Best Exercise Equipment for Dogs: Four-Legged Fitness

We put ourselves through all sorts of torture — er, I mean exercise — for the sake of fitness, but you may be forgetting about something: Your pooch needs to stay fit too! Dogs need regular exercise and activity to maintain optimal health.

Exercise requirements will vary as your pup ages, but keeping your dog moving is vital for lifelong well-being.

You can encourage four-legged fitness in a variety of ways, as there are dozens of options that go beyond a daily walk, keep your pupper guessing, and provide plenty of fun in the process.  

Read on to learn more about canine exercise equipment and check out 19 different products we recommend. But — if you’re in a hurry — just check out our three favorites below!

Best Dog Exercise Equipment: Quick Picks

• Best Overall Exercise Tool: The dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill — It’s certainly not cheap, but the dogPACER is a treadmill designed to specifically help canines get some extra exercise. It comes with built-in dog-safety features and comes with a super-quiet motor that won’t spook your pooch.
• Best for Solo Play: VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot — If you need to keep your dog moving while you’re busy doing other things, this treat-dispensing, phone-controllable device can keep your canine busy for up to four hours at a time.
• Best Affordable Tool for Extra Exercise: Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball — You don’t always need expensive or elaborate tools to get your dog moving, and the Starmark Chew Ball is a great example. Just fill it with treats and watch your dog wrestle, chew, and chase it around to get the tasty morsels inside.

The Importance of Exercise for Dogs

Everyday exercise stimulates more than just your pup’s muscles and joints. It is vital in keeping your dog looking and feeling great — physically and mentally. 

Canine Exercise Helps Address Behavior Problems

Pent-up energy and mischief go hand-in-hand. From shredded throw pillows to nuisance barking, your dog can get into all sorts of trouble when he lacks daily exercise.

As the old adage goes: A tired dog is a good dog. If your four-footer tends to get into trouble, try incorporating more exercise into his routine.

Exercise Helps maintain Good Body Weight/Condition

As we all know, a chunky monkey of a pup can experience a multitude of health problems, including arthritis and diabetes.

While a switch to a weight loss dog food formula can help, you still need to encourage your dog to exercise to maintain optimal movement and circulation.

Of course, this doesn’t mean taking your couch potato Cocker Spaniel on a marathon run suddenly one day. Start slow and work up to an exercise routine that works for you and your dog.

Recommended Read: How to Train Your Dog For Long Distance Running

Exercise Helps Support Your Dog’s Mental Health  

Laying around all day would make anyone a little mopey, right? Your dog is no different. Simply put, your canine needs to keep his mind engaged to avoid the doggo blues.

Regular exercise not only helps him burn calories, but it keeps his brain buzzing too. For additional brain training, try out a puzzle toy to help flex his brain and his brawn. 

Do You Need Exercise Equipment for Your Dog?

In some cases, you may be able to get your dog sufficient exercise by simply running around at the park with him, going on very long walks (while incorporating some walking games), or taking your pooch to swim.

And none of these activities require anything more than minimal equipment.

However, some owners may be limited by time, and others simply may not be able to keep up with the vigorous demands of certain high-energy breeds like huskies, Aussie shepherds, or Malinoises.

Fo these owners, purchasing a bit of equipment may be helpful for ensuring that you get your pup enough exercise.

Some of the reasons exercise equipment may be valuable include:

You Are Elderly or Suffer from Limited Mobility

Sometimes, physical limitations prevent us from doing the things we once used to, like walking our dogs.

It may be a temporary injury or something more long-term, but investing in the proper tools will make it easier to get your pooch some exercise, keep your dog happy, and create a new way to bond.

You Live in a Place with Long Winters or Inclement Weather

I don’t know about you, but walking my pooch in two feet of snow simply isn’t possible. In colder climates, investing in a doggy treadmill or other indoor equipment is a game-changer during the winter months.

Even if you live somewhere with fabulous weather, having a backup is ideal for when heat waves or rainy weather strikes.

You Have a Very Busy Schedule

There are only so many hours in a day, and with the demands of work, school, and family piling up, sometimes you run out of time. This often leads us to neglect our dog’s exercise needs.

But by having tools around that your dog can use himself to burn off energy, you’ll be able to keep you and your canine happy. 

Don’t forget: Fitness aside, many types of canine exercise equipment are a blast for your pooch. And that’s always a good thing!

19 Best Pieces of Exercise Equipment for Dogs

Below, we’ve fetched some awesome tools to get dogs of all shapes and sizes moving. There’s something for every pooch, whether you have an all-star athlete or happy house hippo. 

 1. Ricochet Dog Toy 

About: The Ricochet is an interactive game that promotes mental and physical activity in your dog.

