If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to keep your dog fit, strong, and mobile, hydrotherapy is an excellent option (why keep your dog fit? See this article for details!). Not only does hydrotherapy reduce joint stress thanks to the buoyancy of water, but it also provides resistance that helps build muscle, improve coordination, and enhance overall wellbeing.
For those not familiar with hydrotherapy, check out our introductory guide to dog hydrotherapy to understand the foundation of this activity.
In this article, we’ll explore key hydrotherapy exercises designed to strengthen important body parts and support your dog’s fitness goals. Along the way, I’ll also recommend complementary land-based exercises and provide guidance on session frequency and safety considerations.
Understanding the Key Body Areas and Fitness Goals
Before diving into the exercises, it’s helpful to understand the main body parts hydrotherapy targets, as well as other important fitness components.
Primary areas to strengthen:
- Hindlimbs: These include hips, knees, and ankles, which are critical for stability and movement.
- Core muscles: Essential for maintaining balance, posture, and efficient movement.
- Shoulders and forelimbs: Important for mobility and agility during all activities.
- Joints: Maintaining flexibility and reducing impact is vital for long-term joint health.
Beyond physical strength, hydrotherapy supports:
- Coordination: Improving your dog’s ability to move smoothly and confidently.
- Body awareness (proprioception): Helping dogs sense the position of their limbs, which reduces the risk of injury.
- Mental engagement: Offering new challenges that stimulate the mind and reduce boredom.
- Confidence: Building trust in their own body’s capabilities.
Together, these elements contribute to a dog that is not only physically strong but also balanced, agile, and mentally sharp. Prior to starting, hydrotherapy may not be suitable for all dogs. Each dog is unique so do take their individual character into account — for reference, check out our article for the main reasons why owners engage in dog hydrotherapy!
Hydrotherapy Exercises to Strengthen Your Dog
Here are some of the most effective hydrotherapy exercises, each targeting specific body parts or fitness skills. For each exercise, I’ll suggest complementary land work and highlight important safety tips.
Underwater Treadmill Walking
Underwater treadmill walking is a fantastic way to strengthen your dog’s hindlimbs and core while improving joint mobility. The treadmill is set up so your dog walks through water, which gently supports their weight and reduces pressure on their joints.
As your dog moves forward, the water creates natural resistance, helping to engage muscles more deeply than walking on land alone. If your dog is new to this, start by letting them explore the dry treadmill so they feel comfortable.
Shaping the behaviour
Stand beside them, usually on their left side, and hold treats just in front of their nose to encourage steady forward steps. Begin with slow speeds and shallow water, so your dog can get used to the sensation without feeling overwhelmed. It really helps if your dog already knows basic leash walking and is somewhat comfortable with water, but if not, take it slow and build up their confidence gradually.
Tweaking the difficulty
You can adjust the difficulty by changing the water level or treadmill speed—lower water and slower pace make it easier, while higher water and a bit more speed add a good challenge. Aim for about 5 to 10 minutes per session, two to three times a week, and keep an eye out for signs your dog might be getting tired, like slowing down or uneven steps. When that happens, it’s a good idea to pause or slow the pace, but if they’re moving confidently, you can slowly increase how long they exercise.
This low-impact workout not only boosts muscle strength but also supports joint health, making it a key part of a balanced fitness routine.
Resistance Swimming with Light Current
Resistance swimming with a light current is a powerful exercise that targets your dog’s core, shoulders, and hindquarters by encouraging continuous muscle engagement. As your dog swims against the gentle flow of water, their muscles have to work harder to maintain movement and stability, building strength and endurance without putting strain on their joints.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is new to swimming or water resistance, start in calm, shallow areas where they can get comfortable. Use a favourite toy or treat as motivation—hold it just ahead of their nose to encourage forward swimming and maintain focus.
