All Things Dog Blog

Showing posts with label dog backpacks. Show all posts

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Dog Walks in Summer Heat

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Summer heat has hit us here in Florida with a vengeance. The humidity and thunderstorms are on track to set some sort of record. That said, Tanner has absolutely no intention of giving up his daily swim. He'd sooner swim in a thunderstorm than miss this part of his routine.

The looks I get when I have to tell him he can't swim could just about get me reported to family services. Surely he must be an abused dog!

And Oliver, well, let's just say he's extremely frustrated by my recent swaying from work to hit the Colorado mountains for some hiking. While packing to head out, he led me back to our office several times each day in an effort to remind me that I've got a job to do. He's very determined!

So you've got the picture now. My boys have opposite problems to deal with when it comes to this time of year. Oliver get his "walks" and mental stimulation when he accompanies me on errands, shopping and appointments. He's my Velcro dog--stuck to me at the hip as all good service dogs should be. It's all good; he loves, loves, loves being at my side no matter where we go. Last week's trip to the hazmat facility was great fun for him. Go figure!

Tanner, on the other hand, wants physical activity and enjoys mental activity that includes physical activity--training, tricks, puzzle toys and lots of socialization. The latter is where Tanner and Oliver's preferences cross. They both love to meet and greet new people. What could be more fun!

So, with all that lead up, you're probably wondering what the heck the title had to do with any of this. I'm actually going somewhere with it. One of our favorite things to do that includes both dogs is to visit one of our pet superstores. There are several in the area and these stores are brimming with pet owners and their dogs on weekends. It's a great time to take a climate-controlled walk (10+ laps around the interior perimeter of the store that won't leave me sweating) while stopping here and there to make a new friend or sniff an old one to catch up on the news. What a great way to bond :)

PetSmart, Petco, and Pet Supermarket all encourage owners to bring their friendly pets
along for a little exploration and some socialization. We'll be heading off shortly to deliver our #PetCharityDonations prizes to our local Petfinder rescue, having an adoption day at PetSmart. These trips are good for our furry best friends, just as they are for us. We practice our proper socializing and our good manners. And what's more, socialization helps us bond with our dogs in many ways. Choose an indoor walk when it's raining, freezing, boiling or you just want to meet some of the neighbors. It's great fun!

Finally, check out some other ideas I posted previously at this article on keeping your dog cool during your walk.

Friday, March 22, 2013

High Energy Dogs:
Managing their Intensity

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Hi there, I have a Golden Retriever who seems to have boundless energy. He wears me out every time I take him to the park. What can I do to make him more 'manageable' and and tame all of that energy? Is that even possible?

Alana on Dog Park Bonding Activities

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Dear Alana,

You're not alone; many owners of young, active breeds have experienced what you are going through, myself included. I applaud you for asking for tips and would love to share some ideas with you that have worked for Tanner, my spirited Golden Retriever in the photo above:

First of all, you're off to a great start with socializing your energetic dog in an active environment. Allowing him to run off some of his excess energy as often as possible is an excellent way to start the process of quelling his over-active lifestyle.
If Fido remains behind each day while you work, he may need a mid-day walk or a regular trip to doggie daycare, giving him yet another chance to exercise and burn off some steam. Dogs do get cabin fever, just like us!
Working with your dog on training activities is a different way to drain energy, by using his brain. Try to squeeze in two 15-minute training sessions each day and soon your dog will be easier to manage and better trained as well.
Teach your dog to swim and locate a safe, nearby place for him to get some wet time during the warmer months. Swimming is an outstanding form of exercise that is easy on the joints and terrific exercise as your dog ages.
Younger dogs often enjoy biking beside their owner. My dogs and I love this activity and have found it to be a great way to speed up the exercise session on those days when I have a serious deficit of time for their much-needed walks.
Offering mentally stimulating games to your dog will be additional brain work that is also fun. Puzzles, treat balls and other such games keep your dog's body and brain working to figure out how the game works. I recommend food based puzzles if your dog is food-motivated.
Adding a backpack to your dog during his walks gives him a new challenge and something else to focus on, in addition to the extra weight which makes the job a bit more work. During a walk that includes a backpack with bags of rice or beans in the pockets, your dog will have to concentrate on his gait to control the swing of the cargo, while keeping up with your pace, even as he is carrying extra weight. The result is a more tired pup when you arrive home.
If time allows, look into other group activities such as Rally, Frisbee, flyball or agility. Each has its own differing skill requirements, so ask lots of questions and be sure to visit and observe before making a decision. Whatever choice you make, your dog is likely to enjoy the time with you as well as the learning experiences that will help him sleep very well at night. The same goes for you!

