Most dogs are incredibly energetic, and they enjoy getting outside to run, jump and play, so teaching your dog how to bounce on a trampoline is a fantastic way to spend time using up some of that natural energy.
Even lazy dogs and older ones can have a lot of fun on the springy surface if you acclimate them to it properly. What is the main reason why dogs like trampolines?
Being on a trampoline helps dogs get a good exercise and works on their joints. Jumping around is part of how dogs play and helps them practice hunting and dodge larger predators. However, vets have seen a wide range of trampoline related injuries on dogs, including leg breaks and ligament damage.
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5 Reasons Why Dogs Like Trampolines
Like humans, most dogs enjoy the springy sensation of jumping on a trampoline.
Although a few canines have issues with the texture or prefer to nap on the sun-warmed trampoline mat, most are more than happy to use the elasticity to catch some air.
There are no trampolines in nature but jumping around is part of hunting and staying safe.
Domestic dogs may not need those running and jumping instincts, but they still have them regardless.
Plus, most domestic dogs want to be a part of whatever their owners are doing to bond and play together. Here are five reasons why dogs like trampolines.
1 – Exercise
All dogs need exercise and jumping on the trampoline can be a big part of that if you teach them how to get up and down to reach it.
You may need to lift smaller dogs for outdoor trampolines, or you can build or purchase a small set of stairs if a ladder is too much of a challenge.
Once they reach the mat, you can expect your dog to be curious and tentative at first.
However, they’ll soon get used to it if you show them how it works and doesn’t try to push beyond what they’re comfortable with.
The Brachycephalic, or short-nosed, flat-faced group, needs the least daily exercise, requiring just 20 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, several groups of dogs need up to two hours a day of pure physical activity and bouncing on a trampoline is a fantastic way for them to get that energy out.
Below is an easy-reference chart for how much exercise each dog group needs daily.
Dog’s Minimum and Maximum Exercise Per Day
| Dog Group | Minimum | Maximum |
| Sporting | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Herding | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Working | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Scent Hounds | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Terriers | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Small and Toy | 30 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Giant | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Sight Hounds | 30 minutes | 45 Minutes |
| Brachycephalic | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
2 – Weight, Joints, and Bones
Another great reason why dogs like trampolines is to help with health issues such as weight loss and joint and bone issues.
There are numerous benefits of bouncing, including a great cardio workout. However, the heart isn’t the only part of a dog’s body that sees significant benefits from trampoline-based exercise.
It may seem counterintuitive but jumping on a trampoline is fantastic for strengthening joints and bones.
The exercise helps muscles, but it can also tighten up ligaments and strengthen leg bones without the high impact of running, jumping, or walking on solid ground.
3 – Bonding
Domestic dogs are pack animals. If it seems like your pet never leaves you alone, even when you’re in the bathroom, it’s because they want to be with you.
Bonding is essential to pack animals, and the more time you spend together, the happier your dog will be.
As Katenna Jones, a behaviorist at American Humane, explained to MarthaStewart.com, “There’s a reciprocal healing relationship between pets and humans, especially when they share a deep bond with each other… Dogs and cats need to play for emotional, mental, and physical stimulation, and it’s an excellent way to bond with them.”
Your dog may have preferences, but what matters to them most is that you play with them. If you play on the trampoline together, your dog will associate that trampoline time with happiness and bonding.
4 – Training
Working dogs do all sorts of exciting training exercises. These can undoubtedly include jumping on a trampoline.
Especially if the dog in question has to leap over something or launch itself into the water for rescues or retrievals, learning to jump on trampolines is a great way to work on their jumps.
Agility training is essential for show dogs and overly energetic dogs. Your pet will love working on a trampoline as well.
Check out this video from Pet Expert Deb Wolfe to learn how to teach your dog to jump on the trampoline.
5 – Fun
The last reason dogs like trampolines is obvious. Jumping on a trampoline is a lot of fun. Mentally, your pet is a lot like a small child. They enjoy simple pleasures, and bouncing is one of those things.
According to Technobark, “The average dog’s IQ is about 100. Based on the results done to test a dog’s IQ, it turned out that dogs, even the average ones, have the IQ same as a 2-years old human.”
If you’ve ever met a 2-year-old, you can see how much they enjoy basic physical stimulation like jumping, and your dog is similar.
Helpful Tips To Know About If Dogs Like Trampolines
Some dogs are dopey funny animals who just want to be wild and playful.
Others are more sedentary and could use more exercise time, but either way, a trampoline is a fantastic toy for spending time with your canine companion.
Here are a few more helpful tips to know about if dogs like trampolines.
- Larger outdoor trampolines are the best for most dogs. Unless your pet happens to be teacup or miniature size, this is the most conducive size to allow canines to get their bouncing out. Additionally, outdoor trampolines tend to be built extra tough to handle the weather and prevent tearing, so dogs’ claws shouldn’t be an issue for this rugged material.
- Some dogs are more naturally inclined to jump than others. Your pet may be extremely hesitant about the trampoline, or they may ‘get it’ right away. Some dogs don’t need any prompting at all to go wild on the trampoline.
- Just as you would for human children, choosing a trampoline with a safety net for your dogs is essential. Although most dogs don’t jump as high as human kids, they can still bounce right off the mat’s surface in their enthusiasm. Likewise, a dog can get caught in trampoline springs like a human, so it’s best to keep an eye on them while they bounce.
- If your dog has significant health concerns, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before teaching them how to use a trampoline. While it’s rare, bouncing could worsen some canine health conditions.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever seen a dog on a trampoline, it’s a lot like watching a small child. Their joy is delightful to behold.
A trampoline provides hours of entertainment and exercise for dogs of all sizes, and so long as you keep an eye on them and talk to your vet first, it’s perfectly safe.
Introduce your dog slowly, and don’t try to push them into jumping before they are ready; it can be an excellent bonding experience.
Most dogs love jumping on trampolines both with and without their human companions because it’s good exercise, suitable for training, and great fun.