Position yourself beside or slightly in front of your dog to offer reassurance and gentle guidance, using a calm voice and positive reinforcement. Having your dog already familiar with basic commands like “come” or “stay” helps, but patience is key if they are just starting out.
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce difficulty, keep the current mild and sessions short—around 5 minutes—to build confidence. To increase the challenge, gradually strengthen the current or extend swimming time, always watching for signs of fatigue like slowed strokes or heavy panting.
Pair this water exercise with sit-to-stand drills and balance work on dry land to further support muscle control and coordination. Aim for two to three sessions per week, allowing rest days in between to promote recovery. Above all, keep the experience positive and fun—swimming should feel like playtime that’s also boosting your dog’s fitness.
High Stepping in Water
High stepping in water is a fantastic exercise that targets your dog’s hip flexors and helps improve coordination of their hind legs. The goal here is to encourage your dog to lift their back legs higher than usual as they walk through shallow water. This movement activates important muscles that support mobility and balance, which is especially helpful for agility and overall body awareness.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is new to this, start by standing alongside or slightly in front of them, holding a treat just in front of their nose to encourage forward movement. As your dog walks through the shallow water, watch closely for moments when their hind leg lifts above the water surface. The instant you see that, give a quick click or verbal “Yes!” and reward immediately. This helps your dog learn that lifting their legs higher is the behavior you want. If they’re just shuffling or dragging their legs, pause and wait calmly for a clearer high step before rewarding. Patience is key here!
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce difficulty, keep the water level shallower so it’s easier for your dog to step through without needing to lift too high. To increase the challenge as your dog gets more confident, gradually raise the water level. You can also ask for slower, more deliberate steps, which intensifies muscle engagement and improves coordination even more.
Optimal form and repetition
Ideally, aim for about 8 to 12 controlled steps per session, repeating the exercise 2 to 3 times within a hydrotherapy session, depending on your dog’s energy and comfort levels. Watch for signs like heavy panting, slowing down, or uneven steps, which may indicate your dog is tired or needs a break. If your dog seems eager and energetic, you can gently extend the number of repetitions, but always keep the sessions positive and stress-free.
Complementary exercises
On dry land, this exercise pairs wonderfully with hill climbs or stair stepping, which continue to build the hip and hindlimb strength your dog develops in the water. These complementary exercises also help improve balance and confidence in different environments.
Remember, consistency and gentle encouragement are the secrets to success here. With time, your dog will enjoy lifting those legs high and moving with greater strength and grace.
Slow Controlled Turns
Slow controlled turns in the water are an excellent way to boost your dog’s proprioception—that’s their body’s awareness of where their limbs are in space—as well as improve balance and core stability. When your dog navigates gentle curves or turns in the pool, they have to engage those deep stabilizing muscles to stay steady, which helps build strength and coordination over time.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is new to this exercise, start by positioning yourself beside or slightly ahead of them in the pool. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly guide them to follow it in a wide, gentle curve. The key here is to keep the movement smooth and controlled, so your dog learns to adjust their body as they turn. As your dog makes the turn, praise and reward them right at the end of the curve to reinforce the behavior.
To help your dog understand what you’re asking, you can begin with very shallow water and broad, sweeping turns. If your dog tends to rush or seem unsure, slow your pace and make the turns wider until they feel more confident. For dogs that already have some foundation in walking on a leash or basic obedience cues like “heel,” this exercise will come more naturally.
Tweaking the difficulty
If you want to increase the difficulty, gradually make the turns tighter or ask your dog to hold the turn for a moment longer before releasing the treat. To reduce difficulty, simply give your dog more space to move and keep the water depth lower so it’s easier to balance.
Optimal form and repetition
Aim for about 6 to 8 turns per session, repeated 2 to 3 times depending on your dog’s stamina. Pay close attention to signs of disorientation or fatigue—if your dog starts wobbling excessively, losing their footing, or seems anxious, it’s time to slow down or take a break. Using a support harness can help your dog feel secure during the turns, especially if they’re new to the exercise or recovering from an injury.
