Tag Archive for: activities with your dog

4 Alternatives to Walking your Dog

Dogs who do not receive enough exercise are more likely to act inappropriately. Bad habits include leaping on humans, biting things that aren’t meant to be chewed, digging holes, clawing, and barking or whining too much.

There are a few things you can do to make sure that your dog is exercised enough on a daily basis so that he or she is too worn out to act inappropriately. When you don’t feel up to taking your dog on regular walks, here are four alternatives you may try to assist your dog in burning off extra energy. 

 

Play games with your dogs

There are many different games you can play with your dog at home. One of our favorites is scent work. You can assist your dog to hone in on their inherent abilities by playing nose work games with them, and it’s also a simple method to keep them engaged. 

 

Nose work: In order to begin the game, you will need to ensure that your dog remains in the specified place. While he is watching you, walk to the other end of the room and put some food or his favorite toy there for him to find.  Before your dog starts looking for a hidden snack, you will create an association between certain words or phrases and behaviors that remind the dog of the food or a treat. Tell your dog to “find it” or “search” when you are ready to free him from his confinement. Be sure to praise your dog after each successful search round to reinforce the “search!” in his mind.  After a few demonstrations, he will be aware of what is expected of him.

 

You may go on to more difficult exercises after it seems that your dog understands the “find it” command. While your dog is in the remaining posture, move the reward or toy out of his line of sight so that you may retrieve it later.

 

During this particular search activity, the goal is to progressively expand to new places and distances as you go. When you are just getting started, it is best to confine the game to one or two rooms. If you are certain that your dog understands the “find it” command, it is time to go on to the next level, which consists of hiding objects about the home.

 

The following are some of the advantages of training your dog nose work:

 

  • Dogs like doing nose work since it’s both entertaining and rewarding.
  • Enjoyable activity that will provide your dog with increased brain stimulation
  • Building your dog’s confidence via nose work
  • Provides your dog with more opportunities for physical stimulation
  • It provides your dog with healthy activities to engage in.
  • Simple activities that can help you form a stronger relationship with your dog

 

Involve other owners and their dogstwo dogs playing in a field, one dog with tongue hanging out and the other prancing

Many dogs love to be in the company of other dogs and play with them (as long as they get along). They chase each other, jump, wrestle, and, in general, exhaust each other. Organize regular meetings with other owners or set up a regular date at the park to expand your dog’s circle of friends (and yours too). Just make sure that you follow the safety and etiquette rules for  your dog park.

 

Have your dog play in the grass

If you have a garden or park near your home, replace the dog walk with a play session. Most dogs love to play fetch, so why not start to fetch training? A ball launcher can make the game more fun for your dog and less tiring for you, as it allows you to shoot the ball much farther with almost no effort, much to the delight of your dog (and your arms).

 

Agility Dog Equipment is another way to get your dog to exercise and mentally stimulate him. You can build a path using objects you find at home, in the garage, or in DIY stores: an old hula hoop can become a ring to jump into, plastic pipes can be assembled to become obstacles, while pallets can be transformed into ramps or platforms. You can also purchase tunnels, plastic cones, or other gear at pet stores to complete your route. Many dogs, like the White husky, will definitely enjoy playing on the grass. 

 

Teach new commands

What commands does your dog know? 

“Sit” is one of the most fundamental commands to teach your dog, teaching them to sit is a terrific starting point. Dogs who aren’t taught the “Sit” command are going to be much more difficult to handle and will have a more restless demeanor than dogs that do know this easy order. In addition, teaching your dog the “Sit” command will prepare them for more difficult commands such as “Stay” and “Come.”  

 

The word “come” is another vital command for you to teach your dog and should be practiced often. This order is especially useful for those occasions if you find yourself unable to maintain your grasp on the leash. It can be taught easily and will be of great use in preventing mischief with your dog.

 

“Stay” is a command that is very helpful in preventing your dog from putting himself in harm’s way. With the command “stay” you can train your dog to ignore one object in exchange for a higher reward which is essential.

 

In conclusion

Walking your dog is great exercise and bonding for both of you, but it can be monotonous and occasionally it is good to get out of the usual routine. Sometimes , you might not be free to go for a walk or you need an alternative to get your dog exercise without going for a walk, I hope you find the tips in this article helpful.

Guest Author: Pet expert Emma has spent 12 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet industry. Her expertise includes dog and cat health, care, nutrition, feeding, grooming, behavior, and training.

 

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Doing Yoga with Your Dog

woman sitting on purple yoga mat doing prayer pose with beagle watching

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Yoga is one of the most popular meditation practices around the world. It’s a spiritual discipline that aims to bring harmony between the body and mind, and it comes with benefits that cover not just physical but mental wellbeing. People of all ages and fitness levels can practice yoga. Even if you’re unsure where to begin, there’s no need to worry since there are several yoga influencers online to help you get on track.

