Summer time is often a lonely one for
pets. While we spend the day at the pool or doing other fun
activities, pets are often left cooped up indoors.
Why not find ways to incorporate your
dog into your summer fun? After all, dogs are wonderful outside
companions not only for individuals, but for the entire family. Read
below for some summer fun tips.
Hide and
Seek. A good, old fashioned game of
hide and seek is always fun. Whether you're in your backyard or in a
national park, hide and seek stimulates your dog, giving him a chance
to exercise his mental and scenting abilities. Put your dog in a
sit/stay position, run off and find a hiding space, then call him so
he can find you. You can play inside as well—you know those rainy days
when your dog is so happy you're home with him. And if you want to
keep it simple, you can always go with a good old game of tag—dog tag,
if you will.
Agility.
Agility has become an American dog
event—somewhat like soccer is to Europe and baseball is to America.
Dog owners travel from agility event to agility event out of love for
this sport that stimulates the body and the mind. A handler is given a
set amount of time to direct a dog through an obstacle course that
includes hoops, tunnels and jumps. Agility can be set up in your own
home. Lay a broom handle on flower pots and let your dog jump over the
handle. Hang an old tire from a thick tree limb and teach your dog how
to run through it. To find out more about agility, call a local
trainer, search on the web or buy a DVD. Train your dog to be an
agility champion and don't forget healthy rewards.
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Swimming.
Invite your dog on your next swimming
trip. Dogs will swim in any body of water—ponds, oceans, puddles even!
Another alternative is to put a child's pool in your backyard.
Regardless of what body of water you choose, dogs are lovers of water.
Enjoy the
great outdoors. Let your dog
accompany you hiking, horseback riding or bicycling. In the case with
horseback riding and biking, a leash can be a disaster so we prefer
you let your dog loose in those cases, providing he or she is well
trained and will not stray. A simple walk on the beach is excellent
for your pet's tendons, ligaments and leg muscles. Just be sure your
dog is wearing a current ID.
Go for a
ride. Dogs just love being in the
car. If you're running a quick errand like putting letters in a post
box, picking up the dry cleaning at a drive through window, or picking
your child up from summer camp, let him come along for the ride. Never
leave your dog in the car alone even for a few minutes.
Teach
something new. Even well-trained
dogs can learn something new. Why not involve the family in a summer
learning project with your pet? For instance, there's carting. It's
great exercise for your adult dog and children love it! Teach your dog
how to pull a size-appropriate cart. The cart can be small, holding
just a teddy bear inside. There are plenty of books and web sites on
carting and other activities. There are also carting events. The first
step is educating yourself before you attempt to educate your pet.
There's a great book called "97 Ways to
Make Your Dog Smile." Jenny Langbehn, the veterinary nurse who wrote
the book has some great ideas to get that back leg shaking. For
instance, No. 1 is blowing bubbles for your dog to chase. No. 60 is
playing treat hide and seek. |