Every pet owner should know the importance of their pet’s health. Running around, catching Frisbee, and playing with a ball are all great activities that make your dog active. Our animal friends need to exercise in order to maintain their health and fitness just as much as we do. Choosing the right sport for your dog depends largely on their breed, but there are other factors to consider as well, such as their character, age, and their overall physical condition. It’s best to let the natural tendencies of your dog guide you when deciding on sport activities for your four-legged friend. Read on to learn about five best dog sport activities to implement in order to keep your fur-baby healthy and fit.
Off-leash dog parks for friendly dogs
Dog parks are great for all dog breeds, ages, and levels of activity. They allow your dog to socialize with other dogs and make new friends. Off-leash dog parks are ideal for friendly dogs who are looking for some fun out in the open space – just make sure they’re not in heat, to avoid unwanted pregnancies in dogs. Although playing outside in the fresh air is beneficial for your furry friend, there is a possibility of them getting bitten by a tick. You can look for some products you can use to prevent this. By opting for quality treatment from Bravecto for small dogs, you’re ensuring your pet is protected from harmful ticks, and those annoying fleas, too.
Agility training for smart and clever dogs
The best part about agility training is that there are no strict requirements in terms of breeds or age limits for dogs – both puppies and senior dogs can participate in this sport. This high-performance sport activity is ideal for pups who enjoy finding their way through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and weaving through the weave poles. The goal is to successfully direct your dog through the agility course by using nothing but your voice, movement and body signals to help them. Speed and precision are equally important in this sport, as well as extensive training and repetition. You can build your own agility course at home to practice with your dog.
Canicross for high-energy dogs
Running together with your dog is beneficial for both you and your pet, and it’s a good way to create a bond between you and your animal friend (literally, since it involves a bond between the owner and the dog). Canicross is a sport that involves running alongside your four-legged friend. An elastic cord is attached to your waist and connected to your dog’s harness to keep you connected at all times. This sport activity is mainly for high-energy dogs who don’t mind running for longer. It is ideal for medium to large breeds – from small terrier breeds to larger ones like Rottweilers and huskies, this sport includes a variety of breeds.
Flying discs for good fetchers
Flying disc is a Frisbee-like sport, ideal for highly-active dogs and highly-involved owners. This sport involves a lot of running and jumping, so it’s not suitable for lazy dogs and it’s also not recommended for dog breeds that lose interest after a while. It basically requires the handler to throw a flying disc and the dog needs to fetch it. While it might sound simple, there is a whole spectrum of different criteria involved in this sport, some of them being precision, time, and distance. It is easy to practice this sport since any larger outdoor area can serve as a field for practice – it can be your yard or the dog park nearby.
Dock diving for good swimmers
Dock diving or dog jumping is a dog sport that is just what its name says. It basically involves the owner throwing a toy into the water and the dog aiming for it, jumping, fetching the toy and landing in water. Since it’s a water sport, most mixes and breeds can take part in this sport, although it’s not recommended for puppies and larger breeds. It is an ideal choice for dogs who enjoy swimming and fetching toys. Dogs can compete in two categories: jumping for distance and height. Dock diving is easy to practice since all you need is an area with water and a dog who loves water and toys.
There is a wide range of sport activities for dogs to help them improve their physical and mental health. By choosing some of the sports from our list and practicing them with your dog, you are sure to improve the overall health of your dog, thus helping them live a more active and healthier life.
