Before you can truly have worry-free fun with your
dog outside, you must enroll him in an obedience course, or fully train him
yourself. Your pet needs to be trustworthy wherever you go. For instance, if you
go to a public park to play Frisbee with Fido, and he does not "come" when you
tell him, he could become another hit and run statistic if he darts into the
road to chase a squirrel. (A very real possibility.) Your dog MUST be obedient
to your commands. Obedience training is the first step.
Here are fun ideas...
1. Walk! What better way is there for you and
your canine companion to spend time together and get healthy at the same time?
2. Many of the hunting breeds and terriers love
balls. Some dogs are more ''ball driven'' than others. While one dog may fetch
the ball after you throw it, another may look at you like "You threw it, not me.
YOU get it." Try different balls and cubes. Some dogs like the balls that
rattle, other like to squeak them. You can let your dog choose his own toys.
3. Take your dog to the lake. Again, many of the
hunting breeds, such as Labs, love the water. You can incorporate fetching with
the water. Throw his favorite toy a short distance in the water so he can jump
in and retrieve it. Make sure it is a toy that will float.
4. Show your pet. Even mixed breeds can participate
in some obedience shows. You may choose conformation classes, field trials, or
obedience.
5. Use the Internet or library to find training
methods for search and rescue, sledding, cart pulling and a variety of other
things. Depending on what breed you have, you probably have many options open to
you. Remember that at one time your dog was bred for a specific purpose and most
dogs are happier if they are working.
6. Learn to groom your own dog. Not only will this
save you money, it is a good bonding experience for the both of you. Many dogs
enjoy being groomed. They love to show off when they look good. And you will
have the satisfaction of knowing that you are the one that made them look and
feel better. Okay, at first you may not want to take your dog out while you are
learning. Just hide him when you have company. Seriously, there are books and
videos that give you step-by-step instructions on grooming, and it is really not
that hard if you have the right tools. Do not buy those cheap clippers that
don’t cut. Invest in a good quality grooming set. If the clippers cost less than
$100, I would say, don’t bother. I have tried a lot of them.
| 7. Take your dog to a nursing home, hospital, or
group homes for people with developmental disabilities. If your dog is
easygoing, you may choose to use him as a therapy dog. |
|
|
8. My personal favorite thing to do is
just to be with my dog. She is at my side at all times. If I am watching TV, she
is at my feet. If I am in bed, she is on the floor beside me. Just her presence
is enough for me, and for her. Sometimes the best thing you can do with your dog
is… nothing at all.
9. Take your
dog to the Dog Park.
What a wonderful place to exercise and socialize your dog.
