Activities For Proud Dogs

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Activities For Proud Dogs

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Introduction

Dogs that are proud and carry themselves with an air of arrogance need activities that allow them to shine. These dogs do not necessarily enjoy spending time getting dirty with other dogs, preferring instead to take control of the situation and show why they deserve attention and accolades. While dogs do not have the same emotions as people and really cannot feel prideful, they can have a certain air about them that causes you to say that the dog is proud. There are plenty of activities for dogs that are proud; activities that give you the opportunity to show off your canine companion and allow them to strut their stuff in front of others.

Conformation

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Expensive

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Treats

Grooming Tools

Activity description

Dog shows come in all shapes and sizes ranging from your county fair’s cutest dog contest to the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show. If you have a purebred dog with the proper registration status, you may want to toss your hat into the ring and try a conformation dog show. There is a lot that needs to be done before you get to the actual show and it can be pricey to prepare your dog for the event. Entry fees can also be expensive when you enter multiple shows. The actual time you are in the show ring will vary depending on how many dogs are in your dog’s class, if your dog has to go back in the ring to compete for best of breed and also if they win best of breed and compete in their respective group. Many people claim that dog show people are a bit fanatical, so be prepared to show your dog in any weather condition if you are not lucky enough to show at an indoor venue.

Step

Condition your dog

Conditioning your dog takes months and requires that you feed them a well-rounded diet with high-quality ingredients and give them plenty of exercise to keep their bodies lean and in great physical condition. Aside from diet and exercise, you will need to condition their coat. A coat that is dead, has split ends or just looks overall unhealthy is not desirable. Depending on the breed, your dog will need to be brushed at least once a week and bathed every couple of weeks to keep their coat in good shape.

Step

Train your dog

The best way to train your dog for conformation shows is to teach them a simple stand stay for when they are being presented to the judge. The dog must stand and allow a judge to examine them by putting their hands on the head and down their bodies. Some dogs find this unpleasant and do not appreciate a stranger touching them. Training your dog to stay while in a standing position will help them focus on you rather than the judge. Take your dog to a few dog classes before entering your first show so you know what to expect.

Step

Enter and compete

Sounds simple enough, however, many people are struck with a case of jittery nerves before going into the show ring with their dog for the first time. Find a dog club near you and ask some of the members which show would be the best for a novice to enter. They will help guide you and give suggestions on shows in the area. The main thing to remember when showing conformation is that you cannot win all the time. Have fun and enjoy the time with your dog.

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Dog Parade

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Costume

Treats

Activity description

Can you think of a better way to have a proud dog strut their stuff besides a dog parade? There seem to be parades everywhere these days and many of them are more than happy to have dogs join in the fun. When deciding on what parades to participate in, you should look at the theme and start thinking about what type of costume your dog could sport while strutting down the parade route. You might even be able to hitch a ride on a float and have your dog act as the official mascot for that float. There are so many different ways your dog can fully participate in a parade and most parades do not last long, about an hour at the most.

Step

Find a parade

Check out your local Chamber of Commerce and see what activities are coming up or comb through City Hall’s upcoming events calendar for information on any parades that are scheduled. Dog specific parades are also becoming more popular, so check with local dog clubs. Research each parade and decide which ones would work best for you and your dog.

Step

Plan your costume

Each parade has a theme and you will want your dog to fit in and sport a new, fun costume that will have people pointing and smiling along the parade route. While entering a parade may be cheap, it can be pricey to plan a costume for your dog. The more elaborate the costume, the more money you will be spending. Make sure the costume you choose is easy for your dog to move in, especially if they are walking in the parade and not riding in a car or on a float.

Step

Have fun

People of all ages love watching parades and while it can be a lot of work to participate in a parade, it can also be great fun. Before setting out for the parade, make sure you have packed plenty of water and an easy to carry dog bowl for your dog along with treats and toys to keep them happy during the wait for the parade to start.

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Take A Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Treats

Activity description

Dogs love spending time with their people. Taking long walks through your neighborhood is a great way for your proud dog to strut their stuff and enjoy time with you. Keep your dog close to you when on busy sidewalks, but you can let them wander to the end of their leash when nobody is close by. This gives them the opportunity to show off their greatness while keeping them safely leashed and able to be brought back to heel quickly. Do not go for your walk when the weather is extreme; you want to be able to enjoy your time while strolling through the neighborhood.

Step

Plan your walk

No matter how big or small your neighborhood is, there will be numerous routes you can take. Before setting out on your adventure, plan which way you are going to go. Plan on avoiding any areas where unruly or unrestrained dogs will most likely be; you want your walk to be relaxing. Bring along treats to keep your dog focused on you throughout the walk.

Step

Get ready

After you have planned your route, it is time to get ready. Lace up your sneakers, grab a bottle of water and stuff your pockets with treats for your dog. Then snap the leash to your dog’s collar and get ready to step outside your yard. If your dog is overly excited, take a few minutes to run through some basic obedience commands to calm them down and get them ready to listen to you while walking through the neighborhood.

Step

Enjoy the fresh air

When walking through your neighborhood, be ready to stop for a few minutes and chat with neighbors that are out and about either in their yards or enjoying a walk of their own. Make sure your dog minds their manners and if your dog goes potty while out walking, be sure to pick up after them and keep your neighborhood clean.

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More Fun Ideas...

Costume Contest

Costumes are not just for Halloween anymore. You can find canine costume contests at almost any time of the year and for any occasion. Coming up with unique and fun costumes for your dog will keep you entertained. Entering your dog in costume contest events will give your dog plenty of opportunities to lift their head high and proudly sashay through the crowd as people applaud for them.

Visit A Day Spa

Doggy day spas are becoming more and more popular. There seems to be no such thing as a simple trip to the groomer for their monthly wash, dry, and brush. Now, it is all about pampering our four-legged kids and giving them an experience that will be memorable, leaving them squeaky clean, sweet smelling and decked out in bows, ribbons and all different kinds of hair products to achieve that just right look.

Conclusion

Your dog may have a proud look about them, but they will still enjoy being a dog and getting into interesting situations. There are several activities that you can do with your dog to ensure they can get their swagger on and still enjoy being with you. Research activities in your area and be prepared to show off your dog to the crowds that will gather wherever your dog goes.