- April 1, 2019
- Posted by: optimaadmin
- Category: Activities & Travel
Have you and your dog gotten into a rut of walking the same route pretty much every time you go outside? Are both of you on auto pilot with you possibly staring at and/or talking on your phone while walking? If you answered yes to either of the questions, it’s time to shake things up! Spring has sprung and with it a renewed sense of energy. Let’s seize the moment and get creative. Here are 10 fun ways to exercise your dog’s mind, nose and body:
- Nose Work
Your dog has an innate scent capacity and you can exercise its nose by hiding treats in small boxes and then guiding them to find it. - Dance With Your Dog
Usually the small and medium size breeds are more conducive to doing this with their owner but any dog can try it. Turn on some music and start to create a dance routine with footwork the dog does with you. Keep repeating the routine and pretty soon you will be doing it in front of family, friends or signing up for a competition!
- Play Fetch
Old fashioned fetch with a ball, stick or frisbee in your backyard, at a park or even in your house. Mix it up and have fun as you toss and they fetch.
- Flexi-leash Adventure
Put the flexi-leash on and let your dog lead the way (or likely his nose will). Going for a walk doesn’t have to be about a certain path or number of steps. It can be about moseying around a new park or a new neighborhood and exploring together with the dog leading the way.
- The Sport of Tracking
This is usually a competitive event you participate in by joining a group or club. Someone lays down a scent and then the dogs work with their handler to follow the scent and find the object or prize at the end. - Go Through An Agility Course
This can be as simple as a homemade one in your backyard or go to the next level and join a goup or class and compete in events. This high energy, running, jumping competitive sport helps your dog develop confidence and skills and burn up a bunch of energy (you do too as you work the course together). - Bicycle With Your Dog
If your dog has a lot of energy you can cover more ground by going biking together. There is a special bike attachment you should put on your bike first to hold the leash so you can safely steer and stop. Two suggestions: spend a little time familiarizing your dog with the bike and pace yourself so you don’t over work your dog. - Jog With Your Dog
Again, this is more for your dog than you. When you jog with your dog you need to keep your eye on him/her to see when they need to stop, walk, sniff or drink water. Make it a fun outing that you do together, keeping in mind you can go for a serious run later. - Exercise Their Brain
After you have the basic commands under control, its a good idea to move on to new skills that continue to challenge your dog. You have options like tricks (high five, play dead, roll over) or advanced skills like emergency down. I recommend the book, 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance to help you. - Use A Treadmill!
There are actually treadmills specifically for dogs! It’s a great option for those who for whatever reason can’t take their dog out for exercise. Don’t want to buy one? I am working on a new idea….watch for future posts!
I hope this has inspired you to continue to have fun with your dog and get some exercise in the process. Would you like to win my favorite dog trick book, 101 Dog Tricks, by Kyra Sundance? Simply leave a comment with your top 3 choices and on April 15th I will put the names in a drawing, chose one and post the winner on our Facebook page (and make arrangements to send it to you).
Cheers,
Julie
