Your dog(s) loves to cuddle up to you on the sofa. They love going on walks with you. They love having dinner with you and most of all, they just love you! Just as you want your dog to live a full and healthy life, your canine companion wants you to stick around. Exercising is good, but exercising together is better. Here are some ways you and your pooch can stay healthy.
Adventure Run
How is an adventure run different than a standard jog, you ask? The key here is to let your dog dictate what you do. If possible, go to an area where dogs are allowed to be off-leash. This way, your dog can explore – and you should let them. Don’t do this activity if you’re short on time; this should be a relaxed outing where your dog sets the pace.
Foothills, the beach or a riverbank are all great places that provide interesting terrain and opportunities for exploration. Figure out what you have access to nearby and plan your outing. Be sure to have your camera or phone handy to document your journey.
Go Fetch
It’s a classic for a reason. It’s free, fun, and your dog loves it. You can use a tennis ball or a stick you find down by the river. To mix it up, go to a different location than your backyard or usual neighborhood school – make it an event. Add treats to the mix for incentive and to reward a job well done.
If you want to be creative, make an obstacle course that your dog has to go through in order to fetch. This will provide a higher level of challenge and stimulation, and you can get their treat ready for them by the time they get back.
Try a Class
It’s always helpful to learn from an expert. Let someone else guide you in your activities and teach you new tricks. It’s a good way to break out of the normal routine and introduce both you and your dog to a new challenge. Typically, other dogs will be in these sessions. Which leads to the next suggestion…
Close Encounters of the Canine Kind
Just as we need socialization with friends and family, dogs need interaction with their own kind. One of the easiest ways to do this is at a dog park. If you don’t have one nearby, look for a community dog group you can join, or start your own. As much as your dog loves you, they need to spend some time with the pack. A trip to the dog park can be an exclamation point to one of the previous activities or an adventure all on its own.
Whatever you decide to do with your dog, have fun! The moments you have together will create memories that last a lifetime for you and your canine companion.