But have you ever thought of doing yoga with your furry best friend? Exercise is said to increase serotonin, but imagine how much better your mood would be if you’re doing it with your adorable pupper. This blog will tell you how to get into this fun but relaxing activity for you and your pet dog.

What is Doga?

Doga (cleverly combining “dog” and “yoga”) started in the US in 2001, created by actress Suzi Teitelman. The name is self-explanatory – a form of yoga specifically designed for dogs and their owners to spend quality time through exercise. You might have noticed that yoga poses involve quite a lot of stretching, most of which, resemble the stretching movements of animals. 

 

You can try doga with any type of dog, and while there are wellness centers offering these trendy classes, you also have the option of doing this at home.

What are the benefits of Doga?

There’s an array of health benefits from doing yoga alone. But doing it with your pet can do a ton of good for your furry companion too. 

 

For you:

 

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Health Encyclopedia, yoga can help improve various health conditions like poor blood circulation, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, lower back pain, and even help reduce tension, stress, or depression.

 

Apart from that, yoga can also:

  • Regulate your heart health.
  • Improve balance, coordination, and posture.
  • Enhance flexibility and range of motion.
  • Increase stamina and strength.
  • And believe it or not, some specific yoga routines can improve skin health, giving you firm and radiant-looking skin.

 

And ladies, you can certainly do yoga even when on your period. Yoga exercises can help alleviate menstrual cramps, and also help clear your mind when experiencing period brain fog. Just make sure you’re always ready with your workout essentials such as period underwear, extra towels, a change of clothes, water bottles, etc. 

 

Remember, you should stay attuned to your body, and it’s at your discretion to stop if an exercise doesn’t feel right for you.

 

For your pet:

 

Dogs are naturally intelligent animals. Often, they sense their human’s stress and anxiety. Which, in turn, can affect their behavior and cause them to be distressed. Doga allows them to develop control over their impulse, ease their anxiousness, and even help manage hyperactivity.

 

In addition:

  • Doga is a great exercise if your dog is overweight.
  • Doga teaches your pup to trust you more.
  • Gentle stretching poses in doga can be good therapy for dogs recovering from injuries.
  • Like other physical activities, doga improves your dog’s blood circulation. 
  • Your pupper can meet and socialize with other dogs.

How to Start Doing Doga

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re interested in doing yoga with your dog:

Choose a yoga routine appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and fitness level.

For instance, a young, small dog may not be able to handle a more advanced routine, while an older, larger dog may need a more gentle approach. Ultimately, the best routine for your dog is one that is safe and comfortable for them, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian or a certified yoga instructor before getting started.

Don’t forget to warm up before starting your yoga session, and be sure to cool down and stretch afterward.

Warming up helps increase your heart rate and prepare your muscles for the workout. On the other hand, cooling down helps reduce your heart rate and prevents your muscles from becoming stiff. Stretching helps to lengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility.

Have patience, especially if your dog is new to it. 

Much like pet training, doga can take time and dedication. It’s completely normal for dogs to not be used to the poses and flows immediately. Never force them, and let them adjust to it at their own pace. 

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the bonding experience with your furry best friend! Go and make the most out of it!

 

Which basic Doga poses can you try?

When doing yoga with your dog, it’s a good idea to start with basic poses before moving on to more advanced ones. Here are a few examples:

The Downward Facing Dog 

This posture resembles a dog stretching on its hind legs extending upward, with the head and forelegs facing downward. It starts in a full push-up position before placing your hands on the ground for support, delicately shifting your weight forward until you form an inverted V with the top of your head to your legs. Most dogs tend to observe what their owners are doing first before eventually mimicking the poses. 

The Chair Pose

Have your dog sit on their hind legs while you support their torso from behind. Then, slowly raise their front paws in the air and breathe deeply. Easy-peasy, right?

The Heart-to-Hound Mudra

First, sit with your dog’s back facing you. Place your right hand on your dog’s heart, and your left hand on your heart. Close your eyes and begin breathing slowly and deeply. This exercise helps soothe you and your dog and is said to expel negative energy. 

Conclusion

Doing yoga improves your and your dear pupper’s overall wellness, and makes them feel more connected to you. If you haven’t tried it, then what are you waiting for? Contact the nearest yoga centers near you to find out more about doga sessions!

Contributing Author: Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and weddings and travel, but she can totally go from fashion guru to your friendly neighborhood cat lady with mean budgeting skills and home tips real quick.

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