Complementary exercises
On land, this exercise pairs beautifully with balance training tools like wobble boards or slow, tight circle walks, reinforcing the same core and proprioceptive benefits. Together, these exercises help your dog move with confidence and grace both in and out of the water.
Underwater Sit-to-Stand
The underwater sit-to-stand exercise is fantastic for building strength in your dog’s quadriceps, glutes, and core muscles. These are the powerhouse muscles that help with jumping, running, and even simple movements like standing up from a rest. Because the water supports some of your dog’s weight, this exercise lets them build strength without putting too much stress on their joints.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is new to this, start in shallow water where they can easily sit and stand without struggling to balance. Position yourself close, just in front of their nose, holding a treat at a height that encourages them to lift their head and stand up from a seated position. Your body should be relaxed and slightly crouched, so you’re ready to guide or support if needed. The key is to shape this movement gradually: first, reward your dog for just shifting their weight forward, then for lifting their front legs, and finally for fully standing up.
If your dog already knows the basic “sit” and “stand” cues on land, that will definitely help make the transition smoother. If not, you might want to practice those commands on dry ground first before introducing the water element.
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce difficulty, keep the water shallow so your dog can easily sit and stand without resistance. To increase the challenge, raise the water level slowly, which forces your dog to work harder to push through the water and maintain balance. You can also add gentle underwater treadmill walking immediately after, to keep those muscles engaged.
Optimal form and repetition
Aim for about 6 to 10 sit-to-stand repetitions per session, depending on your dog’s energy and comfort. Watch closely for any signs of joint discomfort or fatigue—if your dog slows down, hesitates, or starts limping, it’s best to pause and give them a rest. On the flip side, if they seem eager and strong, you can gradually increase the number of reps or sessions.
Complementary exercises
This exercise works beautifully alongside similar sit-to-stand drills on firm ground, helping your dog develop strength and stability in and out of the water.
Water Walking Backwards
Water walking backwards is a wonderfully targeted hydrotherapy exercise that really zones in on your dog’s hindlimbs, while also sharpening their coordination, balance, and body awareness. The backward movement encourages activation of the hip flexors, hocks, and core stabilizers, muscles that are often underused in regular forward movement. Plus, working against the gentle resistance of water makes it a safe yet effective strength-builder.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is brand new to this, it helps to start on dry land first to teach the basic concept of backing up. Using a narrow hallway or placing poles or cones along the sides can help guide their movement straight. On land, stand facing your dog, hold a treat close to their chest (just under chin level), and gently step toward them while giving a cue like “back.” As they shift their weight back, even if it’s just one paw, mark and reward. This sets the foundation.
Once your dog understands the backing up motion on land, transition to shallow water. Stand in front of your dog in the pool or underwater treadmill, ideally in chest-height water for moderate resistance. Hold the treat just under their nose and slowly step toward them, giving the same verbal cue. Keep your body relaxed and low so you’re not looming, and reward even the smallest backwards shuffle at first. Over time, you can shape more sustained backward steps.
If your dog has experience with rear-end awareness exercises like “back up” on a platform or pivoting, that will definitely make this easier. But even if they don’t, this can be a great opportunity to build that skill set.
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce the difficulty, lower the water level to reduce resistance and aim for just one or two backward steps at a time. For dogs that need more challenge, raise the water slightly, or ask for longer backward sequences — say, three to five steps. You can also alternate directions (back up a few steps, then forward again) to keep them thinking and moving in both directions.
Optimal form and repetition
Start with about 3 to 5 repetitions, keeping sessions short and positive. Signs of fatigue might include sloppy foot placement, hesitation, or an arched back. If that happens, pause and reassess. On the other hand, if your dog seems confident and strong, you can gradually build up to more repetitions or add this into a circuit with other hydro exercises.
