Dancing can be fun, relaxing and great exercise. People who like to dance may find themselves holding the paws of their canine companion and waltzing across the room or cradling their small dog in their arms and dancing away the evening. There are many more activities that you and your dog can participate in other than an impromptu dance recital in your living room. These activities will help create a strong bond with your dog and be great fun for you both. Before diving into any of these activities, take the time to check them out and research the requirements.
Canine freestyle dancing is an actual thing. Those who love to dance now have a way to dance with their dog without looking crazy and the best part is that there are people all over the world that enjoy this activity. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) even hosts the Dog Dance World Competition. Dog dancing is basically choreographed trick training set to various styles of music. When watching this fun activity you will be able to recognize some basic obedience moves. Dog dancing does take a lot of patience and time to be able to choreograph an entire dance routine with your dog. This can be extremely difficult and must be practiced each day so your dog learns the sequence of tricks that must be performed. Most people looking to start canine freestyle dancing will begin by doing trick training with their dog and then building on those tricks. There are even some dog clubs that offer dog dancing classes or individual training.
Sometimes agility can be compared to a complicated dance. While this may be a bit of a stretch, agility is a great way to bond with your dog and keep in shape. Dogs have to race through an obstacle course that includes a teeter totter, weave poles, tunnels and jumps. Their owners have to keep up with them, guiding them through each of the obstacles and offering encouragement throughout. Some dogs do not find competitive agility fun and that is just fine; agility is not for everyone. Take your dog to an agility course and slowly walk them through the obstacles. If they shy away or put on the brakes throughout the course, chances are this is not an activity they will enjoy!
Walking with your dog is a great way to exercise and have fun. You can even perform some dance moves with your dog while taking a stroll around the block. You can stop periodically and have your dog do a leg weave or a spin and then start walking again. Have fun and enjoy spending time with your dog!
Swimming may not be something you would think of when talking about people who like to dance. However, swimming is a fun, graceful way to get your exercise and you can enjoy your time in the pool with your dog swimming at your side. Put a life vest on your dog if they are not a strong swimmer and start in the shallow end.
Owners that like to dance can enjoy this hobby with their dog by introducing canine dance or other activities into their day. Just like with any other activity with your dog, it will take training, consistency and persistence. Find other like-minded dog people and help each other out and have fun while learning new things with your dog. Get out there and bust a move with your dog and keep you both happy and healthy.