Sold as a two-toy set, the Ricochet encourages your dog to bounce from one ball to the other with its series of squeaks and sounds.

Features: The duo of oblong balls emit a series of echoing squeaks back and forth that keeps your pooch guessing as he ricochets between them.

With a range of up to 30 feet, you can allow your dog to ping-pong between the pieces, or up the ante by stashing one out of sight, so your pup can play hide and seek. 

Stuffing-free, the soft rubber coating is gentle enough to mouth without injury but durable enough to provide hours of fun supervised play.

The duo automatically shuts off after sixty minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life (the toy requires six AAAs, which are not included).

Want to read more? Check out our full review of the Ricochet Dog Toy!

2. GOPET Treadwheel 

About: The GOPET Treadwheel is a fun and functional exercise machine that lets your dog run at his own pace in a pup-sized “hamster” wheel.

This pup-powered device doesn’t need electricity, making it portable and easy to set up.

Features: This free-standing piece of equipment lets your dog run on the wild side, literally, within an enclosed wheel.

There’s a door included that allows your pup to use it as he pleases, and the comfort mat base protects his paws while he chases his dreams in the wheel.

This is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for indoor dog exercise or outdoors, and the smaller version can also be used by fitness-freak felines, too.

Options: The GOPET Treadwheel is available in a small/toy option for dogs up to 25 pounds and a medium/large version for dogs up to 150 pounds.

3. dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill

About: The dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Treadmill is a convenient way to raise your dog’s step count and alleviate boredom.

Built like a traditional human treadmill, your dog just has to hop aboard and run or walk to his heart’s content.

Features: This heavy-duty machine can handle dogs up to 180 pounds, which covers the vast majority of breeds.

Perfect for conditioning athletic dogs or exercising during inclement weather, the Dog Pacer treadmill can be used for a leisurely stroll or a quick sprint to burn off extra energy.

This device features a pretty compact design for a dog treadmill, so it should fit in most homes.

For safety’s sake, it comes with side rails to keep your pup from falling off. The motor is also made with pups in mind and runs quietly to avoid scaring your fur friend.

4. PAW5: Wooly Snuffle Mat

About: PAW5’s Wooly Snuffle Mat encourages your pup to use his brain and his nose to sniff out treats hidden within the textured mat.

A clever option for voracious eaters, it’s also a fun way to slow down chow time and force your dog to work for his meal. 

Features: The Wooly’s denim-like bristles are made with non-toxic materials and are designed to mimic natural canine foraging habits.

Your pup will have to work through them to find the goods, stimulating his mind all the while.

The snuffle mat is machine-washable, allowing you to keep it fresh and clean between uses. Its size and design are suitable for breeds of all sizes.

5. Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball 

About: The Starmark Chew Ball adds incentive to a traditional game of chase by gifting your pooch with a tasty reward as he pushes and plays. It’s hard for your pooch to get bored with treats to be had!

Features: Using the Starmark Treat Ball is a breeze, as you only have to fill it up with your pup’s kibble or a few treats and let the fun begin. It stores a decent amount of treats, keeping your pooch engaged for hours of play. 

This treat-dispensing ball is made with durable rubberized material bounces and floats. It’s also completely dishwasher safe, making it easy to keep clean.

Options: Available in medium and large, this treat-dispensing ball works best for medium-sized breeds and larger pups.

Be sure to check out our review of the Starmark ball (along with a few other awesome treat-dispensing balls) below:

6. Babble Ball

About: Your pup will certainly think tennis balls are yesterday’s news once he gets to try the Babble Ball — an interactive dog toy that stimulates your dog’s curiosity with a variety of alternating flashes and sounds.

Combining physical play with audible and visual rewards, it’s an exciting toy that most dogs will adore. 

Features: The Babble Ball is chock full of playtime options, with 18 different sounds and a motion-activated light to occupy your pooch.

Ranging from whistles to squeaks, there is a sound to pique every pup’s interest.

Made to the last, the Babble Ball can withstand chewing and indoor play, though you should always supervise your pup while in use.

This battery-operated ball comes with batteries that last for up to 15,000 interactions.

Options: There are three sizes to choose from: small, medium, and large. Multi-packs are also available for multi-dog households.

7. VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot

About: Peek in on your dog and play even when you’re away with the VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot. This interactive robot moves around and disburses treats, breaking up the monotony of the day for your pooch.

Features: You can control the robot from its smartphone app or activate one of the pre-set functions to give your pup a chance to play when you’re busy or away.

You could even schedule treat breaks or play sessions to keep your pup moving throughout the day. 

The VARRAM robot is made for #petlife, with a water-resistant poly-carbonate finish and a protective case that holds up to curious paws or wayward teeth.

