Top Activities For Dogs Who Like To Play Keep Away

Introduction

A dog's temperament goes a long way in terms of affecting which activities they like and don't like respectively; lower energy, "homebody" type dogs may not want to go out for a long jog or hike up a mountain in order to get all of their stored up energy out of their systems. Conversely, higher energy dogs will likely not be satisfied unless they can run and jump to their hearts' content. Keep away activities benefit these types of dogs more than any other kind; they offer energetic dogs a perfect opportunity to burn off their excess energy while also bonding with their caretakers.

Tug Of War

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 min

Items needed

A Reliable Rope

Dog Treats

Activity description

This classic game is the perfect type of activity for a dog who likes to play keep away. Tug of war matches are typically held between groups or pairs of humans; a strong, sturdy rope is absolutely required for this game, as well as a good sense of restraint firmly embedded in the minds of both players. The restraint part of this project is what can potentially make it difficult for certain types of dogs, meaning that this activity has a bit of a learning curve to it. Read on for a few steps that will help you and your dog get past that curve.

Step

1

Keep it funny

The best way to teach your dog how to use restraint during this activity is by encouraging them via praise and rewards. We recommended that you bring a few dog treats around when you're training your dog for this activity; the idea is that, early on, you help your dog understand that this activity is game. Let them tug on the rope for a bit, clam them down if they seem to be getting agitated, and give them a treat once they calm down.

Step

2

Keep it safe

Before you and your dog take on this activity, you'll want to be very particular when you're out and about looking for ropes you and your pet can use; you won't want to get a rope that's too cheap, lest you risk it snapping in half during a tug of war session. On the other end of the spectrum, you don't want to get any ropes that have too many chemicals on them. Be careful when selecting a rope and don't hesitate to ask your local retailer for help.

Step

3

Keep it going

As with many of the activities that dogs can learn to engage in, consistency is the key to mastery; once you and your dog start playing tug of war together, keep it up! Try to complete a session of tug of war at least once a week and continue to encourage your dog each time.

Fartlek

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Hard

30 min

Items needed

Running Shoes

Water

Activity description

If you think this activity sounds like some sort of mystical training method from a far away land, you may not be too far from wrong depending on where you live and what exactly you might define as "mystical." Fartlek is actually a unique form of training that involves running very quickly to much more slowly on an alternative basis. This activity is great for dog owners who are looking to get a great cardio workout as well as dogs who love to play keep away. Fartlek is also very physically intensive, so you'll want to wear the appropriate gear for this exercise.

Step

1

Stretch your muscles

Interval training exercises really test your body's ability to adapt to various scenarios; by changing your running speed from extremely fast to relatively slow, almost on a dime, you're really putting your muscles to work. So in order to avoid injury while trying this activity, stretch your muscles thoroughly.

Step

2

Find even ground

While the name of this step may sound like we're trying to give you advice on how you can avoid getting into an unsavory verbal argument, we're actually recommending that you find an area where the ground is level before you try this activity; a sidewalk or a park are excellent places to try this activity, provided no other passersby are down range, so to speak.

Step

3

Rinse, wash, repeat

The first few times you and your dog attempt this activity, they may not entirely get the hang of it. That's perfectly fine and a natural part of the process; wash up, cool off, and keep it at this activity on a weekly basis until your dog finally begins to run and slow down at an even pace with yourself.

Tether Tug

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

45 min

Items needed

Tether Tug Set

Dog Treats

Activity description

This next activity is particularly interesting. As it happens, tether tug is something of a specialized activity that's heavily derived from tether ball. Tether tug, however, axes out the ball completely in favor of utilizing a flexible and chemical free rope. Pre-built tether tug sets can be bought for a very low price both online and in store. These pre-built sets are made for dogs of all shapes and sizes, and are cater-made for energetic dogs.

Step

1

Set up the tether

As it happens, there are actually quite a few guides online that can teach how to build a homemade tether tug toy using a piece of wood, a drill, and a rope. If that isn't your fancy, you can always order a tether tug toy and follow the instructions that come with the set.

Step

2

Try different types of ropes

The great thing about these types of toys is how customizable they are; you can either simply outfit your tether tug toy with a good ol' fashion rope or you can outfit it with a tennis ball or any other type of ball that your dog is particularly fond of.

Step

3

Have snacks at the ready

All of this running and playing will undoubtedly tire your dog out after enough time has passed, leaving you with a very well worked out, yet hungry dog. Once your dog has completed a session of going at it with a tether tug, be ready to give them their treats as soon as possible.

More Fun Ideas...

Frisbee

A simple but effective game that any dog who enjoys keep away will likely love. Really, most dog owners will likely think to give Frisbee a try, so we encourage you to try and innovate during the next time you and your dog play a game of Frisbee. Active Frisbee is one such innovation, but the sky and your imagination are really the limits here.

Fetch

Another time-tested, oldie but goodie type of activity that dogs who love keep away will likely take to, is fetch. Just as mentioned before, try to think of different ways how you can take liberties with a game of fetch in order to elevate it to another level; try playing water fetch if you have access to a pool for instance.

Conclusion

Keep away is great game to play with your dog from a physical perspective, but it's always good to mix things up in order to keep your dog on their toes. The activities listed above are just a few of the kinds of activities that a dog who enjoys playing a good game of keep away might enjoy. Really, any activity that's physically intense and that also encourages your pet to chase an item or to try and keep up with you will likely serve as a great substitute for keep away. Feel free to take liberties with the activities mentioned above as well.