As summer begins to fade, you may be looking for things to do outdoors with your favorite pet. The cool air makes staying inside seem silly. So, besides a walk around your neighborhood or a game of Frisbee, what else can you and your pooch do outdoors? Well, a visit to the dog park is definitely in order, especially since other pet owners will also be enjoying the cool air. While you are there, try out different activities to keep your pet happy and interested.
Walking/jogging: Yes, this is a pretty basic dog park activity. But, you can spice it up! Invite a fellow owner to jog with you. Keep both pets on a leash, and run together. Stop every few minutes, and let the dogs play together. It's a good idea to let them do their "marking" before you ever get started; otherwise, you'll be stopping every few feet! If the dog park allows pets off-leash and you feel completely comfortable with controlling your pet, then turn the jog into a fun game of chase. Jog for a few minutes, and then head straight for your pooch and play. This is a great way to mix things up while still getting to exercise.
Bicycling/Rollerblading: Check with the park's policies before you throw your bicycle or blades in your vehicle. Some parks allow bicycles and rollerblades throughout the area, but others may not allow them or only allow them on certain paths. Make sure your pet is comfortable with running next to the bicycle or in front of the roller blades before you head to the park. Keep your pet on a leash, and make sure he understands your commands. Since there will be other pets and people around, bicycling and rollerblading at the dog park are not for beginners!
Agility training: If you and your pet have been working on agility training at home, then why not take the training to the park? No, you don't need to load up your entire course, but you can take along something that's easy to transport, such as the weave poles or jumps. Practicing at the park is great for many reasons. First, if you plan on signing your dog up for an agility competition, then having people around can help him conquer his nerves. Practicing in public is a good way to get him ready for a public competition. Second, the park will add distractions, so your pet will have to concentrate harder at the task at hand. It may be difficult at first, but he will get used to it. Third, agility training at the park gives your pooch a chance to show off! Yes, of course he likes to please you, but a few claps from others will boost his confidence.
If you haven't started agility training at home, then you can still take advantage of the fun at the park. Purchase an inexpensive piece of agility equipment, and keep it in your vehicle. Your pooch (and others in the park) will enjoy running through tunnels and balancing on see-saws!
Fetch: I'm sure you're thinking, "Fetch?!? Come on, I can do that at home!" Well, yes you can play fetch at home, but you can also play it at the dog park! To make it more fun, grab a ball that can be soaked in water and take along a bottle of water. Your pooch will have tons of fun chasing the wet ball, and he'll enjoy the refreshing treat when it grabs it in his mouth! Be careful though, and try to play fetch in a clean area of the park.
If your pet has other doggie friends hanging out at the park, then let them play fetch together. They'll enjoy the competition! Remember, a little play growling and nipping is normal, but if things heat up you need to be ready to step in and control your pooch.
It's the perfect time of year to play outside. The weather is still warm, but the hint of coolness in the air is a treat. Take your dog to the park, and try some new activities. Taking along a bicycle, rollerblades, agility equipment, and basic fetch items can be ways to make the park experience more exciting. And, if your pooch allows, invite some dog friends to play. They'll enjoy each other's company!
This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring the latest in earth friendly dog houses and energy efficient dog doors.
Rescue Links