Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Exercising Your Dog’s Mind and Muscles Indoors



Winter weather conditions may prevent your furry friend from enjoying as much outdoor playtime, but don’t let Jack Frost stop the fun. Since your pooch won’t be spending as much exploration time outside get inventive with some indoor interaction that will keep your pup entertained.

Ollie Ollie Oxen Free!
Hide and go seek is a fantastic game to play with your pooch year-round, especially during days that call for rain and snow. Playing a game of hide and go seek will stimulate your puppy’s curious mind as well as provide entertainment for you and your pooch. This game improves your dog’s sense of smell in an enjoyable and satisfying style. Start with a handful of your canine’s favorite dog treats. In the beginning of this game there will be two people involved: one who stays with Fido and another who hides. When the hider is set they will verbally indicate the initiation of the game and your dog can seek from room-to-room until the hiding spot been found. Upon discovery, give your pup praise for finding you with one of those delicious dog treats. Dogs love this game and it helps build their search skills.

Stimulating Toys
Dog toys have out done themselves in today’s day in age. There are newly improved dog tug toys and dog plush toys that can serve for an enjoyable time of interaction between your pup and you. Enhance your pooch’s mind with a dog puzzle that will stimulate their mind while keeping them entertained. For some calorie burning, invest in a laser pen that will have your dog running around in a happy curiosity.

Trick Training
Those daper weathered days shouldn’t keep your canine from getting the exercise they deserve. Teaching your pooch tricks will help shape them into more obedient dogs. Having your dog sit up to beg for 10 reps will keep their core muscles solid and helps improve balance and stability. Another great exercise for your dog’s core muscles is “rolling over”. Have your canine do five rolls each direction to ensure that their muscles have been targeted evenly. Encourage your pup to shake hands with you to assist in stretching out those shoulder muscles, completing 5-10 reps with each front paw.

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