Playing with your dog is a fun activity for both of you and provides important exercise for your pet as well.  The daily exercise routine can help improve bone and joint health and lung and heart functions.  With regular exercise, your dog will look and feel better and stay at a more optimum weight.  Work into the dog's exercise routine gradually, and consult with your veterinarian before you begin a rigorous exercise program.

• Play catch with your dog using a lightweight ball or tossing toy.  Retriever-type dogs especially like to play fetch.
• Play tug-of-war with your dog using rope, canvas or nylon pull toys.  Never pull hard on your dog's mouth when he is holding the toy.
• Treats can be inserted into some toys to make fun for him while he is getting his snack.  To release the treats, the dog has to chew on the toy.  This is a good way to keep a high energy dog busy.
  
• Plush stuffed toys are great for gentle dogs that like to carry them around the house.  You can play hide and go seek with scented plush toys to increase activity.  You hide the scented toy and then ask your dog to fetch it.  Be sure to reward your dog with praise or a treat when he finds it.