Activities For Courageous Dogs
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Introduction
Dogs are faithful companions through and through. However, not many of our pets may be willing to go to the extreme and dive head first into a crazy scheme. Those dogs who will are truly courageous dogs, with no fear of the unknown! In fact, as long as this kind of dog gets to be with their owner, they could do pretty much anything. If you have a dog like that, then some of these activities may be the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. So take a deep breath, grab your equipment, and head out the door to live those wild dreams you've always had with your furry friend at your side. We are sure you won't regret it!
Rock Climbing
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Hard
2 hrs
Items needed
Ropes
Strong Harness
Treats
Activity description
Rock climbing is a fabulous way to build strength, endurance, and determination. Hefting yourself up and over rocky surfaces that may or may not have death-defying obstacles can be quite the adrenaline rush and so it's no surprise why this activity is quite popular! If you are someone who loves rock climbing and worries that perhaps a dog may hinder you from doing so as often as you'd like, think again. A courageous dog can most definitely go rock climbing with their owner as a sturdy harness is all that's needed for bring your beloved friend along. Just start small and build trust so that your pooch knows everything is going to work out in the end, and there are some great views awaiting them at the top.
Step
1
Practice lifting
One move that your dog will need to get used to is being carried or lifted up the rock face. As dogs do not have the capability to rock climb in the same manner that people do, the harder courses will need to be navigated with the help of a harness and the owner's strength. You can get your dog used to being lifted by starting off in safe areas, such as just being lifted straight up from the ground, or perhaps from the top of the stairs in your home (with a spotter or mattress underneath the dog for safety). In this way, your dog can get used to what it's like to be lifted from a harness and trust you explicitly when it comes time for the real event.
Step
2
Start small
Once you both are ready to actually head out into nature and the real rocks, start off with something small at first. Mimicking the same exercise that you performed in the house on a large boulder may be the perfect way to break your pup in slowly. After they get the hang of that, you can try working up to larger and larger obstacles. The same method can be done with attaching your dog to your harness instead of just the rope.
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3
Joint effort
If you have a calm enough dog that doesn't weigh too much, you may opt for the option of a double harness method that has your dog attached directly to your harness as you climb. This is a great option for those quick climbs that aren't too difficult, but still challenging enough to be fun. There is no doubt that rock climbing is a wonderful activity for bonding with your pet and building a trust that will last forever.
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Skydiving
Popular
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Sunny Day
Expensive
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Dog goggles
Activity description
When it comes to skydiving, the average person may have a hard time just getting themselves to go; but if you are a daredevil, perhaps you'd like to bring along your courageous dog as well! This isn't an activity that is totally out of the question considering military K-9 dogs are trained to skydive with their humans on the regular. Although it may be scary at first, after a couple of jumps, the dogs handle it like pros. If you too are wanting to experience this thrill inducing activity with your pooch, just follow the steps below.
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1
Be experienced
The number one thing to do before ever taking your dog skydiving is to be experienced in the activity yourself. This will ensure that both you and your pet are as safe as possible; not to mention your dog will handle the situation much better if they can tell you are confident and in control. If you want to learn more about how to get into skydiving, search the internet for a school near you.
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2
Inform the instructor
Even if you are experienced (or slightly so) it is always a good idea to speak with the company and instructors who will be aiding in the jump. That way, they can be prepared for your dog and have all the necessary equipment. Your dog will be strapped in front of you, however, each jump company may have different policies regarding pets being present, so it is a must to check before you go!
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Surfing
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Free
Hard
2 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water to Drink
Foam board (soft top)
Canine flotation device
Activity description
Although surfing with your pet may seem easy enough, there is a bit more to it than just getting on the board and heading off. It is important to remember that dogs have different bodies than we do, and although they can take a lot, there are some instances where it is vital to pay attention to what they can handle. For instance, salt water can severely dehydrate a dog quite quickly. It is a good idea to keep times spent in the water to short intervals with breaks in between, and always keep lots of fresh water on hand. You can tell if your dog gets dehydrated if they experience diarrhea. Just pay attention to your pet's behavior and all will be well!
Step
1
Start at home
The first thing to do when preparing your dog to surf, is to get them used to the board at home. Start by setting it down on the ground and allowing your dog to walk on the board. You can feed them on the board and treat them whenever they get on the board in order to enforce positive vibes towards it. You can also do this same method on the sand if you'd like. Add other moves on the bored over time, such as lying down, sitting, or jumping. Once your dog is very comfortable on a solid board, you can move it into shallow water.
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2
Ease into it
Before heading into the big water, make sure that your dog has a reliable flotation device on at all times. This will ensure that if they take a tumble into the waves, they can reach the surface easily. After that (and once your dog is comfortable in shallow water) you can move into the whitewash at the ocean. Don't just jump into the big waves right away. Let your dog get used to this new movement. The soft top board will allow your dog to get plenty of grip on the board, so once their footing has been established, it's time to start practicing.
Step
3
Practice makes perfect
As can be imagined, being afloat in a wavy sea is going to be quite the change for your dog! Just remember that this is supposed to be fun and always praise your dog greatly so that the activity remains positive for them. At first, your dog may want to walk to the front of the board, which will cause it to dip into the waves. Just keep readjusting their footing so that they learn where to stand for the best ride. Keep working towards this movement and reward with treats or praise. Before you know it, both you and your dog will be shredding the waves all day long (with plenty of breaks, of course)!
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More Fun Ideas...
Mountaineering
Exploring the nooks and crannies of a mountain side along with a group of friends is always a great way to spend the day. Even if you don't have someone else along with you, mountaineering is a great way to bond with your pup! It will give them the opportunity to get out and explore nature while also providing you with some exercise and fresh air. Whether you decide to conquer a hard trail, or enjoy something a bit more even-paced, there is no doubt that the mountains will offer a fantastic experience.
Cliff Jumping
This activity is an excellent thrill to partake in on hot, summer days. Whether you like to start off small and work your way up, or head right for the largest cliffs, you can enjoy jumping into the water right along with your dog. With the cool water and the rush of the wind, cliff jumping is sure to be a hit. Always remember to double check the water below for any potential rocks or trees that could be in the way.
Storm Chasing
If you've been influenced by Storm from the X-Men, (or perhaps you just really love storms in general) there may be a chanceĀ that you want to follow after an intense pile of clouds looming in the distance. Whether it's a tornado, hail storm, or just a regular old thunder storm, if you want to get up close and personal to get a bit of adrenaline, then this is a great activity to consider! Hop in the car with your faithful friend and head off to get some great views of mother nature's moody times; just keep in mind that safety is a priority, so if things get a bit too wild, consider heading back before endangering yourself and your dog.
Conclusion
Having a courageous dog can sometimes be a challenge. They may get their noses into situations that would really best be avoided, such as a confrontation with a more dominant dog or perhaps heading straight for a dangerous machine to investigate instead of heading the other direction. If you have a fearless dog, you may have experienced some of these situations, and that's alright! A brave dog is perfect for the activities listed above and one that has such fearlessness may help to encourage their owner to step out of the box every once in a while. So don't be afraid to try new things, and embrace the courageous nature of your pup; who knows what memories you'll create together.