20 Exercises That Help Your Dog Live Longer: Start Today! #317

Nov 19, 2025

Discover how your dog's movement can be a key indicator of their health! Learn about over 20 simple fitness exercises designed to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility for dogs of all ages. Delve into the four essential categories of canine fitness: proprioception, strength and stability, flexibility, and conditioning. Plus, get tips on prerequisites for safe exercises, the importance of vet checks, and insightful methods like ladder work and cushion circuits to keep your furry friend fit and agile.

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INSIGHT

Movement Reveals Longevity

A dog's movement at any age reveals a lot about their long-term health and longevity.
Establishing a movement baseline helps spot early signs of trouble before they become problems.

ADVICE

Get A Vet Baseline First

Get a complete physical from your veterinarian before starting any fitness program.
Use a rehab veterinarian for baseline measurements when possible and consult qualified professionals for tailored plans.

ADVICE

Do These Prerequisites

Prepare with basic prerequisites like regular nail trims, ItsYerChoice, and crate games to make fitness safer and easier.
Prioritize nail length since long nails cause discomfort as dogs age.

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Visit us at shapedbydog.com

Your dog's movement can reveal a lot about their long-term comfort and health. That's why I'm sharing more than 20 simple fitness exercises to help support your dog at every stage of their life, so they can move better, stay strong, and age with confidence. You'll discover the four key categories of canine fitness and how each one builds strength, balance, flexibility, and awareness in ways that support your dog's lifelong mobility.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why your dog's movement reveals so much about their long-term health. • The 20 simple exercises I use with all my dogs from puppyhood to senior years. • The prerequisites that make fitness exercises easier and safer (Nail Trims, ItsYerChoice, Crate Games). • The four key categories of canine fitness (Proprioception, Strength and Stability, Flexibility, and Conditioning) and why each one matters. • The importance of a vet check and establishing a baseline before starting any fitness plan. • A special opportunity to join Home School the Dog and Wag Nation for more step-by-step support.

Join Wag Nation + Home School the Dog: Write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line "Home School and Wag Bundle Please" for a very special opportunity to join us in Wag Nation and Home School the Dog.

ItsYerChoice Summit: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/

Get Crate Games Online: Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/

Resources:

1. Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog: Cutting Your Dog's Nails: How Important Is It Really? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2013/08/cutting-your-dogs-nails-how-important-is-it-really/ 2. Podcast Episode 266: Hot Zone And Stays – How One Dog Training Nuance Can Fix Anxiety And Duration - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/266/ 3. YouTube Playlist: Target Training for Dogs with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3&si=Pe6C9uZGvjlzoolB 4. YouTube Video: Susan Garrett's Perch Work Dog Tricks (Pivots and Spins) - https://youtu.be/O6sj6fTJnFc 5. Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog: How to Train Your Dog to Stand on Cue - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/10/train-your-dog-to-stand-on-cue/ 6. Dogs That YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DogsThat 7. YouTube Playlist: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay! Dog Training Duration Behaviors with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2cY7Fg3MLUaobkSdnVx0jt&si=b_kVPMzPxg5jffFX 8. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/vMkEJo5zfLM