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

Shooting hoops with Scoob sounds fun, but chances are your pooch isn't great at three-pointers. A game of H-O-R-S-E with your pup is out of the question, so how can you get your doggo involved in a game of b-ball? With these top activities for basketball-loving pet parents, your pupper will be giving Steph Curry a run for his money in no time!

Basketball Sprints

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

basketball court

Activity description

Basketball sprints are a fun training activity to try with your doggo. Basketball is all about bending and twisting and turning on the court, so basketball sprints help players get ready for lots of changes in direction. Basketball sprints involve running the length of the court, turning on a dime, and going back the way you came. You can also add in half-court sprints, or sprints to the free-throw line for an extra challenge.

Most pups love to run around, so why not get them involved in basketball sprints? You can even incorporate training techniques like "come when called" to get Charlie to come back after running the length of the court.

Step

Find a court

Head to your local basketball court or to your local off-leash park. 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, then 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 you 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

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Basketball

Hoop

Activity description

Debating whether you should practice your free throws or play with your dog? Why not do both! Your dog can help you practice free throws by being your official ball retriever.

Almost all dogs love balls, and this game is a great way of teaching your dog to fetch. Just ensure your dog doesn't puncture the ball when retrieving it. Retrieving free throws will help your dog learn to be gentle when playing. So grab your dog's leash and collar and head on over to your local court for some free throw practice.

Step

Court search

Find a basketball court where you can play that will also allow your dog to join you. 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

Now you're ready to start practicing your free throws. After every shot, have your pup bring the basketball back to you. It may take your pup a few tries to get the hang of it, so be patient. Either way, this activity is sure to get both your hearts pumping!

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Basketball Dog

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

2 hrs

Items needed

Small Basketball

Short Basketball Hoop

Activity description

The "ultimutt" dream of any basketball-loving pet parent is that their pooch can actually play basketball. While a dog may not be able to dunk like Jordan or make free throws like Kobe, they can certainly learn to put a ball through a low hoop (think a basketball hoop made for children).

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 perform their own unique dunks. Here's how.

Step

Get ready

Get a child-sized or mini hoop for your dog to play with. These hoops are typically plastic and about two to three feet tall. You will also need a mini basketball that your dog will easily be able to pick up with their mouth.

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 let your four-legged friend bend the 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. Keep practicing, and your pup will be an all-star player before you know it!

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More Fun Ideas...

Watch a Game

Whether it's on TV or in your local neighborhood, you should never watch basketball alone — always bring your dog! Basketball is for everyone, after all. Just ensure your pup is allowed courtside before planning an outing.

Bikejoring

If you've been practicing on the court, your pup might just be ready for the competitive sport of bikejoring. In this fast-paced athletic event, dogs pull mountain bikers along a dirt track. Large sled dogs like Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds

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are "grrreat" at bikejoring!

Conclusion

If your life revolves around basketball, be sure to include your fur-baby. What better way to bond with your barking bud?

There are plenty of ways to involve your pup in basketball, whether you're trying to turn Snoopy into Shaq or just want some company while practicing free throws. So, head to the court and grab a ball for both you and your pup. Who knows? Your dog may be the next Air Bud!