You've seen those ads on TV promising amazing results from all sorts of contraptions. Well there's no need to invest in fancy equipment. If you have (or can borrow) a dog, you have everything you need. The following exercises can (and will) be done anytime, anywhere.

Inner Thighs - Place the dogs favorite toy between thighs. Press tighter than the dog can pull. Do not attempt barelegged - dogs who favor shortcuts to success will just dig the toy out. You could be damaged.

Upper Body Strength: Lift the dog - off the couch, off the bed. Repeat. Repeat. repeat. As the dog ages, the process is reversed - onto the couch, onto the bed and so on.

Balance and Coordination:

Exercise 1: Remove your puppy from unsuitable tight places. If they're too small for him, they're certainly too small for you. Do it anyway. Repeat. Repeat. repeat.

Exercise 2: Practice not falling when your dog bounds across the full length of the room, sails through the air and slams both paws into the back of your knees.

Exercise 3: (for use with multiple dogs) Remove all dogs from lap and answer the phone before it stops ringing.

Exercise 3(Alternate): For older dogs; attempt to cross a room without tripping over the dog. Get off your couch without crushing any part of a sleeping elder dog.

Upper Arms: Throw the ball. Throw the squeaky toy. Throw the Frisbee. Repeat until nauseous.

Upper Arms (Alternate): Tug the rope. Tug the pull toy. Tug the sock. Repeat until your shoulder is dislocated or the dog gives up (we all know which comes first).

Hand Coordination:: Remove foreign object from locked jaw. This exercise is especially popular with puppy owners. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Remember, this is a timed exercise. Movements must be quick and precise (think concert pianist) to prevent trips to the vet which only offer the minimal exercise benefit of jaw firming clenches.

Calves: After the dog has worn out the rest of your body. hang a circular toy on your ankle and let the dog tug while you tug back. WARNING: this is feasible only for those with strong bones and small dogs. Have you taken your calcium supplement today?

Calves (alternate): Run after dog - pick any reason, there are plenty. Dogs of any size can be used for this exercise. Greyhounds are inadvisable.

Neck Muscles: Attempt to outmaneuver the canine tongue headed for your ear, mouth, or eyeball. This is a lifelong fitness program. A dog is never too old or feeble to 'French kiss' when you least expect it.

From IPG Newsletter (International Professional Groomers)