| Dogs are social, active creatures that like people | | | | confident and well mannered dog. Who knows, |
| need attention, activity, structure and in many | | | | you may even discover a new hobby together! |
| cases a job! Without daily interaction with your | | | | Here are a few activity suggestions for you and |
| dog trouble will ensue! Bored and neglected dogs | | | | your canine companion: |
| get frustrated which can manifest itself in a | | | | Dog Park - A daily trip to the local dog park is a |
| variety of ways to include acting out with | | | | great way to socialize your dog, particularly |
| behavior problems by being destructive in the | | | | beneficial for dogs that are left alone all day, they |
| home, not to mention health issues such as being | | | | can run around off leash, play ball, tug of war, |
| over weight and depressed. | | | | hang out with their buddies! |
| A while ago I adopted a nine-year-old Queensland | | | | Hiking - Whether it's a stroll in the neighborhood or |
| Heeler who was clearly down in the dumps. She | | | | a hike in the hills every dog needs to get out and |
| had spent the last few years left to her own | | | | about in new surroundings, exercise, take in the |
| devices in the back yard, excluded from family | | | | new smells, mark its territory and greet dogs |
| life in the house, she was only walked occasionally. | | | | along its path. |
| She was overweight, her coat was dull and she | | | | Running - Need a running partner, interested in |
| seemed older than her years. My heart went out | | | | cross-country running? Certain dogs can fulfill this |
| to this girl, especially when I found out in addition | | | | role and will provide great camaraderie. |
| to being in bad condition she suffered from acute | | | | The Beach - I have yet to meet a dog that does |
| separation anxiety. | | | | not enjoy a good invigorating run on the sand, |
| This was a very intelligent dog that needed some | | | | play with the tide, chase the birds, what Retriever |
| life and a sense of purpose breathed back into | | | | doesn't like to swim and fetch a stick from the |
| her, so it became my mission to cheer her up. | | | | water? Don't forget to bring some Dry Dog |
| Hiking became a part of our daily routine, the | | | | Instant Clean to wipe your dog down and get rid |
| exercise did us both good. After she relentlessly | | | | of the sand afterward. Click here for more info |
| shoved tennis balls in my lap I discovered she | | | | about taking your dog to the beach. |
| was a ballaholic, so then came regular trips to the | | | | Rollerblading - Leash up and rollerblade with your |
| dog park where I stood endlessly throwing the | | | | dog, off road of course! Great for high-energy |
| ball for an exuberant dog! As a herding breed her | | | | dogs that benefit from a daily run. Only |
| true calling was to herd cattle, so off we went to | | | | recommended for people that are adept skaters! |
| herding classes where she got to round up sheep. | | | | Sheep Herding - A fantastic sport for the herding |
| Now we had a hobby together that we both | | | | breeds who were bred to herd livestock and |
| looked forward to. Within a matter of months this | | | | without fulfilling this instinct and the need to be |
| down trodden dog was transformed and I had | | | | mentally stimulated can become a challenging |
| developed a great bond with her. The years and | | | | companion. |
| the weight seemed to melt off her, there was | | | | Agility - A fast moving sport where dogs are |
| sheen to her coat and a glint in her eyes, her | | | | directed off leash by their handlers through a |
| energy was back and so was her confidence! | | | | obstacle course to include the A-frame, dog-walk, |
| When we make that commitment to bring a dog | | | | weave poles, seesaw, pause table, collapsed |
| into our lives it is vital that we provide daily | | | | tunnel, pipe tunnel, different types of jumps and |
| activity and stimulation for this member of the | | | | hurdles to include a tire, triple and double jumps. |
| family. There are all kinds of activities that can be | | | | This sport does wonders for building confidence, |
| incorporated into your lifestyle and daily exercise | | | | obedience and teamwork skills. |
| routine, the level and type of activity best suited | | | | Obedience Classes - Weekly classes are very |
| to the dog will be determined by the breed of | | | | beneficial for teaching your dogs good manners, |
| dog. For example a Border Collie has a lot of | | | | every dog should learn basic commands for both |
| energy and requires a great deal of physical and | | | | practical and safety reasons. Hyper dogs may |
| mental activity, they excel in both agility and | | | | have a hard time focusing, we suggest trying |
| herding as it challenges them mentally and | | | | Sleepytime Tonic so that your dog gets the most |
| physically. On the other hand a Basset Hound has | | | | out of his class. |
| a low energy level and would be satisfied with a | | | | Massage - What better way to bond with your |
| mild day walk. In return for providing daily activity | | | | dog by showing your love for him by giving him a |
| to your dog's life you will be greatly rewarded by | | | | massage. This can be enhanced by the soothing |
| the bond that you develop with your dog, you will | | | | smells of lavender by spraying your dog with |
| also benefit from living with a happy, healthy, | | | | Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer. |