Dog Walks in Summer Heat

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Buffer

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.
 

Dr. Julie Talks Exercise for Your Dog

by Dr. Julie Buzby

Exercise is Good for All

It’s been the coldest winter in 100 years in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, my home.  This has curbed much of our family’s normal outdoor activity, including long walks for our dog.  I bought him his first coat, but he’s as eager as we are to get back inside on these bitter days.  Consequently, I’ve noticed a subtle change in his muscle tone and his behavior tending toward neurotic.  I know it’s because he’s not expending enough energy on our walks!

Exercise is essential for the wellbeing of our dogs.  Physical activity helps our pets maintain a healthy body weight and muscle mass, reduces their risk of certain diseases, and is vital to psychologic wellbeing. 

Exercise Enhances Bonding

We’re in the middle of a series of articles on helping your dog live a long, healthy life.  Exercise may be a reasonable substitute for the Fountain Of Youth!  A 2012 study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute found that exercise had a stronger correlation to life expectancy than body weight.  Further, whether a person was of normal body weight, overweight, or obese, increased physical activity added years of life.  Though more physical activity generally corresponded to a longer life expectancy, even modest amount of exercises were proven to pay dividends in health and longevity.

Although this research was done in humans, it should encourage us to stop making excuses and provide opportunities for our pets to move!   An exercise program should be tailored specifically to your dog, taking into account breed, age, physical condition and health status, as well as your own lifestyle. 

Start slow and slowly work up to higher levels of activity as exercise tolerance improves.  Unless your dog has medical restrictions, he should be able to tolerate 20 minute leash walks at least 5 days a week, working up to one hour walks.  Other options for activity include swimming, retrieval play, jogging, and biking.  Beware of “weekend warrior” activity, which commonly leads to unfit dogs overdoing it and suffering injuries.

I’m a huge believer in the old adage “Use it or lose it.”  Be inspired knowing that wherever you and your dog are on the fitness spectrum, you’re likely to extend your lives together through exercise.  A consistent exercise plan will positively impact your dog’s quality and quantity of life!  In fact, as research has shown, it’s good for both ends of the leash!

Dr. Julie Buzby is a homeschooling mom of seven, American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certified holistic veterinarian, and passionate advocate for canine mobility.In her free time she serves on the Advisory Board for The Grey Muzzle Organization. She can be found at Twitter @DrBuzby and on Facebook.com/ToeGrips. You'll also find more of Dr. Julie's posts at our Ask the Vet Archives page.

Here are a few of her articles that may be of interest:

• 10 Tips for Fido's Longest Life
• Leaner Pets Live Longer
• Finicky Eaters
• Our Vet's Best Advice on Nutrition

Dr. Julie's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.

Weekly Wag #20: Variety is Spot's Spice of Life

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Flying Disc Practice
 is Great Fun for Both of You

You must be asking yourself "What is she talking about?" When you get up on Saturday morning and prepare for your daily (I hope) walk with Fido, think about what he gets out of this routine.


For starters, while dogs are creatures of habit and often respond well to knowing what is coming next from you--their fearless leader--they also need a bit of the other end of the spectrum. Keep in mind that offering them a variety of different activities will not only change up their mental stimulation, but also use different muscles, teach different skills, and allow you to bond in new ways.


Here are a few of the many ways Tanner and Oliver enjoy having a  little change up:

• The obvious switch could simply be to take a completely different route, or even drive to a nearby hiking trail and enjoy the sites and sounds of the outdoors during your walk.
• Adding a backpack to your dog will give him a new challenge, something to think about and change his behavior accordingly. Most dogs will slow down and walk more smoothly when fitted with a back pack that is weighted with bags of beans, rice or even water bottles for both of you. As your dog's speed increases, his payload may swing and become bothersome, teaching him to take a more leisurely pace without a sway in his stride.
• Visit the dog park to make new friends for both you and your dog. Enjoy some running, jumping and fetching while his off-leash time is being enjoyed.
• Swimming is a wonderful Summer activity that cools off a hot Fido, and allows him to exercise without putting his full weight on his hips. It's especially perfect for the aging dog and those breeds that particularly enjoy this activity. Their pleasure means they will get more exercise during their swim.
• Rainy or dark outside? Try laser tag indoors with minimal lighting. This change of both atmosphere and activity will bring your dog's energy level to a new height.
• Another excellent rainy day activity is training. Mental activities such as learning a new skill or behavior are perfect for draining pent up physical energy.
• Try teaching Frisbee, Fetch, or tricks to your bored dog and soon you'll find he's begging for more "school".
• Choose a new location for whatever you do with your dog. If you generally have a furry tagalong for errands such as the bank, dry cleaner or other quick, in-and-out stops, try a different location for these and watch the reaction you get from your dog. Did his ears prick or his tail wag change? Your dog loves variety just as much as you do; try to give him change as often as you can.
• Give both you and your dog a new way to socialize by offering a daytime play day at doggie daycare.
• If you live in a safe area, try offering your walk during the night time hours to change up the view. I'm amazed at the difference in Tanner's reactions when he is outdoors at night.
• Run or jog with your dog; he'll love the new vigor of this funny "walk"!
• Sign up for classes to learn fun new games like agility, doggie freestyle, Flyball, Rally, and obedience.
• Finally, don't leave out biking. This is one of Oliver's favorite ways to let loose. His 10 lb. frame can get going so fast that he pulls me without any peddling. Who'd of thunk?!!

What different activities work well for your dog? Spill! The comment link is open for business.

This post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or visit any of their sites for their rules of participation and another opportunity to link up. Happy hopping! 

Active Dog Lovers Worked Hard to Win a Springer

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© A. Boyko
It's Springer Time!

Here we are almost at New Years and it certainly looks like there are a lot of you plotting your resolutions. From cleaner dog teeth, to greener cleanup, to exercising Fido, all of my giveaways that have anything to do with taking better care of our dogs are getting the most attention. Bravo!


I've done my drawings for 3 giveaways today and my readers did not fail me. Your enthusiasm shows how much you care about your furry friends. Congratulations to Ashley Clark for winning the Springer biking attachment. Now she'll be able to get her dog exercise in easier and faster, and have fun too!

© A. Boyko
Oliver Enjoys Biking Too!

For those of you who missed out this time, remember you can order your own Springer online here. As a matter of fact, I highly recommend you do. My boys and I enjoy biking so much that it has definitely become the staple of our exercise routine. Won't you join us?!!

Giveaway: Springer Dog Biking Attachment

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner's Pays Attention
 to Changes in the Tire Position

© A Boyko
Confident Oliver Takes Charge!

As I mentioned in the Springer Review, Tanner is a bit more cautious about biking. Don't get me wrong; he's not frightened. He simply has learned to watch the front tire for signals about which way the bike will turn. He's a smart cookie.

When Oliver is not pulling me at full speed, he seems to simply enjoy a confident jaunt down the street. No worries; he's certain I'll take care of him.

Now it's our turn to take care of you. This giveaway is a $100 value. Only one lucky winner will get a Springer, so read carefully and enter only if you're planning to enjoy the Springer with your dog. Entries close at the end of the day on December 29th. You and Fido may have a great way to put your "Get into Shape" New Years resolutions to work. Good luck!

Springer Makes Biking Your Dog Safer & More Fun

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© A. Boyko
Tanner Enjoys Biking
More Than Walking

Gone are the days of holding the leash while I bike the dogs. My new Springer bike attachment for exercising the dogs is a wonderful invention; now it's much easier for us to ride together. 


Until Global Pet Expo, I had not actually seen one of these gadgets, although I was aware of their existence. Today I'll share with you a bit about how it works, in layman's terms. Or maybe I should call it laywoman's terms. Ah, who am I kidding. You're going to get the dummed-down version.