It’s also great to pair this with rear-end land work, like walking backwards over soft surfaces or poles, which reinforces strength and body control both in and out of the water.
Paddle Strides (Alternating Leg Movement)
Paddle strides—where we gently encourage alternating limb movements—are a fantastic way to fine-tune your dog’s coordination and build strength in both the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Unlike standard swimming, this exercise brings intentional focus to individual limb activation. It helps dogs become more aware of each leg’s movement, which is great for neuromuscular control and overall balance.
The idea behind this exercise is to prompt your dog to lift and paddle each limb, one at a time, while standing or floating in the water. The gentle resistance of the water engages their muscles in a low-impact, controlled way. You’re not looking for full swimming strokes—just simple, alternating paddles.
Shaping the behaviour
To shape this with a beginner dog, start in water that reaches just above the elbow or stifle (knee) joints. Gently support your dog under the chest or belly if they’re unsure or wobbly. Using a high-value treat, position yourself to the side of the dog or slightly in front. Lure them forward just enough to initiate movement from one paw—click and reward the moment you see a paw lift or paddle. Then reset and try again on the other side. You can also lightly tickle or tap behind the elbow or stifle to prompt movement if the dog isn’t engaging spontaneously (be gentle and observe their comfort level).
If your dog has a history of paw lifts, or knows how to “shake” or “wave,” those skills can transfer beautifully here and help them understand the idea faster. Dogs that already know how to swim or have done limb-targeting on land may also catch on quickly.
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce difficulty, you can support more of the dog’s body weight—either by using a floatation vest or by assisting under their belly—to make them feel secure. Stick to shorter durations and shallow water. To increase difficulty, you can allow the dog to float more freely in slightly deeper water and ask for more frequent or higher leg lifts.
Optimal form and repetition
Aim for short sets: about 3 to 5 alternating strides per side, depending on your dog’s comfort and coordination. Keep the mood light and encouraging. Watch for signs of fatigue such as dragging paws, poor control, or hesitations. If that happens, take a break and keep things positive.
Complementary exercises
Complement this in your land routine with slow leash walking that includes intentional paw lifts or “marching” steps, which reinforce limb awareness and strength. Done consistently, paddle strides can be a valuable piece of your dog’s fitness puzzle—building both muscle and mindful movement.
Resistance Leg Lifts
Resistance leg lifts in water are a gentle yet incredibly effective way to target your dog’s hip abductors and overall hindlimb strength. These are the muscles that support lateral (side-to-side) movement, which play a big role in balance, stability, and joint health—especially in active or aging dogs. Water adds natural resistance, so each leg movement works the muscles more than it would on land, while still being low-impact on the joints.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is new to this, you’ll want to begin in water that’s high enough to provide buoyancy (usually around the hip level) but not so deep that your dog loses all control over their footing. With your dog standing still in the water, gently encourage one hind leg to lift out to the side—this can be done by softly guiding under the stifle or tarsus (knee or hock), or by placing your hand near the inner thigh to nudge outward. Some dogs respond well to a light touch or tickle behind the leg to prompt a lift.
Your positioning is key here: stand beside your dog, facing the same direction they are, with your hand supporting the leg you’re working with. Keep your body relaxed and stable—this reassures your dog and prevents them from leaning away or overcompensating. You can hold a treat in front of their nose with your opposite hand to keep their attention forward and still. Reward even small movements at first. If your dog picks up the leg just an inch off the ground, that’s a win—click and treat.
Foundation behaviours like “stand stay” are helpful here, as they allow your dog to stay balanced while you work on one leg at a time. Dogs who’ve done body awareness work on land (like side-stepping or leg targeting) often find this transition easier.
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce difficulty, you can provide more body support or keep the water shallower so the dog feels more grounded. You might also stick to partial lifts at first. To increase the challenge, let your dog perform the lift more independently or add a slow return to the starting position—this eccentric motion adds to muscle strengthening. You can also alternate legs without a long rest between them to keep the core engaged.
