Winter
Activities for You and Your Dog
The winter months can be hectic times
with holiday planning and family
gatherings. Combined with our regular day
to day responsibilities like work, house
cleaning, shopping, a precious few moments
of peace and quiet can more than urge you
to curl up with a good book on the couch or
read the paper and watch movies all day
snuggled in bed. If you can get away with
it, indulge yourself every once in a while!
But remember, dogs don't care much for the
latest mystery novel or miniseries. Not
only do they need a little special
attention every once in a while, but
regardless of the weather and
responsibilities of our lives, they need
their outdoor time and exercise. An
under-exercised dog can suffer from
boredom, which can lead to behavioral
problems, obesity, depression and other
health hazards. So let's zip up the coat,
pull on the boots, grab the leash and take
a look at a few popular things your dog and
the whole family can get involved in
together outdoors this winter!
A word of caution: if your dog is not
used to regular exercise, or you are trying
something new, consider his age and/or over
all health. Please consult your vet and
maybe even get a physical exam if he has
not had one recently before engaging in
anything new. Start out slow even with fit
dogs - and take your time. With older dogs
and those with health problems, a simple
brisk walk for several minutes a day in the
chilly winter weather may be just what the
doctor ordered.
Agility
Dog agility is a sport in which a
handler is given a set amount of time in
which to direct a dog off-leash through an
obstacle course of poles, ramps, tunnels
and jumps. Agility is one of the fastest
growing dog activities in the country. You
can participate in competitions or just do
it for fun with a dog club or in your own
back yard! It's an exciting and rewarding
activity that the whole family can
participate in. And if you do your own
thing at home, you can make up your own
courses and obstacles, so its always
different! Of course if you aren't going to
compete you can do a lot of teaching and
playing with agility on your own. I have a
friend that regularly takes her dogs to the
park to play on the children's playground
equipment. You should see this dog compete
with the children for a place in line to go
down the slide! Remember -- go slowly and
carefully to avoid injury and never force
your dog on or in any equipment. The
American Kennel Club has a listing of
obedience and agility clubs by geographic
area. Your dog's veterinarian, groomer,
local kennel club or humane society may
also help in locating an agility group.