I hope these ideas will help you get your dog's high energy under control. If your Fido is a lover of water activities, and you have water available, try teaching him to play Fetch games and you'll find there are many ways to advance the game beyond simple toss and return on posts here at All Things Dog Blog.

Finally, keep in mind that all of the above activities are designed to aid in bonding between you and your dog. As you grow closer, your pup will begin to return to you for affection and a "check in", while visiting the dog park. This will offer you another opportunity to praise him for his increasingly calmer behavior. Be sure to use treats and praise frequently during these training sessions, but do leave those treats at home when you visit the dog park. That's not a great place to find out which dogs are food-aggressive; better safe than sorry.

Happy tails,

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Lucky Dogs Win Doodie Packs

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Funny how solutions we create sometime have other benefits. When Kristin and I decided we could assure potential greeters that Oliver is friendly by sharing his CGC certification on his Doodie Pack vest, it never occurred to me that Oliver would love this. The response I've seen is that people now call him by his name immediately when they read it his vest. He LOVES hearing his name.

Oliver's ears perk up, his tail wags furiously and that twinkle wakes up in his eyes as if it were Christmas morning and Santa just arrived. I'm noticing that Oliver is now associating wearing the vest with getting out more, and loving the attention he gets at the bank or Starbucks drive-through, the dog park and even on our walks. Everyone notices the vest, reads the embroidered message and immediately says "Well, Hello Oliver!" Success! No more nervous greeters.

Thanks to everyone who left fun comments with their ideas for embroidering more than just a name on their Doodie Pack. I especially love the idea offered by Brittany to embroider their favorite food on the vest: "I Love Beggin' Strips". Kristin; are you listening to this potential brand partnering possibility?

Today I'm excited to give two of my readers the opportunity to share their dog's name or nickname on a Doodie Pack vest. I'll email each of you this evening with my AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com email, so be sure to watch for this. Congratulations to D. Murgia and C. Richman. What's in your Doodie Packs?

Visit Doodie Pack at:

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Doodie Pack offered this promotional giveaway and will ship the prizes direct to the winners. I was not compensated for reviewing or offering the giveaway on All Things Dog Blog. Note that Doodie Pack is offering free shipping through December 21, 2012 on their website orders.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Summer Dog Walks:
Keeping Your Dog Cool

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Keeping Fido cool during your Summer dog walks may seem an impossibility if you have a particularly thick-coated dog. I have a few tricks up my sleeve I'd like to share, so you can assure that your walks don't end in a pup with heat exhaustion.

Before you head out, always offer a fresh bowl of water and encourage good long drink. Repeat this when you return home.

When our walk timing is out of my control, I occasionally have to bite the bullet and take an afternoon walk. Here in Florida that's a sweaty proposition that I don't relish. But Tanner doesn't mind a bit if he gets a quick swim in first and heads off on the walk soaking wet. This can work equally as well with a quick hosing off; it's just not nearly as much fun. The process of evaporation helps to keep him cool while I'm the one doing all the complaining. Maybe I should have jumped in too?

There are other ways. Soft ice packs are my favorite tip. You can pick these up at most any drug store and when frozen, they can be rolled up in a bandana which conforms to the shape of Rover's neck to help him lower his body temperature while out on the walk.

You may be asking how I manage this for Oliver, my 10-lb. Papillon. I've saved some teenie-tiny little ice packs from when my kids got their wisdom teeth out. These work perfectly for this pint-sized pup, wrapping in the neck roll of the bandana and having the same cooling effect. The boys enjoy this technique and seem to appreciate the comfort it adds to their outdoor time.

Biking is another way to lessen the possibility of overheating. Sound strange? Not really. When you're biking or jogging there's a bit more of a breeze. This helps your natural perspiration to evaporate faster, allowing the body to cool itelf the way nature intended. And there's another perk to this technique. You and Fido both will get your exercise session in much faster when you're moving at a faster pace. We find Summer to be our favorite time to bike for this very reason.

We recently got a Springer biking attachment and are currently testing it. Tanner and Oliver have both done well with this new contraption that allows me to keep 2 hands on the handlebars. It's a great solution for better safety and I look forward to bringing you a review soon.

Choosing morning or evening walks works best for us during the warm months of the year, which is most of them here. Those of you who live in the North may have to flip this strategy and shoot for sunny afternoons in the Winter chill. I can't even imagine the challenges of all that clothing for a dog walk.

Living on a lake, our neighborhood has a beach area for recreational fun. If you're lucky enough to live near, or are able to walk to, a swimming area for Fido, this is another great solution. Stop part way and take a dip.

Let's wrap this idea session up with a final thought. Tanner sometimes has those "extra energy" spurts that tell me he needs a little more focus on his walk today. My solution for that is often the backpack. When I place the bags of beans or rice in the pockets, he concentrates more on keeping his pace and body movements steady and straight so his cargo doesn't start to swing. It's a mental job that works well for dogs who are a handful on the walk.

