Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Tennis

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Introduction

If you like to play tennis know that you are not alone. Want to know who else likes tennis? Your dog! Those bouncy yellow balls are your pups best friend! Of course, you probably know this fact already and your pup may be well stocked with old tennis balls. So what now? How can you incorporate your love of tennis with your love for your dog? With one of these great activities of course! Not only will you get to play tennis related games but your dog will be thrilled to join you.

Muffin Tin Puzzle

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
15 min
Items needed
Muffin Tin
12 Tennis Balls
Dog Treats
Activity description

Anyone who plays tennis goes through lots of tennis balls. While a tennis ball may not look damaged, it may not be suitable for a legitimate game. Balls tend to lose their fuzz after being hit a few hundred times and that causes them to not spin or bounce properly. So of course these old tennis balls should go to your dog who could care less about the spin - they just want to chew! However, you can also use these tennis balls for a great game of "find the treat". All you need is a muffin tin, some old tennis balls and your dogs favorite snack! Get ready for some fun and to put those old balls to good use. 

Step
1
Getting ready
Get a regular sized muffin tin that you don't mind getting dirty, twelve tennis balls and some nice, smelly (in a good way) dog treats. Call your dog over and show them the treats and then have your pup patiently wait as you hide the treats in the muffin tin.
Step
2
Hide the treats
You can place all of the treats in one hole of the muffin tin or you can spread them out among 2 or three holes. Both strategies can be challenging in their own way for your dog. Once the treats are hidden, cover each hole on the muffin tin with a tennis ball.
Step
3
Search
Hand your dog the muffin tin and watch as they use their nose to desperately try to find the treats. Your dog will have to push the tennis balls out of the way in order to find the prize which is actually much harder than it may seem! When your dog finally solves the puzzle and gets the treats, praise your dog for a job well done! Perfect use for those discarded tennis balls.
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The Swing

Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Tennis Racket
Tennis Balls
Activity description

When becoming a pro tennis player (or even just a recreational tennis player), you need to work on your swing. It is imperative to learn to hit the ball hard and also accurately. This exercise will mostly work on hitting the ball hard. All you need is an open field or big space for your dog to run, a tennis racket and ball and a dog who likes to play fetch. Play this game often as your dog will love it and it will improve your tennis skills at the same time! We love a good activity where everyone wins!

Step
1
Location, location
Find a space where you will be able to hit a tennis ball very far, the farther the better! A park, a high school track, a beach or just your backyard are all great places for this activity. If the area is not fenced in, be sure that your dog will return to you upon command if needed.
Step
2
Hit it!
Set yourself up with a few tennis balls and a racket and have your dog sit as you prepare to serve up the swing of a lifetime! Let your dog sniff the ball and get them excited to chase and fetch the tennis ball. An excited dog will be ready to run far (and hopefully return the ball to you as well!).
Step
3
Make it harder
Hit the tennis ball as hard and as far as you can. Your dog will chase the ball, as they are pre-wired to do! After hitting a few balls, make it more of a challenge for you as a tennis player by aiming for a tree or spot in the ground. No matter where you aim, your dog will love running back and forth!
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The Serve

Popular
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Tennis Court
Tennis Balls
Tennis racket
Activity description

If you are an avid tennis player, you probably spend a good deal of time perfecting your serve. A killer serve is the best way to set yourself on a winning path for each tennis match. So if you need to work on your serve a little, bring your dog! Your pup is the best partner for practicing solo as they will be able to bring you the ball back! No need to walk around the court picking up balls anymore, your dog will be happy to help! Grab your dogs leash, your racket and some balls and get ready to work on your game while entertaining your dog (who will also be helping you!). 

Step
1
Scope out the space
Find a court in your area where you can bring your dog. Some tennis facilities may frown upon your pup being on the turf but there are plenty of public tennis courts that you can use. A fully fenced court is best so your dog won't run out the gate while you are hitting some balls.
Step
2
Swing
Grab a bucket of balls, your racket and your dog and head to the courts! Start by Having your dog sit in front of you then lean back, throw the ball in the air and give it your best serve! Tell your pup to fetch and watch as they happily run after your gold medal winning serve.
Step
3
Fetch and repeat
Practice your serve for as long as you'd like. While your dog will most likely keep playing and fetching as long as you are serving, they may get tired and happily wander around the court or find a shady spot to sit while you play. You get to play tennis, your dog gets to chase a ball and be outside - it's a win for everyone!
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More Fun Ideas...

Tennis Run

A tennis court is a perfect place for a dog to just run around off the leash. They are almost always fenced in so you do not have to worry about your pup escaping. 

Magic Cup

Hide your dog's favorite tennis ball under a plastic cup and place a few other plastic cups around on the ground as well. Watch as your dog sniffs and tries to flip over each cup searching for their favorite ball!

Conclusion

It is a great thing when you can make your favorite past time a part of your dog's daily life as well. After all, don't you want your dog to be involved in every part of your life? Tennis is a perfect hobby for dog owners as there are so many tennis related activities you can both enjoy.Â