| Diva |
| Sophie |
| Violet and Cody |
| Sue's Views Sniffles and Friends Newsletter - March 2009 |
| Sue's Views |
| Sniffles' Friends |
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Whatever size or breed your dog is, a regular exercise program in
conjunction with a healthy diet has been proven to result in toned muscles,
increased joint flexibility, more efficient organ function, less stress,
maintaining a healthy weight, and general quality of life/satisfaction.
Although we all know how important exercise is for us as well as for our four-
legged friends, sometimes it’s difficult to keep up with a regular outdoor
exercise routine during the winter months, especially for city dwellers.
Here are some winter dog fitness suggestions to try as we anxiously await
the beautiful spring weather:
Play in the snow!
Did you ever watch a dog agility event? You can make one of your own!
Create an imaginative obstacle course in a large room and include “tunnels”
to crawl through (an old box or “barrel” will do, as well as safe objects that
your dog can walk around or jump onto or over. You can take on the course
together or encourage your dog to master each “event” one by one!
Very basic one – “Fetch”! Grab a tennis ball, find a long hallway or a large
open room and enjoy this game that just about every dog knows and loves!
Plan “play dates” with doggie friends. If your dog has a little friend in the
neighborhood or in your building with whom he seems to really “hit it off”,
make plans for them to enjoy “play dates”. You can even play fetch, hide
and seek, and try the obstacle course with your dog and his friends to enjoy
together!
“Find it!” – a doggie variation of “hide and seek”. Choose any object your
dog likes – a favorite toy, healthy treat, etc. and hide it (make sure it’s
hidden within reach!)
Encourage your dog to look for it and praise him when he finds it. You might
even want to try to hide yourself and see if he can find YOU!
Did you ever see one of the “fishing pole” toys for cats? You can make one
for dogs too! Tie a rope to a short stick, securely attach a toy, and while
dangling the toy, gently encourage your dog to jump to reach it. This game,
of course, should be played under supervision only. Don’t let any pet play
with a “string toy” unless you’re there to watch!
Find a dog training class, preferably outdoors. Not only is this quality time
for you and your furry friend, it’s a great way for you both to meet new
friends with similar interests who may be interested in play dates or doggie
outings together! A very nice couple we petsit for actually met this way –
their dogs brought them together and they’ve been a happy family ever
since!
Play Frisbee! Whether your dog likes to bring the Frisbee back, if your dog
is a natural gymnast (some of the dogs on TV playing Frisbee are amazing –
maybe your dog will surprise you!) or even if your dog is like mine and likes
to let the Frisbee drop on the ground and just walk around with it, he’s still
getting physical stimulation and having fun.
Have fun enjoying the end of the winter, and be sure to check with your vet
before starting your dog on any new exercise program!
conjunction with a healthy diet has been proven to result in toned muscles,
increased joint flexibility, more efficient organ function, less stress,
maintaining a healthy weight, and general quality of life/satisfaction.
Although we all know how important exercise is for us as well as for our four-
legged friends, sometimes it’s difficult to keep up with a regular outdoor
exercise routine during the winter months, especially for city dwellers.
Here are some winter dog fitness suggestions to try as we anxiously await
the beautiful spring weather:
Play in the snow!
Did you ever watch a dog agility event? You can make one of your own!
Create an imaginative obstacle course in a large room and include “tunnels”
to crawl through (an old box or “barrel” will do, as well as safe objects that
your dog can walk around or jump onto or over. You can take on the course
together or encourage your dog to master each “event” one by one!
Very basic one – “Fetch”! Grab a tennis ball, find a long hallway or a large
open room and enjoy this game that just about every dog knows and loves!
Plan “play dates” with doggie friends. If your dog has a little friend in the
neighborhood or in your building with whom he seems to really “hit it off”,
make plans for them to enjoy “play dates”. You can even play fetch, hide
and seek, and try the obstacle course with your dog and his friends to enjoy
together!
“Find it!” – a doggie variation of “hide and seek”. Choose any object your
dog likes – a favorite toy, healthy treat, etc. and hide it (make sure it’s
hidden within reach!)
Encourage your dog to look for it and praise him when he finds it. You might
even want to try to hide yourself and see if he can find YOU!
Did you ever see one of the “fishing pole” toys for cats? You can make one
for dogs too! Tie a rope to a short stick, securely attach a toy, and while
dangling the toy, gently encourage your dog to jump to reach it. This game,
of course, should be played under supervision only. Don’t let any pet play
with a “string toy” unless you’re there to watch!
Find a dog training class, preferably outdoors. Not only is this quality time
for you and your furry friend, it’s a great way for you both to meet new
friends with similar interests who may be interested in play dates or doggie
outings together! A very nice couple we petsit for actually met this way –
their dogs brought them together and they’ve been a happy family ever
since!
Play Frisbee! Whether your dog likes to bring the Frisbee back, if your dog
is a natural gymnast (some of the dogs on TV playing Frisbee are amazing –
maybe your dog will surprise you!) or even if your dog is like mine and likes
to let the Frisbee drop on the ground and just walk around with it, he’s still
getting physical stimulation and having fun.
Have fun enjoying the end of the winter, and be sure to check with your vet
before starting your dog on any new exercise program!