Fast forward to nearly age 5 and Tanner doesn't have this problem nearly as often. However, we still find that the backpack is a great way to carry our water and some ice packs or frozen water bottles, to keep him cool and assure that we can have a drink on the way. It's perfect for hiking or long walks.

Have you got ideas you'd like to share? I would enjoy telling our readers about new methods for keeping our pups cool. Leave a comment or drop me an email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I'd love to warm up to some new ideas for staying cool in the summer.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Your Dog's Walk:
Changing it Up for More Stimulation

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

What's the goal of your dog's daily walk? All too many dog owners feel it should be a bathroom break, but I'd like to open the possibilities for Fido to get a bit more out of it than that. Right now while I'm recovering from a leg injury, I need all the change ups I can find--the backpack being my #1 tool.

Dogs in the wild walk all day. This is their job, whether it is to get from point A to point B, or to find food or shelter. The truth is these dogs often get more of what they need in life when they are not a pet dog. Sure, we give them 2 squares a day and a warm bed to sleep in. But do we fulfill their other needs?

Dogs need to solve problems, discover new smells and have adventures. They need to meet new dogs, new people and new places. All these experiences bring more richness and thrill to their life; they'll sleep better and feel more satisfied when their senses have been challenged and their bodies exercised. These changes in daily experience can be offered through giving a different type of exercise as a routine. Try some of these ideas on for size:

Take Fido with you on errands that don't require leaving him in the car--the bank, drive through restaurants, a pick up pharmacy--whatever works. He'll enjoy the smells, sights and fun of wondering where he's going next.
Identify nearby parks and change up the walk by taking a hike through nature. Fido will enjoy seeing something other than your neighborhood cats, even if it is just a squirrel or two. The smells of wild animals will be abundant to him and that will do the trick. He'll snooze peacefully tonight.
Take some different turns during your neighborhood walk and find another route. Perhaps there's a street he's never explored. Give the opportunity to experience every possible route that might bring some new sights or scents--even a new friend.
Turn your dog walk into more of hike by allowing Fido to do a job. Placing a dog backpack on him, he can carry your water, house keys or other necessities. What's interesting about this job is that he'll have to concentrate on walking straight and smooth, so as not to get the backpack swaying like a mother's full teats. It's a whole new experience that will have your dog concentrating on his walk, and at the same time, return fatigued and ready to rest.
Got a boat? Grab a helper who can hold Fido securely, and take him along. Don't forget the canine lifejacket to be on the safe side. If he's a bit skittish about this new transportation, keep in mind that he'll soak up your energy. Ignore his nerves and offer him tons of confidence, acting as if this is nothing out of the ordinary. He'll pick up on your vibes quicker than you think.
How about a bike adventure? Running beside a biker is a terrific mental challenge for your dog, as he learns to follow your lead and watch the turns carefully. He will instinctively know he must remain clear of the wheels, yet follow your confident tone as you tell him he's a good boy. Be sure to hold on to the leash loop lightly, just in case Fido darts at a squirrel or neighbor for a quick hello. We don't want YOU to go flying! Check out this link for some tips on getting started.
If you're into running or jogging, Fido will be right there at your side. He'll enjoy the camaraderie and unless he is a senior Fido, will generally be able to match your pace, as long as you're not a marathon runner!
Don't neglect some of the quickie ways to fortify your dog's exercise--both mental and physical--with swimming, fetch games and Frisbee or ball games. All require physical sprints and plenty of problem-solving to keep Fido's mind active while he plays.
Dog friendly beaches are an interesting new place to take a walk or run. Fido will find a plethora of new scents and sights, while trying to figure out what's up with the water coming and going. This is a great way to stimulate his mind, and you can be sure he'll sleep the whole way home, satisfied from a day of stimulation, fresh air and exercise.

Tanner and Oliver Love to Bike

I hope I have gotten you thinking about ways to give your dog a new experience during your outings. Each one will enrich his life, improve his rest, and make him a calmer house mate. Ironically, it will probably do the same for you. That's always a good reason to change it up a bit!

Related Reading:
Exercising Fido When You Can't Join In
The Hardest Lesson for a Dog Owner
Why You Shouldn't Walk Your Dog Every Day
Biking with Your Dog: Fun and Fitness for Both of You

Don't miss Tanner's take on the backpack idea. He's got a few comments over at 5 Minutes for Fido, where Tanner and Oliver have their own blog. Yup! Sure enough. Thanks to the hop hosts, Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. Hope to see you ALL at the our first annual Super Dog Sunday Photo Blog Hop on Sunday. Check my help page for more information, and grab the badge code at the top of my sidebar. See you tomorrow!