Activities For A Curling Player With Dogs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Are you an avid curling player? Or perhaps you are just starting out and developing a love for curling. Either way, you don't want your curling games to get in the way of the time you spend with your dog! Don't worry, there are plenty of ways to have fun with your dog and to enjoy curling at the same time! These activities are the perfect way to make sure your dog is happy while you also get to curl!
Ice Games
Popular
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Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Dog socks
Dog Jacket
Treats
Ball
Activity description
As a curler, you have to spend a great deal of time out on the ice which means you have to be very comfortable moving around on a slippery surface. In order to get used to being out on the ice, bring your dog to the curling rink with you to practice! It may take a little while for your dog to get used to being on the ice but eventually, you will both get the hang of it. Just playing a game of fetch in a new environment will also excite your pup meaning your dog is happy and you got to practice a curling essential!
Step
1
Preparation
Get your dog ready for a day inside a cold area. While curling rinks may not be as cold as some winter days thanks to temperature control, it is still cold enough for ice to freeze! Consider that your dog's paws will also be on the ice and it is ideal that they wear non-slip dog socks to protect their paws. A dog jacket may also help to keep your dog warm especially if they have shorter fur.
Step
2
Introduction
If your dog has never walked on the ice or in a curling rink before, take the time to slowly show them how to move around. Your dog may be hesitant at first as the slippery feeling takes a little getting used to but soon they will be running around just like you. Give your dog a few minutes to sniff around the rink before playing with them.
Step
3
Ice fetch
Toss the ball to your dog and let them chase after it. As they run, you can practice gliding across the ice as well. Go faster and practice stopping, turning and increasing your speed - all necessary when you curl in a game. Keep playing fetch with your dog as you practice and enjoy the time with your pup while out on the ice. Don't forget to toss your dog a few treats every now and then too!
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Stretches
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Stretching is extremely important to curling for a variety of reasons. When delivering the rock in a game, you are required to stretch your arms and legs out very wide and long in order to get a good shot. If you have tight muscles or are unable to get nice and low, your game will be greatly affected. You need to be limber in order to curl! So why not get in some good stretching time with your dog by your side! Your pup is the perfect partner to help you stretch and they can even join in on the action. Free and easy, stretching is something that can be done every day.
Step
1
Deep lunge
The deep lunge is a classic curling position where one leg is forward and completely bent while your back leg is outstretched behind you. Get yourself into this stretch and hold the position for as long as you can. See if your dog can stretch their body out next to you, making themselves as long as possible - paws forward, back legs out!
Step
2
Arm stretches
Keep your shoulders and arms limber by crossing one arm in front of your body and pulling it toward your chest with the other arm. Switch arms and then extend both arms up toward the sky. Have your dog try to stand on their back paws and reach up to the sky as well! Who can stretch higher and for longer? You'll have to try it to find out!
Step
3
Leg stretch
Sitting and stretching your legs will loosen up your muscles for your curling game. Sit with your feet out in front of you and your dog at the end of your feet. Hold a treat in your hand and reach out, past your toes, keeping your legs straight and hand your dog the treat. Then do it again! Stretching toward your pup is great motivation to reach even further, getting those muscles nice and limber.
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Balance
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Having good balance is an essential in curling and is something you can practice off the ice, at home with your dog. There are many ways to practice balance and your dog can definitely help you. You can easily practice your curling balance every day and your dog will be happy to assist. The better your balance, the better your delivery will be when you head to the rink and start sweeping around some rocks. Set aside some time for you and your pup to work on this skill together and, with your dog by your side, it will never be tedious!
Step
1
One leg
Practice balancing by standing on one leg then switching your legs, standing on each for a minute at a time. Hold a treat up for your dog in the air as you balance and see if your pup can stand on their two back paws for the same amount of time. Focusing on your silly dog trying to balance on two legs will keep your mind off the burn you will feel in your thighs as you balance!
Step
2
Lean forward
Once you are good at standing on one leg and balancing, try standing on one leg and leaning forward which is the position you will be in as you go to deliver the rock. Have your pup sit in front of you, lean toward them and ask for their paw. Hold your pup's hand as you see if you can balance for a minute (your dog will be able to help you a little bit by anchoring you down!).
Step
3
Run and balance
Practice moving around and then coming to a quick halt to balance. Doing this will help you control your body more which will translate to your curling game fantastically. Run around your house with your dog, getting your pup all excited and getting your heart rate up. Then freeze! One leg up and balance! Your dog can immediately sit and freeze. Count to ten and then run again. Freeze and balance then run around until you are completely exhausted!
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More Fun Ideas...
Ball Sweep
In curling, you will need to be an adept sweeper and what better way than to practice with your dog! Sweep your dog's ball around the house for them to fetch and concentrate on improving your sweeping skills.
Watch and Learn
Curl up (get it!) with your pup on the couch and watch a few curling games. Study the other player's techniques as you pet your dog. Quality time with your best friend and a great time to study your favorite sport.
Conclusion
You may not think that curling and dogs go together but they clearly do. So don't put off your curling practice to spend time with your dog and don't leave your dog behind just to go curling - you can easily do both! With these fun activities, you will become a better curler and also be a better dog owner. It is clearly true that you can have the best of both worlds! Time to curl!