{
  "id": 9663252,
  "title": "More than walkies: the rise of canine fitness",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/more-than-walkies-the-rise-of-canine-fitness",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/25/more-than-walkies-the-rise-of-canine-fitness"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Walking with their owners is the traditional approach to canine exercise, providing a simple and accessible means of physical activity for dogs. However, an increasing number of pet owners are recognizing the benefits of more targeted exercise tailored to their dog's specific needs. In Singapore, one dog gym, Barker & Pooch, offers personalized fitness programmes that include inclined treadmill work, swimming and post-exercise recovery. The centre aims to help dogs build strength, maintain mobility and stay active for longer, rather than turning them into four-legged athletes. This approach takes into account factors such as age, breed, mobility and overall physical condition, adjusting training programmes accordingly. The idea of canine fitness is not entirely new in Malaysia, with D’Gym Pet Fitness and Services offering a mobile dog gym in the Klang Valley. The founders of the service recognize the challenges faced by busy owners, apartment dwellers and those with high-energy dogs who struggle to provide sufficient exercise. Additionally, Malaysia has a growing canine rehabilitation field, with Paws Rehab in Subang Jaya providing hydrotherapy, underwater treadmills and therapeutic exercises for pets recovering from surgery or managing conditions like osteoarthritis, neurological problems and obesity. While regular walks remain an essential part of a healthy dog's physical and mental wellbeing, the appropriate level of exercise varies depending on breed, age, body condition, health, temperament and energy level. Owners can also incorporate simple changes to their dog's routine to add variety, such as using gentle slopes or swimming for low-impact exercise. In Malaysia's warm climate, it is essential to schedule walks during cooler parts of the day, ensuring adequate hydration and rest for the dog. Ultimately, exercise should not be seen solely as a way to tire a dog out, but rather as a means to preserve strength, mobility and confidence, which become increasingly valuable as our beloved pets grow older.",
  "summary": "Walks are important, but structured exercise may help some dogs build strength, stay mobile and cope better with age.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "More than walkies: the rise of canine fitness",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/more-than-walkies-the-rise-of-canine-fitness-9667301",
        "published": "2026-09-25T00:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}