Balance your dogs physical activity with mentally stimulating exercises. I believe a dog requires 5 times as much 'energy' when it is learning new and different things to do. This requires imagination by the owner to introduce a variation in the exercises already taught. When a dog enjoys working and playing, it will have a more relaxed life.
Agility
This can take place in the garden without the expense of buying special equipment. Training at home can save time and money.
Did I mention the trampoline?!
- Teach your dog to jump into the wheelbarrow and give it rides.
- Make use of a skateboard by tying a thin lead to the front and adding a wider base to sit upon; and off you go.
- A plank and log makes a see-saw, use a treat to lure the dog along the plank.
- Two garden chairs and a broom handle across them and teach the dog to jump 'over' and under for its ball.
- A similar exercise can be achieved by obtaining some plastic plumbers tubing and connecting joints.
- Place a ladder on its 'edge' and entice the dog in and out through the rungs. Place a number of stakes in a straight line and teach dog to 'weave'
- Two or three cardboard boxes with the ends knocked out and you have a tunnel. Have three people 'replace' the boxes by standing close together with their legs apart.
Did I mention the trampoline?!
SEARCHING
Bring back the dog's natural instincts by using his nose to seek and find!
- Make mealtime more interesting for the dog that 'grazes' by scattering the dry food on the kitchen floor. Advance this exercise onto the patio and then the lawn.
- Hide a perforated container with high reward treats inside. The dog can learn that the quicker he finds it and returns, the quicker he is rewarded.
- Let the dog see you throw a number of items into a square that is marked with 4 poles at each corner. Advance by increase the area and decreasing the size of the items.
- Hold the dog whilst a friend runs a short distance and hides behind a tree within a copse. Advance by turning the dog around at the point of friend about to go out of sight.
TRACKING
Teach your dog to follow a human scent, just like a Police Dog !
All you need is a simple harness with a clip on top, and a long line. Start by restraining your dog and walk 5 yards away, drawing his attention to his favourite toy or chicken in your hand. place it on the ground, return to him and off you go. Most dogs can be taught to track, with a little practice.
If you are interested in the above exercises, let me show you how.
All you need is a simple harness with a clip on top, and a long line. Start by restraining your dog and walk 5 yards away, drawing his attention to his favourite toy or chicken in your hand. place it on the ground, return to him and off you go. Most dogs can be taught to track, with a little practice.
If you are interested in the above exercises, let me show you how.