Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Bowling

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Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Bowling

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Introduction

Bowling is not as popular as it once was, but there seems to be a bit of a revival among children and teens. Families are becoming more involved in the sport; even the family dog can get in on the action and enjoy some time bowling like their owners. Most dogs love spending time bonding with their owners so it only makes sense that dogs with owners who like bowling will like playing any variation of ball both indoors and out. Most activities do not last long but they will give you plenty of memories for when you no longer have your dog with you.

Hall Ball

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 min

Items needed

Ball

Treats

Pillow (optional)

Bowling pins (optional)

Activity description

Hall ball is a fun activity that is done inside so you can play no matter what the weather is outside. This activity allows your pup to play fetch while keeping the ball and dog contained to one area. Bowlers can even sneak in some extra practice by setting up some bowling pins at the end of the hallway. Roll the ball down the hall and see if you can get a strike before your dog is able to chase down the ball! When the ball hits the bowling pins, your dog will not know which item to chase; the ball or the pins.

Step

Set up the hall

Remove any obstacles in the hallway. If there is a carpet runner, roll that up and put away for the game. If you are using bowling pins, set them up into formation at the other end of the hall. To keep the bowling pins from damaging doors, put a pillow behind them to absorb the shock. The pillow will also cushion your dog should they wipe out at the end of the hall as well.

Step

Roll the ball

Put your dog in either a sit stay or down stay before rolling the ball. This keeps them manageable until you release them to give chase. The first few times you roll the ball, do so gently. This will give your dog a chance to get a feel for the flooring in the hallway and to catch the ball quickly. As your dog becomes more confident, you can roll the ball quicker to make the game a faster pace.

Step

Set and repeat

After your dog retrieves the ball, you will need to set up the bowling pins if you are using them. You may also need to set up the pillow at the end of the hallway if it has fallen. Call your dog back to you and put them back into a stay for the next round of hall ball!

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Flyball

Popular

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Treats

Flyball course

Activity description

Flyball is a relay race for dogs where each dog has to race down a lane, jumping hurdles and then retrieving a tennis ball. To get the tennis ball, however, they must pounce on a box that will eject the ball. Once your dog has the tennis ball, they will race back to the next dog on their team. Each team has to have at least four dogs and handlers and a person to load the tennis balls into the box. Each team is timed and the team with the fastest time wins the competition. This is a great activity to do with friends or family members and their dogs.

Step

Find a team

Not everyone will find flyball fun, therefore, it might be a little difficult to find a team willing to learn and compete with you. You may need to find a dog club that offers flyball training and sign up. Once you have signed up, you just might find a team in need of another dog to compete.

Step

Introduce course

Some dogs may need a little coaxing to get through a flyball course. Take your time introducing the course to your dog and bring a lot of treats and fun toys to as an incentive to go over the jumps and to bounce on the ball box to get the tennis ball to pop out. After going through the course slowly a few times, speed up the pace and encourage your dog to go faster. Eventually, they will be excited to complete the course without needing constant encouragement from you. That is when you know they are ready for competition.

Step

Find a competition

Finding a flyball competition may not be easy if you are in an area that does not host a lot of canine events. Speak with your team and decide how far you are willing to travel to attend a competition. Entry fees should also be considered for each event. Once you find a competition, have fun and enjoy the time with your dog and teammates.

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Trick Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 min

Items needed

Collar & Leash

Treats

Activity description

Trick training can be extremely rewarding, but at the same time, it can be very frustrating. It takes patience and perseverance in order to teach a new trick to your dog. For people who like bowling, you can easily teach your dog to bowl using a child’s bowling playset with the plastic pins and ball. Before your dog can learn tricks, they must have a basic understanding of obedience commands. You will also need to come up with trigger words for your dog so they understand what you are asking of them. Be patient and give them lots of praise so they continue to want to please you.

Step

Know the basics

Before you can begin trick training your dog; they must have basic obedience skills. If you are not an experienced handler, you may want to enroll in a beginner’s obedience class with your dog. This will give you the foundation needed to turn your dog into a trick dog.

Step

Introduce the trick

No matter what the trick is, take it slow when introducing and build on their basic knowledge. Bowling, for example, will take them using either their nose or foot to push the ball down the lane toward the bowling pins. Your dog will not understand what is expected of them unless they are given treats and praise and the trick is repeated often.

Step

Refine the trick

Your dog wants to please you and will try to do all they can to make you happy. Always keep their training upbeat and happy and never end the training on a negative note. Spend time daily working with your dog so they do not forget what they have already learned. As they become more comfortable performing the trick, they will become more confident. Be sure to praise and reward them when they successfully complete a trick.

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More Fun Ideas...

Agility

Agility is a fast-paced dog competition that will keep you on your toes. Once your dog has learned the agility course, you will be amazed at how quickly they can go over jumps, weave through poles and race through tunnels. It will keep you in shape and give them something fun and exciting to do.

Fetch

Fetch is a fun way to get your exercise. Fetch will help strengthen your bowling arm if you do it often enough! Your dog will love chasing after a ball or Frisbee that you have thrown for them. Take about 20 to 30 minutes a day and play a lively game of fetch with your dog.

Conclusion

Bowling is a fun game to play and there are many enthusiasts out there that also have dogs they dearly love. These two loves can be combined at times in activities that will give your dog plenty of exercise and keep their minds sharp. Spending time with your dog should never be a chore, so mix up their activities and enjoy the time you get to spend with them each day. You know your dog’s abilities better than anyone, so choose activities that will not over-tax them or cause harm. Your dog will want to spend time with you and does not always know their limitations.