Fun Sports Activities You Can Do With Your Dog

Staying fit is more fun when it is done with family members, dog included. Your dog needs his fair share of fun and should be encouraged to stay fit. What better way to help your dog stay healthy and fit than to take him out for a fun day of activities in the park. Here are some of the activities you and your dog can enjoy doing in an open space.

Frisbee

It may be a childish game, but it is enjoyed by both the young and old. Throwing a Frisbee is a fun activity that also tests our agility and coordination, and it will do the same for your dog. You dog will just go crazy with loads of fun as he runs after the Frisbee as it flies and then leaps up in the air to snag the disc. This is more of a catch and retrieve game you will also enjoy playing.

Swimming

You should consider getting your dog accustomed to water before thinking of taking him along with you for a swim. The public pool will be off limits for the dog, but the lake at the park or the river will be a nice place to take your dog if he loves water. The beach is also a beautiful place to take him; you can go there and toss a Frisbee as you also enjoy a swim with him.

Agility

Agility events are now a common thing for many dog owners. They all strive to teach their dog a thing or two that sharpness the dog's body and mind. The dog will need to learn how to move over, across, and through various obstacles with or without your help. This will be a fun thing to do especially in a park where both of you visit frequently.

Running

Most sports will have your dog on his feet run and jumping. However, you can still engage him in running as an independent sport. Most dogs love the outdoors and will enjoy running around in the park. You can opt to go for a bicycle ride in the park or a jog and let your dog accompany you.

Other fun activities that may or may not be a form of sport and you and your dog can enjoy include dancing, fly ball, hide and seek, hiking, carting, hunting and high jumping among others.

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Information About The Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog were once used by Portuguese fisherman to pass messages to other boats, grab gear out of the water, and drive fishes into nets. When fishing became more modernized in the 20th century, this breed all but disappeared. However, they made a triumphant comeback and now rank 69th in popularity amongst the AKC's recognized breeds.

Size varies in the Portuguese Water Dog. Generally, males have a height at about 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder, while females stand 17 to 21 inches. Males average in weight from 42 to 60 pounds, while females average between 35 to 50 pounds.

In general, Portuguese Water dogs are healthy. However, as most breeds, they are more prone to certain conditions. Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hip Dysplasia are all conditions this breed tends to suffer from.

tight curly coat on the left  -  classic wavy coat on the right

There are two kinds of fur types the Portuguese Water Dog may have--wavy or curly. Each coat does not contain an undercoat, meaning this breed does not shed a lot and are hypoallergenic. Color-wise, their coat can be brown, brown with white, or black. It's crucial to avoid tangles with the fur by brushing it two or three times a week.

Portuguese Water Dogs are people lovers and make great pets for family. However, although they are indoor dogs, they can be rambunctious and need to space to play. Ideally, this dog would be good for a home with a backyard, where they could run around for 30 to minutes to one hour each day.

Training is a cinch for this breed. Not only are they quick learners, but they actually enjoy the process. You are doing your dog a service by teaching him tracking, obedience, and agility. What's best is that this ease of training makes them perfect service dogs.

How much you feed your Portuguese Water Dog depends on his metabolism, size, and age. However, these dogs can become overweight and out of shape rather quickly, which is why you should not overfeed them. It is recommended to feed this breed 2.5 to 3.5 cups of good quality food, two times a day. Also, when he is done eating, take away the bowl so he cannot keep munching.

Overall, the Portuguese Water Dog is a friendly, good-natured breed that makes a good pet for families and single people, alike. They are easy to train and are intelligent dogs!

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Make Sure Your Dog Is Getting Enough Exercise

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What do you usually do on Saturday afternoons? Do you often find yourself sitting on the couch watching TV while your dog naps next to you? If this sounds familiar, you need to make a few changes to your lifestyle and exercise more. If you do not take action, you and your dog might end up overweight.

If you do not want to exercise, you should still think about the well-being of your pet. A huge number of dogs are overweight or even obese in the U.S. According to StopCanineObesity.com, it is estimated that 17 million dogs are either overweight or obese in the U.S. Most overweight dogs are out of shape due to their owners feeding them too much. Watching your pet's diet more closely and making sure they get plenty of exercise is the best way to prevent obesity.

Dogs need plenty of exercise for several reasons. A dog who gets enough exercise is usually happier and calmer. Dogs who do not get enough exercise might experience separation anxiety or misbehave. Exercise is good for your dog's overall health. Regular exercise can improve heart, lung, bone and joint health.

There are plenty of fun activities you can do with your dog. You could for instance go for a walk, jog, ride your bike or even go swimming. If you do not want to exercise, find a safe area where you can let your dog run off leash for a while.

It is best to exercise moderately. Your dog will not know when to stop exercising. You should never force your puppy to be more active. Too much exercise can be harmful to a puppy's development and actually hurt their bones and joints. Fun and moderate activities will have positive effects on your puppy's development.

Bicycle lead

If you plan on taking your dog for a bike ride or another activity, take the time to warm up first. Your dog can pull a ligament or a tendon if you do not warm up first. Make sure your dog does not exercise without preparing first and stop when your dog looks tired.

If your dog is used to being inactive, do not overdo it at first. Change your lifestyle one step at a time. Your dog will enjoy exercising but too much activity could have negative effects.

Your dog should have plenty of fun while exercising. Your dog will be happier and live longer if it gets plenty of activity and has fun. Remember that dogs have very different needs when it comes to exercising. For instance, a Golden Retriever will need to run every day while a Boston Terrier does not need to be as active as other dogs. Choose activities adapted to the breed and age of your dog.

Flyball

You can join a group of dog owners who want to help their pets exercise more. Contact the nearest kennel club, pet store or animal shelter and ask about local groups. Rally, flyball and agility are popular activities for dogs and their owners. You will also get the opportunity to make new friends and let your dog socialize with other animals.

Regardless of the activity you choose, your dog will benefit from being more active. Your dog will have a lot of fun, bond with you and live longer thanks to exercise.

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