Optimal form and repetition
A good starting point is 3 to 5 lifts per leg, per session. Always watch for signs of fatigue: if your dog starts leaning, shifting weight, or avoiding the lift, it’s time to pause. Stiffness or hesitation afterward may mean they need a rest day or shorter sets next time.
Complementary exercises
On land, this exercise pairs beautifully with controlled lateral movements like side-stepping or walking over cavaletti poles, both of which keep those hip muscles strong and engaged. Resistance leg lifts may look simple, but when done mindfully, they’re a powerhouse for long-term strength and stability.
Floating and Core Engagement
Floating and core engagement exercises are a fantastic way to gently strengthen your dog’s core muscles while promoting better posture, balance, and body awareness. The buoyancy of water takes pressure off the joints, allowing your dog to activate deep stabilising muscles—especially around the spine and abdomen—without the strain of weight-bearing. These muscles are crucial for everything from movement control to injury prevention, particularly in sport dogs or older dogs who need core support.
To get started, you’ll need a calm, quiet environment and a few flotation aids like a life vest or pool noodles to help support your dog’s midsection and rear. Your goal isn’t for the dog to swim, but to float in a stable, neutral position while engaging their body to maintain posture. This can look like a gentle upright float or a horizontal hold, depending on your dog’s comfort level and the muscle focus you want.
Shaping the behaviour
If your dog is new to this kind of exercise, begin by letting them feel the sensation of floating with full body support—this might mean cradling their chest and back end at first while they wear a float vest. Speak calmly and keep your energy relaxed. You’ll be in the water with them, ideally in front or slightly to the side, keeping eye contact and offering reassurance. Treats can be gently offered near the nose to keep your dog focused and still. If they’re too food-driven and start flailing, it’s okay to use calm praise or petting instead.
As your dog becomes more confident, you can start to reduce the amount of support you give. Let them hold themselves steady with just a vest or a noodle under the belly. You might see subtle movements—like tail adjustments, slight paw paddles, or micro-shifts in posture—as they work to stabilise themselves. That’s exactly the engagement you’re looking for. You can shape this gradually by rewarding short holds of stillness (start with 3–5 seconds), then extend the duration.
Dogs who already know “stand stay,” “relax,” or “chin rest” behaviours often settle into floating more easily. And if they’ve done land-based balance work (like peanut or wobble board exercises), they’ll likely be more tuned into their body in this setting too.
Tweaking the difficulty
To reduce difficulty, use more flotation support and keep the sessions very short—just 30 seconds of floating with full support might be enough. To increase the challenge, reduce the assistance slightly and ask for tiny head turns, gentle paw lifts, or tail movements while maintaining the float.
Optimal form and repetition
Aim for about 3 to 5 floating intervals per session, each lasting 5 to 20 seconds depending on your dog’s comfort and skill level. You want calm, controlled engagement—not frantic movement. If your dog starts splashing, panicking, or leaning heavily to one side, pause and reset. Fatigue here looks like drifting, sinking, or needing increasing support to maintain posture.
Complementary exercises
On land, complement this exercise with core strengthening moves like cookie stretches, balance disc holds, or gentle incline walking. When introduced thoughtfully, floating work is not only physically beneficial—it can also help your dog build trust, relaxation, and confidence in the water.
Water Retrieval Games
Water retrieval games are one of the most natural and engaging hydrotherapy exercises you can do with your dog. Not only do they offer full-body conditioning—working the shoulders, core, hindlimbs, and even neck muscles—but they also provide a fantastic outlet for mental stimulation and drive. Because the activity mimics natural play, dogs are often more motivated, making it a great choice for dogs who may be hesitant with more structured exercises.
