Top Activities For 10 Month Old Dogs

Introduction

The 10^th month of your dog's life is a tricky age to be in; your pup will look like a fully grown dog but there are still lots of areas of growth and development waiting to happen, albeit at a slower pace. As your puppy approaches the 10^th month mark, they will still need some guidance and will still crave attention and reward. Although some of the usual puppy “antics” may show up every now and then, at this age, your dog is well on the way to becoming an adult. When thinking about activities to do with your 10-month old, you have to take into consideration that they are still considered a puppy and that their bones and joints are still developing. Hence, you should not go for activities that are too strenuous. Below are a few activity ideas for your 10-month old dog.

Swimming

Most Popular

1 Vote

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Life vest

Toys (optional)

Activity description

The majority of dogs love to play in the water. Water-based activities are also ideal for growing pups. This is because swimming and other water games are low-impact, meaning that your puppy’s maturing bones and joints will not be put under too much stress. Also, playing in the water is fun and refreshing. More importantly, when you introduce the water to puppies at an early stage, they will learn a new life skill and become more confident in an aquatic setting for the rest of their lives. The best time to go swimming with your dog is when the skies are clear and the weather is warm. Depending on where you choose to go swimming, the price for this activity can range from free to cheap.

Step

1

Find a swimming spot

Before you can go play in the water, you first have to find a spot to swim in. There are lots of options for a swimming spot. You can start with something as simple as an inflatable pool in your backyard or in your very own pool, if you have one at home. You can also look for a public pool that is dog-friendly. If you like a more natural setting, you may opt to go to a lake or a river. However, you have to consider your dog’s capacity. For 10-month old dogs, a swimming pool or a calm lake are ideal options.

Step

2

Enjoy the water!

When you’ve found the best spot to swim in, pack all the necessary things to bring and head out. It is recommended that you have a life vest for your dog and bring some floating toys for your dog to play with. Do not forget to bring some food and water for your dog as well. Have your dog enjoy the water but also take breaks in between, which you can use to feed and hydrate your pup.

Fetching Fun

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

10 - 30 min

Items needed

Toy

Treats

Food

Water

Activity description

There is nothing that a dog enjoys more than a good ol’ game of fetch. As cliché as this game may seem, it remains to be a favorite among the dog owners because of its many benefits, since the game enables your dog to remain physically and mentally stimulated. Also, this activity is not that taxing on your 10-month old pup as it requires just a little bit of running and more of staying alert. Fetch can be played almost anywhere, but some good options are in your backyard, a dog park or along the beach shore. The best part about this activity is that it costs nothing!

Step

1

Look for a place to play in

Playing a game of fetch is easy but first, you need to find a sweet spot to play in. Fetch can be played virtually anywhere. Of course, you would want to change things up every now and then so that your dog won’t get bored. Ideally, choose a place where your dog hasn’t visited yet. A new environment can get your dog more excited and lively.

Step

2

Get your dog fetchin’!

While the game is pretty clear-cut, your puppy might still need some guidance on how to play. If your dog has not played the game before, you can do a demonstration on how to chase and retrieve the toy. In no time, your dog will surely understand how the game is played. For puppies in general, the best toy for fetch is a soft or small toy that will be easy for your dog to retrieve. Another thing to remember is to not overwork your pooch. Preferably, the play sessions should only take around 10 minutes. Moreover, have your dog rest and hydrate in between sessions.

Trick Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

10 - 30 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

The best time to teach a dog new tricks is at a young age, because this is when they are most alert and responsive to commands. 10 months is a great age since dogs are already physically and mentally developed. This activity serves as a physical and mental workout for your pooch. The best part about trick training is that it can be done within the comforts of your home and does not require any extra equipment or expenses. For a different environment, you may even bring your dog to a park and do the training there. With this activity, you get to instill discipline in your dog and at the same time get to form a bond between the two of you.

Step

1

Start with simple tricks

When it comes to training your dog to do tricks, you would have to start with the basics. This includes common commands such as “come”, “sit” or “stay”. Bring your dog to your “practice” area and list down the commands that you would like to start with. Make sure you have your dog’s attention and that you voice out your commands clearly and concisely.

Step

2

Reward your dog

The best way to get your dog to learn new tricks is to reward their efforts. Dogs love to be given positive reinforcement, whether by affectionate gestures such as pats on the head or belly rubs or through giving of doggy treats. Bear in mind that training sessions should be kept short, ideally only 10 minutes. This is because your dog’s attention span can only handle so much. Take short breaks in between before starting over again.

More Fun Ideas...

Go for a Walk

Dogs love going for a walk. Taking a stroll around your neighborhood, along the beach or at a park is a great way to stimulate your dog and keep them active. Walks are also fun because your dog gets to see new sights and hear new sounds. Plus, this time spent together can help you form a closer connection with your pooch.

Digging

Digging is a natural behavior for dogs. However, when your pup starts digging up your garden, it can be quite messy and stressful. To avoid this while still indulging your dog’s innate need to dig, set up a designated place for digging. All you need is a specific digging area or even a box filled with soil. This will enable your dog to dig within a restricted environment. You may even add more excitement by burying some toys for your dog to find.

Conclusion

10-month old dogs are full of life and energy. However, they still have a lot of maturity and development to go through, both physically and mentally speaking. Take advantage of this age to teach your dog new things and build their stamina. The abovementioned activities are good options for your growing pup.