Backpacking and hiking are great ways for both you and your dog to get outdoors and exercise. Make sure to go prepared with food, water, first-aid, and proper weather appropriate accessories such as dog boots for extreme hot or cold terrain. Also make sure to consider the health and physical condition of you and your dog while planning your trip; you do not want to over exert yourself or your dog. For more information, visit ww.hikewithyourdog.com.
Agility trials involve human handlers guiding dogs through elaborate obstacle courses. This sport can vary from the hobbyist to the highly competitive. Agility trials are a great way for your dog to exert a lot of their energy and learn to focus while highly aroused. For more information, visit www.agilitytrial.com.
Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) are those in which animals and their handlers visit nursing homes and hospitals in order to achieve general goals such as cheering up patients or promoting socialization. Animals and handlers may or may not require certification for AAA, depending on the facility or event.
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) have goals that are more specific than AAA and are typically tailored for a patient’s particular condition. Like AAA, pets and handlers will be visiting nursing homes and hospitals for the purpose of improving human health. For more information on AAA and AAT and the certification process, visit www.deltasociety.org.
Day trips are a great way to spend time with your dog while going on with your daily life. You can take your dog with you to visit family and friends or to the local pet supply store (most of which allow dogs inside). The visual, olfactory, and mental stimulation provided by simple day trips are a special treat for your dog.
Dog parks and beaches are open areas specifically designed to allow dogs to roam free and socialize with other people and dogs. Be sure that you and your dog are confident, comfortable, and socialized before visiting a dog park. Be sure to keep a close watch over your dog as he interacts with the other dogs at the park as there is no guarantee that the other dogs are confident, comfortable, and socialized. For more information, visit www.dogparkusa.com.
Freestyle Musical Dance is an activity in which handlers and dogs perform a choreographed set of moves to music. This is a good way to exercise your dog while building your relationship and exercising your creativity. For more information, visit www.dogplay.com/Activities/musical.html.
Flyball is a relay race in which dogs race over hurdles, retrieve a tennis ball from a spring loaded launder, and then race back. These competitions are done in teams of four dogs. Like agility trials, handlers and dogs that participate range from hobbyists to the highly competitive. Flyball can be a great activity for any dog but particularly for high energy, intelligent dogs. For more information, visit www.flyball.org.
Frisbee is another great activity that can keep both you and your dog healthy and fit. Frisbee can be played leisurely or competitively. Note that because Frisbee involves a lot of jumping, it is advised that you consult your veterinarian before beginning your dog on a vigorous Frisbee training schedule. For more information, visit www.skyhoundz.com.
Obedience training can go beyond the basic training that every dog should undergo. Obedience trainings are common and offered to fit a variety of preferences and interests. You will begin by branching off the most basic of obedience commands and you can move as far as competing in serious obedience trials. You and your dog will benefit from any type of obedience training.
Tracking is essentially playing hide-and-seek with an item for your dog to search for. For example, you can hide a treat in a glove or stuffed animal and bury it under shallow dirt, snow, or pile of leaves. This is a simple
and often impromptu game you can play to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Trick training is a fun way to bond with your dog as well as teach him tricks you can show off. For more information, see clickertraining.com.
Vacations with your dog are becoming more popular as more and more hotels are available with pet-friendly rooms. It can be very rewarding for your family and your dog to vacation together. When planning your vacation, be sure to research pet-friendly hotels, parks, beaches, and other attractions prior to your trip. For more information, visit www.dogfriendly.com and www.petfriendlytravel.com.
Whenever you consider involving your dog in any strenuous activity or extended trip, be sure to schedule a health check in order to ensure that your plans are safe and healthy for your dog.
Tracking is essentially playing hide-and-seek with an item for your dog to search for. For example, you can hide a treat in a glove or stuffed animal and bury it under shallow dirt, snow, or pile of leaves. This is a simple
and often impromptu game you can play to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Trick training is a fun way to bond with your dog as well as teach him tricks you can show off. For more information, see clickertraining.com.
Vacations with your dog are becoming more popular as more and more hotels are available with pet-friendly rooms. It can be very rewarding for your family and your dog to vacation together. When planning your vacation, be sure to research pet-friendly hotels, parks, beaches, and other attractions prior to your trip. For more information, visit www.dogfriendly.com and www.petfriendlytravel.com.Whenever you consider involving your dog in any strenuous activity or extended trip, be sure to schedule a health check in order to ensure that your plans are safe and healthy for your dog.
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