Five New Activities to Try with Your Dog to Trim Away Winter Pudge

It's springtime, and if your dog is like my dogs, he's sporting a bit of a winter time pudge from being cooped up all winter. But now the weather is wonderful and neither you nor he has an excuse for those unsightly pounds. Start getting active and try out something new.

1. Flying Disc or Frisbee

Instead of the boring, ho-hum of fetch, why not teach your dog to catch a flying disc instead? It's good exercise and your dog will be relieved that you've thought up something far more clever than just having him chase a ball. If you're worried about damaging his pearly whites catching a disc, there are plenty of soft flying discs available -- some with doggy handles on the top so if Fido doesn't catch the disc at first, he can pick it up on the grass.

Teaching your dog to go after a flying disc is relatively easy. Start by feeding your dog treats or even meals in it. Have him carry it around. Play tug of war with it. When he starts thinking this is a fun thing, try rolling it away from him on the ground. If he's attached to the disc, he'll go after it. Call him back when he picks it up and reward him with treats. Once he's comfortable with that, try low skimming flights along the ground. Eventually, your dog is going to try to catch it in mid-air. When he does, he gets lots of treats and praise. Pretty soon you'll have a flying dog.

2. Packing with Your Dog

If the flying disc isn't your dog's thing, maybe keeping four paws on the ground is. Try putting a backpack on Bowser and see if he'll be willing to carry his own water and treats. Backpack makers make packs for dogs tiny to giant. Start first with an empty pack with maybe some newspaper in it and then slowly ramp up the weight. Don't go much above 20% of your dog's weight and wait until your puppy is more than two years to ensure he's full grown before packing. Your dog can carry his own water, treats and bowl, or even help with the groceries.

3. Flyball

Looking for a bigger challenge for your dog? Does your dog enjoy catching tennis balls and running? Why not put the two together in the fast and furious sport of Flyball. Set up in relays, dogs leap over four jumps to hit the Flyball box where their action causes a tennis ball to shoot out. The dog catches the ball and brings it back over the for hurdles to you and the next team. It's addictive and fun!

Contact your local obedience training facilities and ask them if they teach Flyball. If they don't, they may be able to tell you who does and point you to the right direction.

4. Agility

If your dog likes jumping over things, climbing under things or even walking over planks, maybe you've got an agility dog in the making. Dogs in agility negotiate obstacles in a timed course. The fastest and most accurate dogs work towards their titles and can even win some nifty ribbons and titles. Agility is open to all dogs, not just purebreds, so you'll be able to compete regardless of the breed or mixed breed.

Contact your local obedience training facilities and ask them if they teach Agility. If they don't, they may be able to tell you who does and point you to the right direction.

5. Bikejoring

If you're the daring type, consider fitting your dog with a sledding harness and hooking him up to your bicycle like a two-wheeled sled. Various outfitters make bicycling hookups for dogs, but if you want your dog to pull you, consider purchasing a sledding tugline and train him to pull. But be careful and be sure to wear a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads -- dogs can get a bit too enthusiastic when pulling and many have taken a tumble off their bikes.

Before starting any exercise program, be sure to have your veterinarian examine your dog to be sure your dog is healthy enough for the activity. Likewise, be sure to have your doctor clear your health as well before undertaking any exercise program.

References

The Simple Guide to Getting Active with Your Dog, Margaret H. Bonham, 2001.

North American Flyball Association

North American Dog Agility Council

Introduction to Dog Agility, Margaret H. Bonham, 2009.