Backyard Activities To Do With Your Dog

Summer means warm weather is here! With warm weather, I know all I want to do is be outside.  I am sure you can agree and if not your dog definitely agrees with me!  My dog, Sassy, loves being outside in the sun and spending the afternoon lounging and sniffing every inch of the yard. If you are spending time outside with your pup, there are any great activities that you can do to bond and reinforce skills with your dog.

Upgrade your fetch game

Fetch is a great activity for your pup and mimics their instinct to hunt and retrieve.  Tennis balls or any balls that bounce are great, they bounce in unpredictable paths and give your pup the hunt they want.  Why not take it to the next level? Frisbee discs, plush toys or even rope toys can be thrown for your pup to retrieve.  Mixing them up can be great stimulation for your dog.  If your dog is a runner, consider a ball launcher so they can get that sprint in. There are automatic launchers out there as well, but just remember your pup might not be as interested in playing if you are not involved.

Agility Courses

When you hear agility, you may think of a dog competing in a competition course. But, any dog can benefit from a backyard agility course.  Teaching your pup a new skill, such as completing an agility obstacle, and giving positive reinforcement can make your pup feel accomplished and good about themselves.  Agility engages dogs in a few different ways.  The equipment and coursework provide mental stimulation while teaching new tricks and skills. Agility also provides rigorous physical exercise and opportunities to use and develop a large variety of muscles. For example, if your dog likes to tunnel, a collapsible training tunnel can be great for play sessions.  You can find reasonably priced agility equipment most places that sell pet products, and some of them can grow with your dog’s skill level.

Scent Work

I am a big supporter of scent work.  I take my dog on scent walks where she dictates our speed and takes her time taking in all the smells. Dogs love sniffing everything and anything. Good smells, bad smells, questionable smells—each one is worthy of a lengthy inspection.  Allowing your dog to sniff can provide great mental stimulation.  If you want to do some scent work with your dog, leave your pup inside and hide some treats around the yard.  I suggest placing them in boxes without lids.  Then let your pup sniff to find them! Always give verbal praise, as petting can be distracting while on the hunt. As your pups skill progresses, put a lid on the box or switch up the places the boxes are or hide them.  Scent work is very exhausting for dogs, so always give your pup breaks about every 10 minutes.

Hide and Seek

As a child, hide and seek was one of my favorite games to play with my sister.   This can also be a great game to play with your pup.  Hide in your yard while having another family member or friend hold your dog.  Once you are hidden, call your dog's name once and….SEEK! 

Splish, Splash, Water Fun!

Many dogs enjoy playing in or with water, mine is not one of them.  But, many dog do! Something as simple as turning a sprinkler on can be great for your dog.  Some love to chase the water and some like to try and drink it, either way they are having fun.  You can also place tennis balls in a bucket of water and encourage your pup to retrieve them while the balls are bobbing up and down.

There are many fun things you and your pup can do in the yard while the weather is warm and sunny.  If your pup would love some outdoor fun while you are away or busy, our sitters will come and give your pup the playtime and enrichment they need during the day.  The Pet Lady, Ltd. offers enrichment visits for pups and if you are interested, give us a call! 847.802.9534 or fill out our contact form to request a meet and greet.

Warm Weather Tips for Pet Owners

Our pets look forward to warm weather just as much as we do.  Summer days mean fun in the sun, outdoor hikes and rising temperatures.  This time of year can also be dangerous for our four legged friends.  Dogs and cats can easily become overheated, dehydrated, sunburn and dehydration.  Not to mention the severe weather we can get during the months.  Here are a few tips for your four legged friends for the ‘dog days’ of summer.

Fleas and Ticks and Heartworms, oh my!

Preventative care is the best protection for your pets.  Consult your vet in the sprung before the summer bugs arrive and implement an effective flea and tick control program.  An early heartworm detection test and preventative medication will help you avoid ‘heartache’ down the road.

Summer Storms

Dog houses are a great place for your pup to find shade during those hot, sunny days.  They are not safe shelters during lightning storms and high winds.  During storms it is a good idea to bring all outdoor pets inside.  With storms comes thunder, and many indoor and outdoor pets are afraid of thunder.  Pheromones, calming music, turning the volume up on the TV or ‘thunder shirts’ may help to alleviate or reduce anxieties during storms.

Vacations

Vacationing with your pet can be fun and a great way to bond with your pet.  Always plan your route ahead of time and make sure to look into pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds or rentals.  Always make sure to allow plenty of time to travel, your pet will need potty breaks and time to stretch their legs.  Double check all collars and leashes to make sure they are fitted properly and are in good working order.  I know I have said it before, but make sure your pets ID tags and microchip are up to date with your contact information.

Water, Water Everywhere

Always make sure your pets have clean, cool water during warm weather months, even if they are inside in the air conditioning.  My dog, Sassy loves ice cubes, and my cats, Regina and Phoebe, love to play with them.  Adding ice to your pets water dish can be a fun treat for them.  If you are traveling with your pet, always make sure you have a water bottle filled with cold water for your pet.

Auto Cautions

I cannot stress this enough, but NEVER leave your pet or any other animal for that matter in a car!  Even with the windows open, the temperature in a parked vehicle can reach more than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.  Be on the lookout for coolant/antifreeze leaks as these are sweet tasting to animals, but can be fatal. 

Summer Exercise

Just like your mom told you to not go swimming right after eating, you should always wait 30 to 60 minutes after feeding your pet before exercising.  This can help prevent your pup from stomach pain and bloat.  Be aware of hot pavement and asphalt, walk your pup in grass or keep pavement walks brief.  Booties and shoes work just as well in hot weather as they do in snow and ice.  Bringing your pup to the beach with you sounds like so much fun, but your pet really prefers shade to direct sunshine, especially for long periods of time.  Always watch for signs of heatstroke that include: excessive panting, reddened gums, dehydration, confusion or lack of coordination.  If your pet is showing those signs, get them in the shade, cool with a wet towel and consult your veterinarian.

Why not leave your dog at home with a professional pet sitter while you enjoy the hot summer sun at the beach?