Activities For Roller Skaters With Dogs
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Introduction
If you have the ability to roller skate, then you have a perfect method of getting out and about with your dog. Even a small dog can trot along beside you while you skate, and if they get tired, then you can simply pick them up and hold them as you skate along. This activity may become their favorite mode of travel! While you can't do this with larger dogs, they too have special benefits when it comes to roller skating. In this scenario, when you get tired they can simply pull you along! Talk about doggie benefits! So, regardless of whether your dog is small or large, you have no excuse not to go out and rollerblade about. The benefits to both person and dog are many. First is the fresh air you will both enjoy, then the free travel without having to pay for gas for the car. You can get up close and personal to events happening in your area, and finally, your dog will feel like they have a job and will feel worthwhile as they tow you along. And don't forget, it is such fun! So go on, get out there with your dog and see what your community is up to.
Beach Outing
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
1 -2 hrs
Items needed
Roller skates
Backpack for self or dog
Water bottle and small treats
Activity description
The use of roller skates can extend the distance you and your dog can travel. First, you will have to work as a team, but once you both understand how to work together, your world will open to many outdoor activity opportunities. If you live near the ocean, it is a perfect place to take your dog for an hour or two. To start, let your dog pull you along so that they burn off that first initial energy rush, then skate with them to the beach. Remove the skates and walk barefoot with your dog (at a dog-friendly beach) and let them enjoy meeting other dogs and socializing. A water and snack break is the perfect excuse to chill out together before starting back for home.
Step
1
Plan a trip
While the beach is a perfect location, if it is too far from where you live, choose another location such as a park, river or even another suburb. Check out the route to ensure that you can roller skate all the way. Then plan to get up early the next day and get out and about before the day gets too hot. Load your essentials into a backpack so that you or your dog can carry it along.
Step
2
Don your skates
Dogs get so excited about an outing. They cannot wait to run. Let them pull you along to start, so that they get a good initial work out while they are fresh, then make it easier for them by actively skating along. Be aware of your pup's signals of fatigue or thirst as they will need to adjust to the pace of the activity the first few sessions you do.
Step
3
At the beach or park
This is where your dog gets to nose around, run and greet other dogs and generally have a ton of fun. Walk along the soft beach sand for an extra workout - it really works the legs! Let your dog race in and out of the water. Then all you have to do after a refreshment break is to roller skate home again. It is a perfect exercise for both of you.
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Mini Mushing Team
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Dog harness
Roller skates
Activity description
If you have more than one dog, you may think that roller skating is out. It's too difficult. How can you get two dogs to work in tandem? Well, they do it with more than two dogs in the icy north, so why can't you teach your two canines to work as a team? It will take time but it will be worth it. Even two small dogs will enjoy this workout and with you skating alongside it will be fun. You just have to get them used to running together and not stopping or crossing over each other. Start by hitching them up and running around home together. Then once you master the basics, you can put your skates on and try that. Once they get it, you can take them out in public and wow everyone with how clever your mini mushing team is.
Step
1
Start slowly
Hitch up your dogs and then walk them around the enclosed yard or park to get them used to obeying your commands. They will need to work together and not get in each other's way. Treat them when they cooperate together so they know what is expected of them.
Step
2
Speed things up
Once you get them working together, take them out for a run around the block and home again. Then, go over the whole routine again. This activity will get them used to being out and about and not to get distracted. It will teach them to work together and to focus on what they are doing.
Step
3
Time to go public
Once you are sure they have got it, put on your skates and let the fun begin. You can cover a lot of ground with a team of two towing you along. Everyone benefits from the exercise. Take care to not overdo it at first, let your dogs build their fitness levels. Stop often for a breather.
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Fetch on Wheels
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Ball or Frisbee
Water bottle
Activity description
Tired of the same old games? No doubt your dog feels the same. So why not give an old game a facelift - how does playing fetch on roller skates sound? Dogs love to fetch, they could play this game all day. But with this game, it's even tougher. The idea is to throw the ball, and as they chase it you skate away and they have to grab the ball then run after you to 'catch' you. This activity is more a twosome game than you just idly throwing a ball. Of course, you have to be pretty good at roller skating, but if you are, then you can have hours of fun with this one. If your dog is not that fit, ease into this game. Have a few rest breaks. But if your dog is turbocharged with energy, then this will wear it all off. As they say, a tired dog is a good dog.
Step
1
Teach a dog new tricks
You will need a large area to skate in. Start in an area where a path winds through a park or something similar. Check for off-leash regulations, and make sure the area is safe for a dog to run free. Before attempting this activity, hone your pet's recall skills. A distraction can present a problem if you aren't prepared. Once you are ready to begin, you can throw the ball anywhere just as long as you can race away, and call your dog to come to you.
Step
2
Multi tasking
Make sure your dog doesn't leave the ball and just chase you. At first, wait until they fetch the ball then skate off calling them. If they drop the ball, lead them back and get them to pick the ball up and try again. Remember to reward this effort once they get it right. Be patient and always be positive with your dog.
Step
3
Add variety
Switch it around and swap the ball for the Frisbee. Then race off, and encourage your dog to chase you down to get a treat. It is a good work out for you both! It teaches them to focus and to learn new skills. Remember to let your dog rest and have a water break often.
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More Fun Ideas...
Weaving on Wheels
Here is a fun activity to do with your dog. If you have a concrete pathway or pad at home, set up some marker cones and teach your dog to weave with you through the course. Best to start this at home before you try weaving through stuff out in the public eye. This activity develops teamwork where you both have to work as a team to get the timing right to zip through the markers. Teach your dog some simple commands such as 'go slow', or 'left' or 'right', and reward your dog when they get it right. Once you gel as a team, you can extend the course or you can weave past things when you are out and about with your dog while you skate.
Everyday Workout
For those owners who have large fast dogs who need to be exercised, the answer is simple. If you know how to roller skate, strap them on and harness up your dog then let your dog go to work and pull you along! Not only will you be able to cover more distance, but your dog will get a really good work out and the pulling will strengthen those hip and leg muscles keeping them healthy and strong. This activity is perfect for the active dog and when you aren't feeling up to running along with them. It may take a few lessons to get a few commands going and so you both work as a team, but hey, it will be a ton of fun!
Attend a Parade
At special times throughout the year, most towns have a parade or two happening. This activity is the perfect time to put on your roller skates, hook your dog on their leash, don the backpack and take off to join or at least watch the parade. The atmosphere is usually lively and fun, and it is a great way to socialize your dog. They may be overcome with the noise to start with, so reassure them and keep them close and let them adjust. It is also a good opportunity to train them to focus on what you want and to not get distracted by the activity going on around them. They will meet so many other dogs and learn to interact politely; the effort will have been well worth your while. Then you just have to roller skate your way home again! Exercise done!
Conclusion
Amazing what a pair of roller skates, a dog and a dog owner can do isn't it? The skates give you the 'pawfect' excuse to get out that door and explore the world. Whether your dog is large or small, who cares - it doesn't matter as you can cater for either. It's is a great way to get around with your dog, and you can stop and look at the markets, or you can roller your way to a friends house for a catch-up, or just zip through the mall and window shop. Luckily, many cafes are pet-friendly these days so you can both settle down for a rest at a café and people or pet watch the morning away. Remember to take a few special treats for your pup so they don't feel they've missed out. There are many pathways around towns that can be utilized to roller skate around. Pop your stuff in a backpack so you have free hands. You could even get your dog to carry your pack and extras - they love having a job to do but it will cost you a cuddle and a special treat!