: Sit to Stand

Exercise 3: Doggie Crunches

Exercise 4: Back Feet Up

Putting it all together:

Mom also recommends the website https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/fit-tionary/

This website has dozens of exercises you can do to help with your dog’s fitness and includes free videos demonstrating how to teach them. You do NOT need expensive equipment to do these tricks and exercises. Ask Mom for at home modifications. The video we made above includes Front Paws on a Pedestal (we call it Two Feet Up) and Rear Leg Hike (we call it Back Feet Up).

They also have tutorials for tricks: https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/tricktionary/

In our video demo, you will see 2 on/2 off and 2 on/2 off Pull back on (what we call doggie crunches).

All these videos are free, but you can also get titles and medals for completing certain tricks and fitness exercises (though the titles and medals cost money). Reach out to Mom by texting her dog training number at 719-301-9097 for information on how to earn these medals or for help teaching any of these tricks and exercised to your pup. Here are pictures of me with my titles and medals!