Physical Play, Happy Dog

Keeping your dog active is one of the best ways to support their overall health and happiness. Just like mental stimulation keeps their mind sharp, regular movement builds strength, improves flexibility, and supports joint health.

Mixing up activities, like tug, fetch, and swimming, helps create a balanced routine that challenges both body and mind.

Today, we’re teaming up with Laura, the dog mom behind @goodasgoldensand longtime Jolly Pets fan, to share her love of dock diving and water play with her dogs.

For Laura, dock diving isn’t just about competition, it’s a joyful way to stay active together. The sport gives her pups a fun outlet to burn energy while strengthening their bodies (and their bond) in the process.

Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises for dogs, offering a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints, perfect for all ages, from energetic puppies to senior dogs.

Unlike rough play on hard surfaces, swimming builds endurance while protecting joints and muscles. Floating toys make the experience even better by encouraging safe retrieval, focus, and problem-solving as dogs learn to swim and chase in the water.

Dock diving takes things up a notch, boosting confidence, coordination, and cardiovascular health as dogs leap after their favorite floating toys. It’s the perfect combo of fitness and fun, with the bonus of shared excitement between pup and person.

Not near a dock? No problem! You can adapt these games for your backyard pool, lake days, or gentle splash sessions with floating toys and toss-and-retrieve play.

As Laura puts it, “Dock diving is a fun activity for people who want to do sports with their dogs, but also for those who just want to have fun. Swimming is great for their joints, and Neva stays so fit in the summer from all our dock time. It’s nice that so many of the Jolly Pets toys float, Neva’s obsessed with the football when she’s in the pool!”

Of course, water play isn’t the only way to keep your dog moving. Classic games like fetch, tug, and chase help build strength, coordination, and confidence. Short, frequent play sessions are ideal for keeping things positive, preventing fatigue, and keeping your dog eager for the next round.

Keep up with Laura and her pups on Instagram!