Activities For Volleyball Players With Dogs

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Introduction

Volleyball players, whether professional or amateur, will enjoy spending time with their dog doing activities that keep them moving. Believe it or not, you can teach your dog to play the sport you love. It will take a lot of patience to teach your dog to play volleyball, but it can be done. There are other activities you can do with your dog to keep them healthy and happy while nurturing your love of volleyball. Take the time to research each activity and find the ones that are best suited for you and your dog. 

Play Volleyball

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Beach ball
Net
Treats
Activity description

It might sound a bit far-fetched but you can teach your dog to play volleyball. It is especially easy when you have a dog that is ball obsessed and loves to learn new tricks. Teaching your dog to play volleyball is teaching them a new trick and it will take a lot of patience. Your dog will never be able to spike the ball or block a serve, but they can learn to volley the ball back to you. Volleyball is a way to challenge your dog physically and mentally. You can also amaze your friends when you show them that your dog can also play volleyball!

Step
1
Encourage curiosity
Part of trick training is encouraging your dog’s natural curiosity. Start with a slightly deflated beach ball and let your dog use their nose and feet to bump the ball across the ground. Once they are comfortable with their new toy, start tossing the ball in the air and letting them bump it with their nose.
Step
2
Teach to volley
After your dog is comfortable bumping the ball in the air, start encouraging them to volley the ball back to you. Make sure you give them plenty of praise and treats when they bump the ball correctly. Keep the trick lively and upbeat so your dog does not become bored or discouraged. Practice this trick often and once they are volleying the ball back to you with consistency, start having your dog volley the ball over the net.
Step
3
Play volleyball
The next time you have friends over, assemble a team and show off your dog’s volleyball skills! Your friends and family will not believe your dog is able to enjoy a game of volleyball as much as you do. Do not wear your dog out, keep the game short and allow for breaks in between sets so your dog can rest and get a drink as needed.

Fetch

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Ball or toy
Treats
Activity description

While playing fetch may sound like such a simple activity, it is actually a fun way to bond with your dog and give you both plenty of exercise. Even if your dog does not have a natural propensity for playing fetch, you can still teach them to race after the ball or Frisbee and bring it back to you. Playing fetch is a pretty easy activity to teach your dog and can be done either indoors or out. Large dogs might have a little harder time playing fetch indoors unless you have a large room for them. All you need to play fetch is a ball or other toy and treats as a reward for bringing the ball back.

Step
1
Introduce the ball
Technically you do not need to use a ball for a rousing game of fetch. You can use any toy you would like as long as your dog has an interest in it and it is easy to carry in their mouth. Introduce the ball or whatever toy you are using by letting your dog sniff it and move it around. Do not let them play with this ball or toy except during games of fetch.
Step
2
Teach to retrieve
Once your dog has been introduced to the special ball or toy, it is time to toss it gently and tell them to go get it. When they bring the toy back to you, give them a treat and lots of praise. Toss the toy a little farther and keep the treats and praise coming. Your dog will soon figure out that you are expecting them to bring the toy back to you in exchange for a treat! Keep lessons short and always end on a positive.
Step
3
Play fetch
Once you are sure your dog is retrieving the ball or toy consistently, it is time to play a game of fetch. Keep in mind, smaller dogs cannot run as far or as fast. Therefore, do not overthrow your dog’s ability. Your dog can become quickly discouraged if you expect too much from them. Also, keep games to 30 minutes or less and be aware of your dog’s physical state. Dogs that are out of shape will need more breaks than those that are in peak physical condition.

Beach Walk

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
45 min
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Treats
Clean-up Bags
Activity description

Even if you are not a beach volleyball player, a walk on the beach is an excellent way to unwind and spend time with your dog. The best time to take a walk on the beach with your dog is when it is sunny and there are not many people around. Too many people on the beach can be distracting to you and your dog. You will need to keep your dog leashed when walking on a public beach, but if you are lucky enough to have a private beach at your disposal your dog can frolic off-leash while you walk. Be sure to pack clean-up bags so you can keep the beach tidy should your dog have a need to go while walking along! 

Step
1
Plan your walk
There are certain times of day that would be better to walk on a public beach. Scout the area and get a feel for when it is the most crowded so you can avoid those times. You will also want to avoid the hottest part of the day to keep you and your dog comfortable while enjoying the beach. Be sure to pack a collapsible water bowl, bottle of water and clean-up bags.
Step
2
Avoid large crowds
Large crowds can be problematic for your dog, especially if other people have turned their dogs loose to race around on the beach. Your dog will be easily distracted or defensive if you encounter strange dogs or even overbearing people. Keep your dog leashed when out walking when other people and dogs are around.
Step
3
Enjoy the beach
While walking on the beach, take the time to enjoy the sand between your toes, the sunshine on your face and your dog adoringly following beside you. While walking on the beach, make sure you are aware of your surroundings. There can be dangers lurking near the water and you need to make sure you and your dog stay safe.

More Fun Ideas...

Flyball

Basically, flyball is a relay race for dogs. In this high-energy sport, dogs will race against each other down a lane filled with hurdles and then catch a ball that is released and race back. Once that dog crosses the finish line, the next dog takes off. Each team consists of four dogs.

iFetch Frenzy

A great way to keep your dog entertained while you are training to be the best volleyball player you can is to invest in the iFetch Frenzy brain game. This is a game that is suitable for small to medium dogs. Your dog will drop the ball into the top of the iFetch Frenzy and then anxiously wait for the ball to roll out of one of the chutes near the base.

Conclusion

Volleyball players are generally active people. Their dogs will also most likely be active and need to be kept busy so they do not get into trouble. There are numerous activities that you can do with your dog to help them get plenty of exercise and strengthen the bond between you. Try a few and see which ones are right for you.