The battery life varies by use, and it can run continuously for up to four hours. 

8. Hyper Pet Doggie Tail

About: The Hyper Pet Doggie Tail is an interactive toy that wiggles, barks, vibrates and more. It’s designed to be too tempting for your pooch to ignore, leading to play sessions that will keep him thinking and moving.

Features: This multifaceted device stimulates your dog in multiple ways. He will be visibly drawn to its prey-like appearance, while he’s audibly intrigued by the squeaks and barks.

Once retrieved, the interior crinkle material is rewarding, while the toy’s vibration adds another layer of fun.

This battery-operated toy can be turned on and off to prolong play. As your dog plays, he’ll continue to activate a new reaction.

Options: You can get the Hyper Pet in one of two versions: One looks like a puppy’s tail and the other is designed to look like an adorable monster. 

9. The Classic KONG

About: The Classic KONG Dog Toy is a traditional, treat-holding chew toy that doubles as a bouncy buddy for games of fetch.

This made-in-the-USA dog toy is not only mentally-stimulating, but it satisfies your pup’s instinct to chew, making it an excellent choice for puppies.

Features: The Classic KONG Toy is made of chewable yet firm rubber that’s made to withstand your dog’s chompers and prevent your pet from injuring his teeth or gums. Its hollow center is perfect for stuffing with your doggo’s favorite delicacies. 

The KONG is dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless. A word of caution, though: because they’re made of rubber, these can scuff walls, so avoid throwing this around the house.

Options: Kong has some of the widest range of sizes and strengths on the market, with six sizes ranging from X-small to XX-large, and four color-coded chew strengths from puppy to extreme. 

10. Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball

About: The PetZone IQ Treat Ball lets the good times roll, literally, as it dispenses treats or kibble as your pup plays.

Rather than just chewing like some designs, your dog actually has to manipulate the ball to get the good stuff, forcing him to think and move on the go.

Features: Your dog can both see and hear the treats inside, giving him a visual and audio incentive in addition to a tasty treat each time.

As time goes on, he’ll learn better ways to shake out treats, but you can adjust the difficulty level inside to keep him on his toes.

The hard plastic is designed for play, and it disassembles easily for hand washing and drying. As with all toys, you should supervise your pooch during use. 

Options: Available in 3- and 4-inch sizes, this ball is suited for most dog breeds.

11. IDOGMATE Ball Launcher 

About: Give your arm a break with the IDOGMATE Ball Launcher, an interactive device that throws your dog’s ball for you!

Designed for big dogs, this ball launcher gets your doggo moving by rocketing balls up to 40 feet.

Features: The IDOGMATE Launcher is powered by the included rechargeable ion battery or via AC adapter, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

This is a very flexible toy, which your dog can learn to use by himself thanks to the self-loader, or you can trigger it manually with the included remote.

Its plastic design is perfect for spot-cleaning on the go, and its height is suitable for most dogs to load with ease. The machine should only be used with IDOGMATE approved balls to avoid jams.

12. Playball by Couch Potato

About: Couch Potato’s Playball is an automatic ball launcher for small dogs that tosses tennis balls specially-made for petite pooches.

You can either load it yourself or teach your dog how to do so for solo playtime. This keeps the fun going for hours for fetch maniac dogs.

Features: This ball launcher comes with three pre-set throwing distances to choose from and is appropriate for indoor and outdoor use.

Since it’s made for smaller dogs, it doesn’t shoot terribly far, though it’s adequate for little legs.

Made of durable plastic, this device allows for stress-free cleanup to keep it slobber-free and looking good. Owners can choose from a wall plug power source indoors or the use of 6 C batteries outdoors. 

13. PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

About: The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is a device that repeatedly throws your dog tennis balls, freeing up your hands and time.

Loaded by a top hopper, you can train your dog to drop the balls in himself, leading to an adorable game of independent fetch. 

Features: Equipped with a timer to prevent your dog from playing to exhaustion, this is a handy piece of equipment for occupying your pup.

With the ability to set the firing angle and distance from 8 to 30 feet, it can be used indoors or outdoors, and its durable plastic shell is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean of stray drool.

The included front safety sensor prevents the ball from firing when something is right in front of the device. This keeps you or your pup from catching an errant ball in passing. There are two power source options for the toy: a power cord or six D batteries.

14. iDig Digging Toy by iFetch

About: Protect your yard and couch cushions with the iDig Digging Toy by iFetch, a toy that satisfies your dog’s natural digging instincts in a safe, constructive way.

You hide treats, toys, or other goodies between the included layers, and your pup digs until he uncovers each in a fun game of hide-and-go-treats.

