All Things Dog Blog

Friday, July 30, 2010

Fido Fun: More Exercise Options for Your Dog

by Carrie Boyko

Kota is a Rescue,

Turned Disc Dog

Does your dog love to run, jump, and catch things that fly? Maybe he's got a 'disc dog' trying to get out. My friend Chris Engel, a national disc dog competitor, has written a series of guest posts for All Things Dog Blog, to help get you started:

Frisbee Dog 101: Part I in a Series of V
Frisbee Dog 101: Dog Selection for Frisbee Dog Enthusiasts
Frisbee Dog 101: Getting Your Dog Ready to be a Disc Dog
Frisbee Dog 101: Frisbee Training Begins
Frisbee Dog 101: Frisbee Choices for Your Dog

Tanner Enjoys Catching

his Ring the Most

Okay, so you're not a Frisbee thrower. I can empathize. Tanner says my tosses are not up to speed either, but we try. Another way we make sure that Tanner gets plenty of exercise is by giving him a backpack to carry.

Tanner Walks Like a Gentleman

With his Backpack on

Carrying a backpack is not just about weight, although I do put a few pounds of beans, rice or water bottles inside. What's really cool about this exercise mode is that Tanner has to concentrate harder on his 'job.' The backpack will swing and sway if he doesn't walk smoothly, or if he swings his hips by walking too fast. The result of walking with a backpack is a dog that walks smoothly and straight ahead beside me, just the way I like.

Tanner Loves Swimming

Almost as Much as Playing Fetch

On a hot summer day (or even a cold day, as far as Tanner is concerned), there is nothing better than a good swim. You're missing the boat if you dog doesn't know how to swim. Every dog can learn to swim, and should, even just for safety's sake. Here's some tips to make it go smoothly. Even a kiddie pool is an enjoyable, cooling game for a pup outdoors in the heat.

Afterwards, Tanner is a tired and relaxed boy that is ready for a nap. Swimming provides him with lots of problem-solving activities. I make games up as we go, like how to get a toy off the steps below him, or retrieving a toy from the ledge while he's in the water. He also tries hard to use his front and back legs to hoist himself up the side of the pool.

Swimming is definitely in second place to his all-time favorite activity--playing Fetch! Nothing can compare to this activity, and I suppose that is because he is a Retriever. That's what he was bred for, and he is true to his heritage.

Great Fetching Form

If you'd like some help teaching your dog to play Fetch, here's a post with some training instructions: Teaching Your Dog to Fetch.

Keeping your dog busy with a variety of activities will help to assure he doesn't eat your couch or your neighbor's purse, or even your shoes. A tired dog is a napping dog. Now, go get your pup busy doing something that will use his mind and his body to wear him out. You'll be glad you did.

Before you sign off, you might enjoy Xena's point of view. Coming from a senior dog who can't always run, jump and swim all day, she makes a good point in her post at 5 Minutes for Fido.

Finally, be sure to join me Monday night after 6 p.m. when our new ASK THE VET column, with Dr. Pat, debuts; don't miss it!

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

FRISBEE DOG 101: Dog Selection for Frisbee Dog Enthusiasts

Part II in a series of V

by Chris Engel
Team-Bandit

(c) photo copyright Kristie Moser
Kota was Adopted
Because of His Love for the Frisbee

This article is Part II in a series entitled Frisbee Dog 101, by guest writer Chris Engel. Today Chris will share his thoughts on selecting a dog for Frisbee training. If you missed Part I, you can read it at Frisbee Dog 101 .

As I mentioned before, ANY dog will do as a disc dog, but there may be some things to think about, such as ... You really don't want a dog that is too big. Bandit is 50 pounds and while he can run really fast and jumps really well I don't think I really want him jumping off me because he would gain too much height and velocity to land safely. He might just take me out if he hit me at full speed. Each person has their own comfort zone, but for me an athletic dog around 20 to 30 pounds does quite nicely.

Also, a dog that enjoys leaping and does it for fun is going to make things much easier when you are trying to channel that energy into a controlled sequence that includes some leaps. Herding dogs do rather well, but again ... I really must stress ANY dog will do, so don't get caught up with having to find a specific breed because you think or have heard they are better than others.

If you select a puppy make sure you do not do ANY leaping or vaulting training until your puppy is , at the very least, 12 months--and preferably 15 months--of age. Let your puppy's bones grow enough so that you will not do any harm to him by asking him to perform stressful athletics before his body is ready for it.

If you just have to get started immediately, I suggest you find a dog that is old enough and ready to start learning with you. There are TONS of rescue organizations out there, so choose one locally and tell them what you are looking for. They already have a lot of experience, so USE IT !!!!! You don't have to pick the first dog ... just pick the right dog! Doing some homework and reading up on the types of dogs and their general charateristics will help a lot as well.

I’ll be back soon with Part III of my series, Frisbee Dog 101. If you’d like to learn more about our sport, you can visit my site at Team-Bandit.