We all know how busy those summer months can be. We don’t forget to do things that will stimulate your dog too. So we have rounded up the top 5 ways you can keep your furry companion entertained and active this summer, and they are great!
Swimming: Many dogs love swimming, and it’s a great way to keep them cool in the hot summer months. If you have a pool, consider letting your dog take a dip. If not, look for a nearby lake, river, or beach where you can take your dog for a swim.
Outdoor Playtime: Spend time outside with your dog by playing games such as fetch or Frisbee. You can also set up an obstacle course or agility course in your backyard to keep your dog active and mentally stimulated.
Nature Walks: Take your dog on a nature walk to explore new sights, sounds, and smells. You can also try hiking or jogging with your dog to get some exercise together.
Dog Parks: Dog parks are great places for dogs to socialize and play with other dogs. If your dog is friendly and well-behaved, take them to a local dog park where they can run around off-leash and make new friends.
Training and Enrichment: Engage your dog in training and enrichment activities that challenge their mind and keep them entertained. For example, you can teach your dog new tricks, provide puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys, or hide treats for them to find around your home or yard.
If going to the dog park is one of the things you plan on doing, don’t forget there is proper etiquette to follow while you are there. Proper dog park etiquette is important for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all dogs and their owners. Here are some tips to follow:
Follow the Rules: Each dog park has its own set of rules, so be sure to read and follow them. Rules may include things like leash laws, cleaning up after your dog, and not bringing aggressive dogs into the park.
Supervise Your Dog: Always keep an eye on your dog and be ready to intervene if necessary. Don’t assume that other owners will do the same for their dogs.
Keep Your Dog Under Control: Make sure your dog is well-behaved and under control. If your dog is aggressive or overly dominant, it may be best to avoid the dog park.
Be Respectful of Others: Be courteous to other dog owners and their dogs. Don’t let your dog jump on people or other dogs without permission.
Clean Up After Your Dog: Always pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. This helps keep the park clean and healthy for everyone to use.
Leave Toys and Treats at Home: Some dogs can become possessive of toys and treats, which can lead to conflicts. Leave them at home to avoid any issues.
Is keeping my dog entertained good for their mental health?
As most dog owners know keeping your dog active and entertained is very important to their quality of life. In fact, it is important for their physical and mental health. Here are some reasons why:
Exercise: Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Outdoor activities such as running, walking, and playing fetch can provide the necessary exercise for your dog’s well-being.
Mental Stimulation: Dogs are intelligent and curious animals that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Playing outside with your dog or providing them with puzzle toys and other interactive games can help stimulate their minds and prevent boredom.
Socialization: Outdoor activities such as dog parks or nature walks can provide opportunities for your dog to socialize with other dogs and people. This can help improve their social skills and reduce anxiety or fear around new people or animals.
Behavioral Training: Outdoor activities can be a great opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors in your dog. For example, teaching them to walk calmly on a leash or come when called can help improve their obedience and overall behavior.
Health Benefits: Spending time outside can provide additional health benefits for your dog, such as exposure to fresh air and sunshine, which can improve their overall physical and mental health.
All in all, keeping your dog busy outside with regular exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and behavioral training can lead to a happier and healthier dog.
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Ain’t dogs more loyal than humans? Amongst all the animals, dogs are man’s best friend. They are always there to greet us when we return back home after a tiring day. They want to play and cuddle with us and most of all go outside and also enjoy going for long walks with their masters.
It is essential not only in winter but all year round to make sure that we take our dogs for walks and give them enough exercise. They are required to walk in order to maintain their health and just like us, their mental wellness. But in winter, it can be difficult for dogs to walk on the ice or snow, or even be in the cold weather for long periods of time.
You should be careful of the environment you decide to walk in and make sure that you are not walking them in areas where they might get hurt. Find cleared-off paths, or easily accessible walkways to ensure neither of you finds yourself slipping or falling. Anything below 32°F is safe but once you get below 20°F be aware that dogs could potentially develop hypothermia and frostbite.
As all of us suffer from cold during winter, so do the dogs. Taking your dog for a walk and to their toileting spot can be very difficult due to the low temperatures. Pick up the poo can be even worse! (But hey that’s why we exist…Request A Quote.)
We have some winter walking weather tips for you and your dog to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy.
Bring water and snacks with you when going out during the colder months too, as they will need extra fluid intake because they cannot regulate their own body temperature much below 39°F (4°C) We found a great solution from YOGI Pet. This Portable dog water bottle is made of high-quality food-grade plastic, BPA-free, and lead-free. With this bottle, your pets are able to eat and drink anytime, anywhere. Enjoy happy outdoor time with your pet.
Dress up in a coat or sweater to ensure you take the edge off. You need a coat so why don’t they? They can act as heat insulators as well as break the chilly wind that comes with that winter weather some days. An amazing company is called Puppy Protection a clothing company for dogs that has plenty of selection and choices. they also have a 10% off offer for first-time buyers and a great sale selection as well. Keep your dog styling and safe as you hit the paths in those colder winter months.
Wear Booties to protect their paws and stay safe on the icy paths. first things first, the fit is super important. Boots should be comfortable and not too tight. And, of course, they need to actually stay on. You may have to try many pairs on your dog to find a good fit so be sure to bring your dog with you or ensure you can return them. A great brand is called Muttluks which offers several different varieties and options in color and style. If your dog will not wear boots another option is Paw Balm which is a waxy product that protects their paws from the cold and is an alternative to booties.
The following are some general tips to keep in mind before walking your dog during the winter:
Keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times – if they are off leash and get scared or spooked and run off, the cold weather could cause potentially dangerous situations for them.
Make sure that YOU are wearing warm clothes, boots, and gloves before taking your dog out for a walk, your dog needs you safe and healthy as well so be sure to take care of yourself before heading outside.
Use a harness instead of a collar so that if your dog does slip on ice, he will not choke himself.
Try to avoid walking in areas where there is ice or snow as these surfaces can be dangerous for both you and your pet.
If possible, walk mid-morning or mid-day when it is the warmest and brightest.
The winter season is a great time to take your dog for a walk. The smell of a brisk winter day and the energy you use to walk in the colder weather is amazing for both you and your dog physically and mentally. Walking is known to decrease stress, calm your mind and get your heart rate up, all good things. When you are a healthy person you are a healthy pet owner. You can enjoy the outdoors, stay healthy mentally and physically, AND have some quality time with your pet
We hope our Winter Dog Walking Tips and product suggestions have been helpful for this time of year. The health of dogs and owners alike is of the utmost importance any time of year but the winter can be the most harmful. Have quality time together while maintaining health and wellness for you both!
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