Alternative exercises for your dog
A common cause of many dog behavioural problems is boredom. Regular exercise is essential to combat boredom which in turn can help to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety-related behaviour.
And when it comes to exercises, there are many alternatives to leash walks that are more stimulating for some dogs for a variety of reasons. Here are a few we recommend:
Agility Training:
Agility training is a fantastic workout that provides a healthy balance of physical exercise and mental stimulation that can actually help improve your dog’s behaviour. The training classes teach you to use body language to communicate clearly and effectively. This creates a unique bonding experience with your dog that you’d be unlikely to find in many other activities. Your dog will love taking part in the courses, which are designed to fulfil a dog’s natural instincts to jump over logs and climb steep slopes.
Key Benefits
Solve behaviour problems
Exercises your dog in a way that tires their body and mind
Builds a strong bond between you and your dog
Gundog Training
Many new dog owners struggle with their pets behaviour and most need help. Gundog Training is a great way to instil good habits and form a strong bond with your dog from an early age. This form of exercise can be continued throughout a dog’s life and will help to prevent boredom and to develop mental and physical fitness in mature dogs. Your dog will benefit greatly from training focused on their natural instincts. Gundog training gives your dog a structured approach to exercise that will help develop their individual characters and provide them with mental stimulation. A busy dog is a happy dog! Don’t worry no animals will be harmed in the process.
Key Benefits:
Harnesses the natural instincts of your dog
Builds a strong bond between dog and owner
Teaches you how to control and enjoy your dog outdoors and at a distance
Canine Hydrotherapy
Traditionally used as a recovery method for injured dogs, recent research has shown that it can also give healthy animals a boost. Canine hydrotherapy positively affects the strides of healthy dogs, showing great potential as both a therapeutic tool and an effective way to keep your dog fit. As an owner, most of the time you will be encouraged to get involved. This will make it an exercise experience you and your dog can share and will help to create or reinforce the bond you have with your dog.
Key benefits:
A gentle way for injured or mature dogs to get a good workout
Promotes relaxation
Develops a trusting relationship with your dog
Flyball
Flyball is a fun, social activity for both dogs and owners. Flyball is the only dog sport which involves a team making it a great way to socialise your dog and encourage friendly play. When participating in Flyball, your dog will be expected to run a course and do it correctly. This gives your dog a job to do which will make them happy! This kind of exercise teaches your dog good behaviour and allows them to enjoy their free time.
Key Benefits:
Fun activity that socialises your dog
Helps with obedience
Mentally stimulating
Countryside Walks (with a twist)
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Walking your dog is still one of the easiest and most convenient ways to give them the daily exercise they need. To mix things up for your dog, why not change their routine and try a new route. Walkiees is a great website that allows the public to upload their favourite walks, which can then be rated by visitors. Trying out different local walks will give you and your dog a change of scenery and a chance to explore a new, picturesque area that you may not have known existed!
Key Benefits:
Discover new walks that will give your dog a new area to explore
Great way to socialise your dog
Makes your daily walks more interesting for you and your dog
Visit http://www.walkiees.co.uk/ to find out more
