New Ideas For Exercise

Just like people, dogs get bored with the same old routine. They love to go new places and try new things and will be much more willing to go outside and in the car if they know they will have fun. Often humans, not the dogs, are the ones that get into the exercise routine or rut. The same walk around the block is all that ever happens. The same game of fetch with the stick is all the dog has to look forward too when you get home.

Why not add a bit of spice into your dogs and your own exercise routine? It doesn’t have to be costly nor do you have to even leave your own yard to be creative with exercise. The following are some less than typical ways to provide exercise for your dog:

• Change speeds and strides when you are walking. Try adding a short jog or a quick sprint or run. This breaks up the walk for the dog and keeps them attending to what you are doing.

• Walk a different path. Try going to a new park or walking through the same park using a different path. Remember that dogs do more than look at what they are walking through, they also use their sense of smell, hearing and even taste.

• Go to a completely different area to walk. If you always walk in town, try going to country. If you always walk on the sidewalk try going to the lake.

• If you have a breed that likes to swim add a trip to the water when the weather is nice. Most breeds of dogs love to cool off on a hot summer’s day with a dip in the water.

• Teach your dog a new game. Dogs naturally love to play chase, tug of war or even fetch. Use caution with aggressive breeds with chase or tug of war and always keep the dog completely under control.

• Take the dog to the doggy park if there is one in your area. These parks are designed for dogs to be off leash and allowed to run and play. The dog needs to be well socialized for this activity.

There are some ways to exercise your dog that should be avoided due to the potential to cause injury to the pet. The following methods should never be used to exercise a dog:

• Never ride a bicycle and run a dog either on or off the leash. The possibility that the dog may be injured is very high.

• Never roller blade or skateboard with a dog for the same reason.

• Never run your dog beside a car, either on or off a leash. This is terrifying for most dogs, teaches them to chase cars, and could potentially put them at the risk of being hit by another car or even your own vehicle.

Keep active and enjoy the many opportunities to exercise with your dog.
Article provided by Lori Jackson of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/pet-gates/">ohmydogsupplies.com</a>, check out our diverse assortment of  <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/collars/">designer dog collars</a> online.

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