Activities For Adventurous Dogs
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Introduction
Have you noticed that your dog seems to always be ready for adventure? Perhaps you take your best pal on a hike and rather than sticking to the trail your dog is running up and down the mountain's steep sides. Or have you noticed that when you encounter a body of water, from the ocean to a river to a swimming pool, your pup does not hesitate but jumps or dives right in? If you have an adventurous pooch who is ready for anything, then read on to learn what activities you can plan to not only keep you and your dog active, but to further develop the bond that you share.
Kayaking
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Kayak
Leash and Harness
Doggy waste bags
Dog Life Jacket
Activity description
Kayaking is great exercise and offers you the chance to see things you would not be able to on land. If your pooch enjoys the water, why not take your buddy on a water adventure in a kayak? This will give you and your dog the opportunity to spend time together while you explore new places. Your dog will also have the chance for a swim or two as you give your arms a rest. While your pup won't be much help when it comes to paddling, they will make excellent company as you cruise along a river, a lake or the ocean.
Step
1
Getting comfortable with the kayak
First, you will want to work with your dog on getting in and out of the kayak, remaining still while in it and ignoring wildlife and the sounds that will be heard while on the water. You will also want to be sure that your pooch is responsive to your commands so that you don't have to worry that you will have to haul your dog back into the kayak again and again. Make sure your pup is wearing a harness, in case you do find that you need to retrieve your pal, as well as a dog life jacket to ensure safety.
Step
2
Review your commands
Remember to not tie your dog's leash to the kayak. Should the kayak overturn or the leash get stuck, your canine companion would be in trouble. It is best to start showing your dog kayaking in a small lake, where your pup can get adjusted to the kayak and the idea of moving about the water in it. You also want to be sure that your dog listens to your commands when in the kayak to ensure you are not struggling with your canine kayaker while navigating complicated waters. As your dog (and you) become more comfortable kayaking together, you can take on rivers and the ocean.
Step
3
Get out on the water
Give it a try! Paddle with your dog in the kayak. Most of the work will be done by you; your pup just needs to sit and listen. This makes kayaking a great activity for adventurous pups who may not have super high energy levels. If your dog is not in great shape, make sure that where you kayak will not be a place where they would struggle if the boat overturned. Of course you do want to be sure that your pal is comfortable with the water and with the kayak, along with following directions when in this new place. Remember to start slow so that your dog has the chance to get comfortable with this new adventure!
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Fetch...In the Water!
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Free
Normal
60 min
Items needed
Ball
Frisbee
Activity description
When you are playing fetch with your dog, you may throw a ball or a Frisbee. Your dog will retrieve it and return it to you. For the more adventurous of canines, give the game of fetch a try in the water. Throw the same ball or Frisbee into a river, lake or ocean at the beach and let your dog fetch. The added dynamic will increase the challenge of the game for your pup, as well as their enjoyment. Imagine their joy as they romp through the breaking waves of the ocean in pursuit of their Frisbee or swim with or against the current, the ball clutched in their jaw. This activity costs little to no money and will even keep your pooch cool on hot summer days. Another plus of this activity is that you can throw the item repeated with no breaks, or take breaks as needed for your dog, making this an activity that works for adventurous dogs of all ages and energy levels.
Step
1
Getting comfortable with the water
Bring a Frisbee or a ball to a body of water. Before throwing the item towards the water, allow your dog to get comfortable in the water, whether it be the ocean, river or lake. While some pups will run right in, particularly if they have enjoyed the body of water in the past, others will be more tentative. Give your canine the time needed to be comfortable and ready to play. For pups that are a bit nervous about the water, make sure to reward them as they explore.
Step
2
Demonstrate and begin
Once your dog has shown comfort and you have seen them run in and out of the water, make a point of showing your pup a Frisbee or ball. Let him see you throw it into the water they were just swimming in. Then, go ahead and yell for your buddy to "fetch!"
Step
3
Return and reward
When your pal returns from the water with the item, make sure to reward them with a treat. Once your dog is ready, throw the item back out into the water. Repeat the game until your pup is ready for a break. Be sure to throw the item out at a pace that works for your dog. For older or less active dogs who still like some adventure in their lives, this game can be played at their pace.
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Hiking Hills and Mountains
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Portable Water Bowl
Leash
Waste Bags
First Aid Kit
Activity description
Most dogs enjoy a walk or two every day. These walks are a great opportunity for both the dog and their human to get some exercise and spend time together. You may find that your more adventurous dog enjoys a more challenging walk, relishing the opportunity to go for a hike among hills and in the mountains. Hiking in the hills and mountains will typically involve more elevation gain and loss, as well as different surfaces on which to walk. Depending on where you hike, this activity will be free to low cost and can provide you and your pooch hours of adventure and time together. As you can set the pace that best works for you and your pup, hiking in hills and mountains can be enjoyed by any pup looking for some adventure.
Step
1
Get prepared
You will want to pack a backpack to make sure that you have what your dog might need, particularly if you plan to hike for multiple hours and in challenging terrain. Bringing plenty of water is important, as well as a portable bowl so that your dog will be able to get a drink when thirsty. Make sure to bring some treats for your pooch in order to reward his efforts. If you will be out during your pup's mealtime, bring some food along as well. As you will likely encounter other people and dogs where you will be hiking, make sure to bring a leash.
Step
2
Get hiking and keep hydrated
Get started! Make sure that the place where you are hiking is dog friendly. Most trails require that your dog be on a leash. There are also places where your dog can run free if you can easily call him and keep him under control. Make sure to keep your dog in mind when choosing how long to hike for and when to stop. Particularly during warmer weather, you may feel like you can keep going, however your pooch may need a break. If your dog appears to be seeking shade at every opportunity, you know that it is time to rest. Make sure to take plenty of water breaks along the way. Also be sure to "scoop the poop" of your dog and place it in a waste bag. You can leave it on the trail on your way and pick it up on your way back so as to dispose of it.
Step
3
Return and reward
When your hike is complete and you return to where you started, be sure to give your dog a treat and allow them some time to rehydrate with some water. Even with regular water breaks, your canine hiking partner will likely be thirsty. You can now plan your next hiking adventure with your pooch. Remember to start with smaller distances and increase the length of your hikes as your dog gains stamina.
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More Fun Ideas...
Boating
Speaking of the water, why not take your adventurous pup on a boat ride? Imagine the wind blowing through his fur as you increase the boats's speed. Your dog will enjoy new sights and smells, along with a dip in the water at some point during the adventure. And a tuckered out dog will have room to stretch out and rest on the boat ride back!
Paddle Boarding
Invite your adventurous canine to join you while you paddle board. This is perfect for a dog who loves water. Paddle boards are like large surfboards and you use a paddle to move the board in the direction you like. As with kayaking, you will want to be sure that your dog is comfortable with the paddle board and with following your commands. Paddle boards typically have plenty of room for a canine, and your pal will love spending time with you, relaxing on the water.
Search and Rescue
If your dog enjoys adventure, search and rescue work is a great way for you to spend time together, for your pup to enjoy adventure AND for you to assist your community. You and your dog can attend training together and be called to assist in difficult situations. A great activity for a civic-minded dog parent who enjoys adventure themselves!
Conclusion
If your dog enjoys adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for them to have days that they love. You too will enjoy not only a great day, but the reaction of your pup as he enjoys the thrill of the activity. While some activities can be done right away, others like kayaking and search and rescue will take some preparation. Fortunately, preparation means more time with your best buddy and the chance to further develop your relationship. Not only will your canine companion love the adventure, they will love spending time with the most important person in their life...you!