Everything About Dogs

There’s nothing a dog likes better than frolicking around. Most dogs just love to play and love it when you play with them.

Running around the backyard playing keep-away with a favorite toy or ball, chasing after it with your dog or letting your dog chase you around is great fun and is a great way to get some exercise. You may get into such great shape that your dog tires out before you do!

If your dog likes to chase a ball around, play soccer with him and some friends and/or family. Kick the ball around to each other as you run around and let him chase the ball around too!

There are probably many favorite games you already play with your dog. To get more exercise while you’re playing, be sure to get involved with him while he’s running around. Imagine your dogs surprise when you throw a ball for him to fetch and you get to it before he does!

Always remember, the safest place to play with your dog off-leash is in a fenced-in area or yard.

Your dog may seem to be completely fine off leash but all it takes is one moment of distraction at the wrong time, such as another dog or small animal, and your dog could be lost or severely injured or worse. Play smart!

Running or jogging with your dog is an excellent form of exercise. If you do wish to run with your dog, the most important thing you want to be aware of is your dog’s safety. Here are a few safety tips that also apply to other forms of exercise, especially the more vigorous kinds:

Though all you really need in order to run with your dog is a leash and a pair of shoes, one of the best ways to run with your dog is to use what is called a Skijoring belt (essentially a leash attached to a belt).

This belt is primarily used for cross-country skiing with your dogs but is easily adapted to running use. It allows you to run hands-free with the pull of your dog going into your midsection rather than your arms where it could throw you off balance.

If you choose to run using a regular lead, it is better to use a shorter lead such as a 6 foot cotton-web lead. A longer lead will allow your dog to roam too much rather than focusing on running straight ahead.

Harnesses are very useful for running as well. They allow the tension of the lead to go through your dog’s chest and front shoulder area rather than through the neck, which makes far easier for them to run.

Rollerblading with your dog can be a fun and challenging experience for both you and your furry companion.

This activity is best done by an experienced rollerblader. Naturally, the more experienced a blader you are, the more “active” of a dog you’ll be able to handle. You may even be able to progress to blading with two dogs once you get good enough with one.

The best lead to use when rollerblading with your dog is the Flexi-type, retractable lead. Because it won’t drag on the ground, it eliminates the risk of you or your dog tripping on it.

The potential for a slack lead is the reason a Skijoring belt or ordinary lead is not recommended for rollerblading with. If your dog slows down or stops suddenly, the line immediately goes slack and drops right in front of you, which can have disastrous results.

Your best friend when rollerblading with your dog (other than your dog, of course) is the lawn.

• Going into the grass is the best way to brake quickly and effectively.
• It is also a whole lot softer than pavement!
• Before you ever hook up your dog to go rollerblading, be sure to practice going from pavement to grass until you feel comfortable with it.
• Keep in mind that chances are good that when the time comes that you do need to actually go in the grass, you’ll have a dog pulling you fairly strongly ahead.
• Lean back a little more than usual when you go into the grass to keep from being thrown forward.

Before heading out, be sure to practice stopping and turning quickly.

• You will most likely have occasion to use those skills when skating with your dog.
• You should be proficient with basic rollerblading maneuvers before taking your canine on a skate.
• This is especially important if you plan on crossing any streets in your travel.
• If you are coming to an intersection and you can’t stop or control your dog, you could be facing a serious problem.

Here are a few safety tips that you should keep in mind if you are thinking about trying out roller-dog-blading:

• Always skate under control and be acutely aware of what is going on around you. Things happen at a faster pace when you are on wheels and a little problem can turn into a big one in a hurry.
• Always be sure you have complete control of your dog. This is very important around areas where you may be near vehicle traffic.
• Skate at times and places where there is less likely to be other people around such as in the early morning. Pedestrians can be at risk if you don’t have complete control of your dog. Announce which way you care coming around people if you come up from behind, e.g. “on your left.” Reduce your speed substantially when you start to get near other people. It gives them time to react to you.
• Wear protective gear such as knee pads and a helmet.
• A harness is useful to avoid choking your dog in case you need to make sudden maneuvers.
• Always be aware that small animals may come out of nowhere at any time. If your dog goes for these, you need to be ready to deal with it quickly, e.g. get into the grass and brace yourself!

All else aside, rollerblading with your dog can be great fun. It gives both of you a chance to stretch your legs and gives your dog more freedom of movement than he or she would get with cycling or jogging.