© courtesy SpringerAmerica.com
The Gizmos and Thingys Illustrated

Apparently the engineering behind this contraption is pretty significant. It's got a gigantic spring (thus the name) that actually pulls the dog back toward the bike if he happens to pull away, as if to chase a squirrel, or perhaps a girl. There's also a breakaway gizmo to make sure Fido doesn't try to run around the bike and kill you both. Just as it sounds, the breakaway thingy will bust if Fido does a 360, and he'll be loose to free you from certain death. That may sound funny to you, but imagine having your pup run in front of you or behind you, causing a nasty fall and wreckage that could imitate something from an interstate highway pileup. I love the safety features built into this Springer, even if I have to call them gizmos and thingys!

© A. Boyko
Ready to Go!

You may be wondering if this gadget is too complicated to install on your own bike. Apparently not! I handed the box to hubby and in a matter of minutes he was back in the house announcing the job was done. "Seriously, I asked? Will I kill myself on this thing? How could you have gotten it properly attached so quickly?" After major assurance that all was in working order, Tanner and I climbed aboard, adding a short attachment to the connector to help him adapt to the shorter length of the Springer's leash. After all, we've been using a 4-6 ft. leash to bike for 4 years, so he deserved a little distance from the gizmo until we were both sure he'd be comfortable with the idea.

© A. Boyko
Oliver the Sled Dog
Ready for the Iditarod?

I gave Oliver the same consideration, although he is a bit less concerned about his proximity to the bike. On the other hand, he's also 60 lbs. smaller than Tanner, so I decided to give him the extra distance as well. He took off like a sled dog and was pulling me around the neighborhood. Let's be clear; this is a 10 lb. dog we're talking about--a Papillon with the finest bones around. He was thoroughly enjoying himself as we returned back home to get his photo snapped for this post.


At Springer's website you can get just about any question you may have about this contraption answered. They have specs, installation help, tips, FAQs, contact info, online ordering, owner info and all sorts of other good stuff like videos of people riding the Springer. You can also visit their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to learn more and ask questions.


Speaking of videos, maybe you'd like to see Tanner and Oliver in action? These short clips were taken by me while* riding with the dogs; that's how easy it is:
*Disclaimer: Don't try this at home with your Bull Mastiff, or even your Chihuahua. Leave it for the professionals, and no, I don't know any.










Looks like fun, huh? It is. Maybe you're wondering what I enjoy most about biking the dogs. I'll tell you; it's a tie between two of my favorite features of using the Springer. One is I get our exercise taken care of much faster than if I walk. That's a huge plus when I'm working these crazy, full-time blogger hours. We're not bankers. :(  


My second favorite thing is that while we're riding I get a nice breeze because of the speed. This makes the riding much cooler than walking, which is a huge benefit for me. I'm a total wuss when it comes to the heat. 


Now that I've got you all revved up to put a Springer on your bike, I should tell you how to get one. Their website sells them, and you'll be right there where you can get all your installation questions and specs taken care of. Just click the link and you're there. If you have questions after you've read the installation info and FAQs, hit the Contact form and send Shell a quick email. He's very friendly and helpful.


One last option? Okay, let's do a giveaway. That was a commercial by the way; the giveaway will begin on Thursday. Be here if you want to enter.


If you'd rather just order your own, the link is right there--two paragraphs up. Let us know how you enjoy your Springer, and don't forget to tell Springer where you learned about them. Happy riding!




Full disclosure: I lucked up and met Shell at Global Pet Expo, where he gave me a review sample so that I could write this review. I was not paid to review the Springer and the opinions here are my own thoughts about the thingys and the gizmos. There is no purchase necessary to enter the giveaway, and you are not obligated to enter it. This giveaway is limited to U.S. addresses only. For more information, see my Giveaway and Contest Rules page.