Top 6 Sports That Are Better With Your Dog : Have you got yourself a hyperactive dog? If that’s the case, you’re probably often challenged to provide them with avenues to be exhausted. Energetic and playful dogs need physical activity at least several times a week, as you should, too. Keeping them at home without at least a quick run may result in harder-to-deal with dogs, which you surely wouldn’t want to face.
Instead of thinking of it as a chore, take playing sports with your dog as a fun way for both of you to have physical exercise. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone; you now get to do the daily minimum physical activity for at least half an hour. When playing sports activities with your dog becomes a habit, you’ll both be healthier, happier, and more connected with each other as well.
Playing sports with your dog, indoors or out, can benefit you both significantly. There are a few you may want to try out from this list.
- Dog Sledding
This first sport is for those living in four-seasoned countries, where the winter season can get very cold. Once the snow starts to fall and then eventually thickens, winter activities will be underway. There’s skiing and sledding, to name a few. Neewa Dogs got you covered if this is one you’ll want to do with your dog.
While skiing may be best reserved only for humans, sledding is another story. You can invite your dog to the fun with the latter. It isn’t just a sport but also a fun activity you can do alone with your dog or with other dog owners.
Of course, your dog should be big or strong enough to pull the sled and you as the passenger. To level up the fun, compete with other dog owners and see which pair reaches the destination on a sled faster! Visit neewadogs.com to learn more.
2. Fetch
Playing fetch is as basic as it can be, but every dog loves to fetch. Plus, you get to run with your dog.
It is a great sport to do with your dog every so often, as it’s simple and fuss-free. You only need a frisbee or tennis ball for your dog to fetch and a park or big yard.
If you have a dog that belongs under the energetic dog breed, playing fetch is a great way to satiate their instinct to run. It’s also a great way to engage and discipline your dog, especially if you’re letting them fetch different objects and ordering them to sit and catch.
3. Bikejoring
Bikejoring is the act of cycling beside your dog. For your safety and theirs, use a special harness to attach or connect your dog with your bike. As you bike, your dog will run to try and keep up with your pace.
4. Agility Training
This is one of the more challenging sports to do with your dog. Agility training has immense benefits to human beings and even to your dogs. One of them is the improvement of coordination and balance.
To do this, you have to set up an obstacle course your dog has to run through and complete. Like sledding, you can also do this with other dog owners in the form of friendly competition. Dogs are judged based on their ability to follow directions as they complete the obstacles, along with which one finishes first.
5. Hiking
Why hike alone when you can take your dog with you? You both can get the exercise needed and allow yourself to connect with nature.
Dogs aren’t meant to stay indoors. They also must step out into nature, get their paws dirty, and perhaps even practice their sniffing abilities. These are only a few things your dog gets to practice while hiking with you.
Most importantly, hiking provides ample stimulation for your dog, with the new sights they get to see and scents to discover. This activity can help your dog fight boredom, which may otherwise trigger destructive behavior at home.
6. Canicross
Canicross is the practice of cross-country running with canines. If you love running, this is a sport you’ll enjoy doing with your dog.
To try out canicross, you need a canicross harness to wrap around your waist, so your dog’s leash can be attached. As you run, your dog can safely follow you also. If you’re running in an open field, you can make the leash longer to allow your dog more freedom. In tighter streets, you’ll have to keep your dog close.
Conclusion
With this list, you’ll never run out of games and sports activities to do with your dog. There are many benefits to playing with your dog, like helping you bond with your dog, teaching them discipline, keeping them happy, and also potentially improving their health, too. And the even better news is that those benefits can apply to you, too, as the fur parent engaging in active play with your four-legged friend. No matter how busy you are, make time for these activities, even if it’s only for half a day. However, keep in mind that not every game is a match for every dog. So if you’re unsure, ask your vet which ones are safe to do with your dog.