The Healthy Pets » Family Fun

Agility Competition for Dogs

The Healthy Pets — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:00:46 +0000

Agility competition is basically an obstacle course for dogs. Everyone involved, including the spectators, appears to be having the time of their lives, and the sport has become tremendously popular at dog shows and exhibitions from coast to coast. There are tunnels, catwalks, seesaws, and numerous other obstacles that the canine contestants have to master off leash while they are being timed. It takes teamwork because the handler has to act as navigator.

Although the dogs do all the maneuvering, it is the handler who directs the dog, because the sequence of the individual obstacles is different at every event. Both the American Kennel Club and the US Dog Agility Association can provide additional information, as well as names and addresses of the organizations sponsoring events nearest to your home.

Dogs and Flyball

The Healthy Pets — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:49:52 +0000

Flyball is undoubtedly one of the most exciting activities in which you and your dog can participate. In this event, the dogs are organized into four teams. Each team races on a relay system. At the signal, each dog must clear four hurdlers, release as ball from the ball to the starting point so that the next teammate can start. The team is racing against the clock, and the speed and excitement usually encourage the very enthusiastic ringside crowd.

Dog Obedience Tips

The Healthy Pets — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:44:16 +0000

If you and your dog enjoy training exercises, you may want to start training for obedience titles. Some dogs take to formal obedience work like the proverbial duck takes to water. Mixed or purebred, there dogs that seem to love the thrill of performing, and the many levels of obedience work give them the opportunity to show off their skills. The details about how to get involved in obedience trials and what they entail are covered in the chapter on obedience training.

In order to succeed in obedience, however, the owner has to feel enthusiastic about it. If you look at the training required for theses trials as drudgery, it will take the fun out of it, and this attitude can transfer to the dog. Find out more about obedience competition and see if it is for you.

Obedience

Just For The Fun Of It

The Healthy Pets — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:18:35 +0000

Some people think that dog’s aren’t capable of having a sense of humor, but some people disagree. Some people had seen too many dogs that were considered stand-up comedians among their canine peers. They did silly things that always elicited laughter from everyone in their families, and they did so with tails wagging and a sparkle in their eyes.

Other dogs approach life a bit more seriously, but that doesn’t mean they were devoid of personality or that they didn’t enjoy joining in on the fun. Because there are so many fun activities that dogs are capable of participating in with their owners, it would take a whole site to list and explain them. Some owners instead find their dogs are so good at certain games and activities that they set about pursuing slightly more formal outlets of exercise. Again, the sky’s the limit. There are countless activities that provide the exercise that dogs need, as well as being limitless fun for both owner and pet.

Family Vacations With Your Dog

The Healthy Pets — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:15:56 +0000

Once your dog is well trained, why not have him share on your fun you will be having on those summer vacations. The streets of a big city or your aunt’s small apartment may not be the best place to take your dog, but there are all kinds of vacation plans you can make that will easily accommodate the whole family, including your canine pal.

Again, it’s simply a matter of planning ahead and knowing what destinations will offer the most pleasure and convenience for all of you. The following are simply some suggestions that may appeal to you or inspire you to come up with an idea that would even be more suitable for you and your family.

Lakeside cottages and cabins in the mountains provide a degree of privacy, yet plenty of opportunity for family fun and social events in nearby towns. Your dog will get as big a kick out of boating and swimming as the rest of the family, and although dogs aren’t the most proficient fishermen in the world, they are among the most enthusiastic.

A hiking or camping trip provides the whole family with lots of fun and adventure, to say nothing of the excellent exercise in the great outdoors. It should go without saying that dog owners should be particularly aware of camp and trail rules and obey them to the letter.

Dog Exercises

The Healthy Pets — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:31:11 +0000

There’s a bonus to all the care and attention that you give your dog. He returns the favor by requiring exercise, which is something he needs to keep him from getting bored and to keep him in shape. However, it is also something that will do nothing but improve your own health and state of mind. You don’t have to become a tri-athlete to give your dog the exercise he needs. Just walking at an invigorating pace is good for both you and your pet.

A dog’s energy level isn’t ignored as easily as ours is. It will be used up in some way, and if you would prefer your dog to use it by excavating a hole through the wall-to-wall carpeting or taking down the drapery, the choice is yours. Most owners would prefer to have their dogs use up their energy by taking a good brisk walk, playing catch, or bringing back a Frisbee.

Puppies usually get all of the exercise they need on their own, especially if they have playmate. However, there are very few adult dogs that get the exercise they need without opportunity and encouragement. As maturity and old age set in, you’ll find dogs become less inclined to be self starters when it comes to exercise. But interestingly, the laziest dog in town is more than willing to forego his afternoon snooze if his owner extends an invitation to go somewhere-anywhere!

Whenever you start on a new form of exercise with your dog, do so gradually and increase the duration of the workout very slowly. Do not start jogging with a young dog – wait at least until the dog is 18 months of age. By then, the dog’s permanent bones and muscles have formed and strengthened to the point where there will be no permanent damage.

Be careful about exercising in hot weather. confine exercise periods to the early morning hours before temperatures rise or until temperatures drop in the evening.

If you own a senior dog, it doesn’t mean he should stop exercising. The older fellow will still enjoy making those walks with you every day. Maybe he won’t be thrilled about heading outdoors on cold or blustery days, but a sweater or doggie coat will protect him. When the weather is nice, there is absolutely no reason why the two of you can’t be out taking a leisurely walk around the block or down to the park. Use discretion when throwing balls and playing fetch, even though the dog might think he is still capable of doing the 100 yard dash. Be kind and be careful when it comes to exercising your senior dog, and he’ll be with you for a much longer time.

Also, eating properly and maintaining a sensible exercise program will keep the whole family (both human and canine) happier and healthier.