Varying Your Dog's Outdoor Routine

If you are a dog owner, you often go through the same routine of caring for your dog every day. Aside from feeding them, you must also take them outside to let them do their business at different points of the day.

After awhile, doesn't it seem like you are taking your dog the same route and letting them do the same things? This could get frustrating for you, the owner, especially if your dog doesn't cooperate. Maybe they are also getting bored with the routine. With a little creativity, though, you can make your dog's journey outside more exciting.

You can mix up the tediousness of taking your dog outside by purchasing an exercise pen. If you have company or need to clean the house, putting them in one will give them fresh air and a chance to run around. Set it up in your backyard and make sure to throw a couple toys and a water dish out there with them.

When your pup is in the pen, don't deny them any human interaction. You can send another family member outside to keep them company and check on them every 5-10 minutes to make sure they are still doing OK. Keep a leash on them as well in case they are going after something they shouldn't have their paws on.

Play ball in the backyard. You can use a tennis or waffle ball for this and your dog will love the exercise. A basketball is also a great option because young dogs will not rip it apart; even though they are still capable of putting holes in it. However, it is funny to watch them push an object that is usually bigger than them around the yard with their teeth. Your task is to throw the ball, and then try to get them away from it to throw it again.

Spice up your walking route. Instead of taking your dog around the block, find a walking route along a river bank or in the local park. They will be able to interact with other dogs (just make sure they play nice) and people working out or just enjoying a relaxing walk. Try a different route once or twice a week to keep both of you fresh and moving fast.

If they like water, purchase a child sized pool or a sprinkler and take them outside to run around. Dogs who are afraid of water don't realize this, but when they run around in water on a hot day, they feel cooler and therefore, they will be happier.

In the winter time, let them play in the snow. This is amusing to watch because dogs immediately put their nose in the snow and want to frolic around. Just make sure they only make the yellow snow and not eat it!

Let them interact with different kinds of people and animals. At first, this may be intimidating to either party, but a lot of dogs are people friendly and will just sniff another dog to get to know them. This is very normal. Sometimes, two dogs become friends with one another and greet each other by sniffing and having some light playtime on the sidewalk during their walks.

Bring them when you have company, but make sure it is fine with all your guests first. By keeping your pet inside when everyone else is outside, they may feel ignored and may cause trouble by chewing something or having accidents. If you know your dog can behave, they will feel happier by meeting people and making new friends to play with. Allow people to pet them and don't discourage the dog from interacting with guests. However, any boundaries you set about biting or jumping on people should apply.

Taking your dog outside allows them to get a lot of exercise and become friendly with neighbors and other dogs. Even though the usual routine can get boring, you can do a lot to mix it up for both you and your pet. No matter what, make sure both of you have fun doing whatever it is you do in the great outdoors.