When your dog swims out to retrieve a floating toy, they engage nearly every major muscle group. The front limbs do the majority of the paddling, which strengthens the shoulders and upper body. Meanwhile, the hindlimbs provide propulsion and help stabilise their movement, giving a great workout to the glutes and hamstrings. The core works to keep the dog’s body aligned and balanced through the water. If your dog is retrieving with turns or slight resistance, you also tap into their coordination and proprioceptive skills.
Shaping the behaviour
To get started, pick a water-safe toy that your dog is familiar with and loves. Begin in shallow, calm water—just enough for your dog to swim safely without currents or distractions. Stand near the edge of the pool or water source, keeping your body relaxed and encouraging. If your dog has never retrieved in water before, start by tossing the toy just a few feet out, close enough that they can almost wade to it. Use an excited, upbeat tone and toss the toy gently to avoid creating a splash that might startle them. Once your dog returns with the toy, offer a big reward—this can be praise, treats, or a second toss (if they’re toy-driven).
Treat positioning isn’t usually needed for this game, but if you want to reinforce calm starts or improve focus before the throw, you can use a “wait” cue with a treat in your hand near your dog’s nose before releasing them with a cue like “get it!” This helps build impulse control too.
If your dog already knows how to fetch or retrieve on land, the water version will feel more intuitive. If not, you may need to shape the behaviour gradually by reinforcing small successes: first for moving toward the toy, then mouthing it, then bringing it partway back. Always end on a win.
To reduce the difficulty, keep the distance short, choose a larger toy that floats higher (easier to spot and grab), and allow rest between repetitions. If your dog lacks confidence in the water, using a swim vest can help them stay buoyant and safe while learning.
Tweaking the difficulty
To make it more challenging, you can toss the toy at angles that encourage turning mid-swim, or slightly increase the distance as your dog builds stamina. You might also vary the toys or introduce “find it” games where the toy is thrown out of sight behind gentle obstacles like float boards, which encourages thinking and searching.
Optimal form and repetition
A good starting point is 4 to 6 short retrieves per session. Pay close attention to your dog’s form and energy. If they begin splashing excessively, slowing down, or dropping the toy early, it’s time for a break. Some dogs will push through fatigue just to keep playing—so it’s our job to watch for those subtle signs of tiredness like lowered tail carriage, slower returns, or reduced toy interest.
Complementary exercises
Pairing this with land-based fetch or agility drills builds consistent conditioning across different environments. Just remember to keep it fun, safe, and engaging. When done right, water retrieval isn’t just exercise—it’s one of the most joyful ways to improve your dog’s physical and mental health.
Recommended Frequency for Hydrotherapy Sessions
For dogs focusing on fitness and prevention, 2 to 3 hydrotherapy sessions per week are generally ideal. This schedule balances muscle development and joint care without overwhelming your dog. Sessions should be paired with land-based exercises and rest days to optimize recovery.
Always consult with a canine fitness professional (CPCFT) to tailor session frequency and exercises to your dog’s individual needs.
Recognizing When to Pause or Progress
It’s important to observe your dog carefully during and after sessions. You should pause or reduce intensity if you notice:
- Excessive panting or labored breathing
- Limping, stiffness, or signs of pain
- Reluctance to continue or behavioral distress
- Any visible discomfort during movement
Conversely, you can consider increasing difficulty when your dog consistently shows good stamina, enthusiasm, and improved movement quality. Progress gradually and maintain close communication with a qualified fitness professional.
Final Thoughts
Hydrotherapy offers a well-rounded, low-impact way to support your dog’s fitness and wellbeing. It not only builds strength and flexibility but also enhances balance, coordination, and confidence. When combined with appropriate land exercises and professional guidance, hydrotherapy can play a vital role in a comprehensive fitness plan for your dog. The benefits are limitless, check out our article on the benefits of hydrotherapy for more details.
Different hydrotherapy service providers specialise differently. If you’d like help developing a fitness program tailored to your dog’s unique needs, feel free to reach out — some owners even have a hydrotherapy set-up at home. Supporting your dog’s health and happiness is what we’re here for.
