Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Basketball

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Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Basketball

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Introduction

Basketball is a great sport to play and watch and if you are a basketball enthusiast, then you will surely want to tie your love for the game in with your love for your dog. But a dog can't shoot hoops or dribble a ball or play a game of basketball, right? Of course your dog can! Your dog can also be involved in your basketball filled life in many other ways with these awesome activities. Grab your basketball and your pup and get ready to play!

Basketball Sprints

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

basketball court

Activity description

If you are a basketball buff then you surely know all about basketball sprints. This is an exercise used by many teams and players to practice sprinting, turning around quickly and sprinting again. Not only does this workout help build up endurance but it also helps basketball players learn to stop and pivot on a dime. So, why not teach your dog how to do basketball sprints? After all, your pup loves to run, can sprint and can quickly change directions. This is the perfect activity for a basketball loving owner and their pooch! Get ready to run with your dog while practicing for your next big basketball game.

Step

Find a court

Head to your local basketball court or simply head outside. If you do choose to practice at a real court, make sure pets are allowed before bringing your dog. Also, make sure your dog is comfortable running on a real court - the polished wood may be a little slippery and your dog might actually like running outside on a blacktop or grass better.

Step

Run

Start at one end of the basketball court and sprint to the closest free throw line. Touch the line then turn around and sprint back to where you started at the edge of the court. Turn around and run to the half court line, tap it, turn around and run back to the start. Then run to the farthest free throw line, back to the start and finally across the whole court and back to the start

Step

Have your pup follow

Have your dog run with your for each sprint. To make your dog understand the game, call them and encourage them to follow you back and forth. As always, give your dog praise and treats to let them know what a great job they did sprinting! Your pup is ready for the big game now!

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Free Throw

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0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Basketball

Hoop

Activity description

If you are debating whether you should practice your free throws or play with your dog, the choice is clear - both! Your dog can help you practice your free throws by being your official ball retriever. Almost all dogs love balls and will happily chase a ball for you. This is perfect because, when practicing free throws, you will definitely benefit from someone bringing the ball to you after each throw, saving you the time of chasing the ball yourself! So grab your dog's leash and collar and head on over to your local court for some practice and play with your dog.

Step

Court search

Find a basketball court where you can play that will also allow your dog to join you on the court. A fenced in, outdoor court will be best for this activity as your dog will get to be leash free and you won't have to worry about them wandering off.

Step

Teach retrieval

Begin by teaching your dog to retrieve a basketball. If a basketball is too big for your pup to carry in their mouth, teach your dog to use their nose to push it toward you. Use basic training techniques like "Show, reward, repeat" until your dog has the hang of it.

Step

Throw the shot

Start practicing your free throws and with every shot, have your pup bring the basketball back to you. You throw, your dog retrieves! It is the perfect system for playing basketball! You dog will also be getting in a good workout with all the back and forth they will be doing. Everyone wins in this game of basketball!

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Basketball Dog

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

2 hrs

Items needed

Basketball

Child Sized Hoop

Activity description

The ultimate dream of any basketball and dog lover is that their dog would be able to actually play basketball. Well, get ready to make this dream come true! While a dog may not be able to dunk in a ten foot hoop or throw a free throw, they can certainly learn to get a basket in a small child sized hoop. Just as you can train your dog to catch a ball and put it down on the ground, you can teach a dog to catch a basketball and put it right into a hoop. Dogs playing basketball - absolutely!

Step

Get ready

Get a small, child sized hoop for your dog to play with. These hoops are typically plastic and about two to three feet tall. You will also need a small, child sized basketball that your dog will easily be able to pick up with their mouth. All of this can be second hand or new - your dog won't know the difference!

Step

Teach the game

Teach your dog to catch the small basketball. "Pass" it to your dog and show them how to pick it up. Have your dog practice running around with the ball in their mouth (Yes, that is a foul in the real game but we'll let your dog have different rules!).

Step

Practice makes perfect

Have your dog place the basketball in the hoop. Lead by example and show your pup how the ball goes into the hoop. You should also give this trick a command work like 'hoop' or 'basket'. Praise your dog for getting their first shot and have them practice every day! Your pup will be an all star player soon enough!

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More Fun Ideas...

Basketball Name

If your dog is new to the family and doesn't have a name just yet, try out a few basketball inspired names. Hoops, Shaq or Dunk are all names your could consider!

Watch a Game

Whether it is on TV or in your local neighborhood, you should never watch basketball alone - always bring your dog! Basketball is for everyone after all!

Conclusion

If your life revolves around basketball, make sure to include your dog in that world. Your dog will love basketball as much as you mainly because they will be spending time by your side. Whether you teach your dog to dunk or simply have them work out along side of you, the basketball bond will grow. Get your ball and a ball for your dog and hit the courts. Who knows, your dog may be the next Air Bud!