Days out With Your Dog - Curing Canine Cabin Fever!

Chihuahuas, Rottweilers, Pugs, and Golden Retrievers….. What do these dog breeds have in common? They all suffer from canine cabin fever sometimes and just need a day out. The question is, where can you take your dog and what can you do with him when you get there? Plenty!

A Day at the Dog Park

A dog park is a public park where your dog is welcome to join you (as opposed to a “people only park” where dogs are prohibited). To find a dog park in your area, contact your local parks and recreation department or search the Internet. Some dog parks require a fee, but many of them are free of charge.

Most dog parks allow dogs to play off leash, but not all of them are fenced. If your dog has a tendency to run away and not come back, it’s best that you verify the park is fenced before releasing him from his lead. Before dropping the leash, you should also consider your dog’s likelihood to enter into a fight with another dog. If your dog is more aggressive in nature, keep his leash firmly attached. You can, however, use a very long leash to allow your dog more freedom to roam.

When visiting a dog park, be sure to bring supplies for cleaning up after your dog. Dog waste is a nuisance and can spread diseases. Your courtesy makes a trip to the park more fun for everyone.

Dog parks are great places to play fetch, take long walks, play tag, or just run around and release some energy. If your dog is sociable, he’ll love the companionship of other dogs and will probably make a new friend each time he visits — you might make some people friends, too!

Flying Frisbees

If your dog loves to chase after and catch things, think about teaching him to play Frisbee. (Before beginning Frisbee training, consult your vet to make certain your dog is fit for such an athletic activity.) Your dog may never become a champion Frisbee dog, but you’ll both benefit from the time together and the exercise.

To start training your dog to catch a Frisbee, roll the disc along the ground so he can chase it without fear of getting hit by the flying toy. Keep it fun and don’t get frustrated or discouraged if he loses interest — stop for a while and do something else. Praise your dog for any interest he shows in the Frisbee. However, don’t allow him to chew on it — he’ll see it as one of his regular chew toys and may not want to let you have it so you can throw it. Instead, put the toy away when you’re not using it so that he understands this is a special toy that he can only play with when you are able to play, too.

When your dog begins to consistently chase a disk rolled along the ground, start throwing it for him. Never throw the Frisbee directly at him. He may be injured and is likely to be frightened by it. Throw the disk off to his side so he can chase it. Don’t throw it so high that your dog may injure himself leaping after it. (Again, it’s important to check with your vet to make certain your dog is able to safely participate in the activity.)

The most important thing in playing Frisbee with your dog is to just have fun with it. After all, it’s the same game you liked to play as a kid, only now you get to enjoy it with your dog!

Doggy Paddling

A day at the beach is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Dogs instinctively know how to swim, and most of them love it once they become used to the water. It’s your responsibility as an owner to make certain his introduction to swimming is a safe and enjoyable one.

Start out by simply wading into the water and encouraging your dog to follow you. Once he’s comfortable in the shallow water where he can stand, begin to lead him into deeper water. Always keep him within reach so you can assist him if he becomes frightened or tired.

You might also consider taking along a friend with a dog who is already accustomed to the water. Allow your dog to play with the seasoned swimmer and let him lead your dog into the water. Supervise both the play and the swimming to make certain both dogs are safe.

Be careful not to let your dog overdo this new form of exercise. Swimming uses many of the major muscle groups and can be strenuous. When your dog starts to show signs of tiring, bring him out of the water and offer him some cold fresh water. Encourage him to lie quietly on the beach with you for a while. However, be aware that dogs are also susceptible to sunburn — especially white dogs with pink skin and shorthaired dogs. You can apply sun block to your dog’s nose and ears, but be certain you use a non-toxic brand since your dog may lick his nose. Limit his time in the sun and find a shady place to relax.

Bring along a book for yourself and a chew toy for your dog so you can take some time to just lay around and spend some time together. After all, this is your day out, too!

Canine Cycling

The key to bicycling with your dog is to start slowly! Just like you, your dog needs to warm up a bit before exercising vigorously. Again, check with your vet to be certain your dog is up to the activity. And, always bring along plenty of fresh water for your dog so he doesn’t become dehydrated.

Not only do you want to start slowly for the sake of your dog’s health, you should also take your time in teaching your dog to run alongside your bike for the sake of your own health and that of the bike! Let’s face it, your dog could easily pull the bike over causing you to take a nasty spill and injure yourself or damage the bicycle.

To introduce your dog to running alongside a bike, start by simply walking on one side of the bike with your dog walking on the other. You can use a leash to attach the dog to the bike, but there are also devices available that can be attached to the bike allowing your hands and the handlebar to remain leash free. One device, called the Springer, uses a unique spring mechanism that absorbs your dog’s unexpected pulls on the leash so that he won’t pull you and the bicycle along with him. And, the Springer uses a comfortable harness that lets your dog pull using his chest and shoulder muscles instead of his neck, which could be injured. You should also consider buying your dog a reflective safety vest so he’s easily visible.

So, what do you do if you love a long and leisurely bike ride, but your dog is too small to run beside the bike? How about a dog bike seat? Yep, those are available, too! They can be mounted on the back or front of your bike and should be used with safety harnesses to keep your pooch in place. Your dog will love the breeze blowing through his ears and his unobstructed view of the great outdoors.

There you have it, three ideas for getting out with your dog. If those aren’t enough, you could also take your dog on a picnic, find a doggy dance class (oh yes, they exist!), enroll in an obedience or agility class, or just go for a car ride.

Gotta go outside boy?