Features: Resembling a round bed, the iDig encourages your pup to think and best of all — dig! The layered fabric design allows you to hide treats in varying levels of difficulty, keeping your dog engaged in an epic battle of sniff and dig.

The fabric pieces of the iDig are machine-washable, and the popup shell of the iDig Go or base of the iDig Stay can be spot cleaned for ongoing upkeep.

Options: There are two varieties to pick from: the iDig Go and iDig Stay.

The iDig Go is a popup version with thin layers that easily comes and “goes” for quick play and storage, while the iDig Stay is a less compact version with a firm plastic base that doesn’t fold flat.

15. Tumbo Tugger Tug-Of-War Toy

About: Fido’s fitness is fun and interactive with the Tumbo Tugger, a high-octane tug-of-war device that sends the fur (and your dog) flying as they wrestle with a dangling toy.

With options available for both small fries and big bites, it’s a versatile pick for any fur family.

Features: The ultimate tug toy for solo play, the Tumbo Tugger “plays” with your dog as its bungee gives the resistance you typically do during tug, and when they let go, it springs away to keep them coming back for more.

The inner bungee is enclosed in a durable cover to keep it protected and your dog safe, and its no-metal design keeps your pup’s teeth out of harm’s way.

Setup is a breeze, as you only need to attach the bungee around a branch or beam in a loop design, eliminating the need for tools.

You can adjust the height as needed, keeping it just out of reach for chewers who will want to sit and gnaw rather than jump and chase.

Options: This bungee toy is offered in four types: small, indoor ceiling for small dogs, outdoor for small dogs, and outdoor for large dogs.

16. SwiftPaws Lure Course

About: The SwiftPaws Lure Course is designed for canines who like to chase things.

By pulling a tempting flag through a customizable course, your dog has a safe way to satisfy his natural instincts.

Features: This lure course uses pulleys and a length of cord to drag a flag or animal design along a track that you can customize to your backyard.

Reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour(!), it’s ideal for dogs who get a case of the zoomies and need a way to burn off that urge to run. 

Setup takes a bit, but as long as there are clear skies overhead, it’s worth the time, and once you put the system together, it’s much easier to use the next time around. Stake out your chosen course, load the line into the pulleys, and presto — frenzied four-footed fun!  

Options: The system is offered in a highly-customizable base package that extends up to 200 feet and is intended for the backyard. You can also purchase additional line and pulley packs to extend the course if you would like.

17. SoCal Bungee Spring Pole

About: Burning off excess energy is fun with the SoCal Bungee Spring Pole, a device that tempts your dog into springing into the air to grab at a rope.

Simply install the spring pole onto a thick branch or beam, and watch your dog go to town with his new buddy.

Features: Rather than punish your arms for hours during tug-of-war, this device lets your pup play the game solo with the spring above taking all the powerful pulls you used to.

You can swap the included spring out for something with a little more give as well if you have smaller breeds or puppies.

The included rope is thick and durable, but your dog should always be supervised during play with this device. You can also swap this out for something smaller if your pup has a hard time biting the thick braiding.

18. DMY Interactive 7-in-1 Function Laser Chaser Toy

About: Keep your pupper on the move with the DMY 7-in-1 Laser Chaser Toy. With its multitude of settings and features, this goes beyond the laser toys you’re used to, leading to hours of fun, interactive play.

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Features: The 7-in-1 design of this laser chaser contains four patterns and two colored dots for your pooch to chase, as well as a UV light that may be handy for your own hobbies.

Just point and click to display the pattern of your choice, and move around to start the epic game of chase the light with your pooch.

This laser pointer is rechargeable, keeping the fun going again and again and eliminating the need for pesky batteries. Its stainless steel housing is another perk, as it can withstand the occasional drop without snapping like plastic devices.

19. Outward Hound Tail Teaser Flirt Pole

About: Your pup can run and jump to his heart’s content with the Outward Hound Tail Teaser Flirt Pole.

Featuring a plush toy dangling from a sturdy lead, it temps your pooch into play as you swing it around.

Features: The flirt pole keeps your hands away from the bite zone and slobbery toys while you and your pup engage in a spirited game of chase and tug.

Since your hands are away from the dog’s chompers, it’s a great toy for children to use when playing with Fido!

Using a flirt pole is easy — just hold onto the handle and wriggle the toy suspended from the nylon cord. 

With two irresistible end attachments to choose from that squeak and rattle, your dog can’t help but come running anytime you break out this toy. It’s versatile enough for indoor or outdoor play, though we suggest heading outside if you have a larger pooch who loves air aerobics.

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Do you have any of these items in your doggy’s home gym? What do you do to keep your four-footer fit? Tell us below in the comments!