Playing with dogs: 47 things you can do to burn off your pet's energy
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Dogs are very energetic animals and hardly ever sit still in a corner (except, of course, when they are sleeping). Generally, walking the dog is the most practical and easy choice to spend the accumulation of energy of the puppies, but there are also several other ways to do this. Playing, dog toys, sports practices, differentiated walks: there is a lot to do.There are endless possibilities and sometimes it is enough to use creativity to turn a simple task into a fun and relaxed moment with your pet. We have separated some valuable tips on the subject that can help a lot. See below and get ready to play with your dog in a much more fun way!
From pet bottle toys to hiking trails: check out the best options for playing with dogs
1) Trails with dogs
Trails can be fun, but certain precautions must be taken. Before investing in this type of dog walk, it is important to make sure that the pet is vaccinated, dewormed and properly protected against fleas, ticks and other parasites. The walk also needs to preserve the safety and well-being of the animal.
2) Dog park
Also popularly known as parCão, the dog park is a great option for a walk to do with your four-legged friend. In this space he can run, have fun and interact with several other doguinhos, also improving the issue of sociability.
3) Simple circuit indoors
Have you ever thought about using everyday objects to create a kind of circuit for dogs inside the house? It can be a lot of fun to play with your dog like this! You can take a broomstick and put it on the floor for the animal to "jump", create obstacles with balls and other objects ... Anyway, it's great to let creativity roll, and your four-legged friend will certainly spend a lot of energy onthat.
4) Teaching commands to a dog
It is entirely possible to teach a dog some commands even without being a professional trainer. Generally, the most adopted technique for this is positive reinforcement, which consists of rewarding the puppy whenever he hits the command you are trying to teach him. It can be with a treat, praise and lots of affection! Here are some examples of what you can teach your puppy:
5) Teaching a dog to sit
With a treat, position yourself in front of the dog, hold the piece of food with your fingertips and extend your hand a little forward. With the dog's attention focused on your hand, take the treat in the line of the muzzle, passing above the head towards the back of the animal - at the same time, say the command "sit". Thus, he will sit automatically and this is the time to praise and give it.the treat for him to make a positive association.
6) Teaching a puppy to give its paw
Put some treats in your hand and close it into a fist. With the dog sitting, position your other open hand at a height that the animal can see and touch. Then speak the command. As soon as he touches his paw to your hand, reward him.
7) Teaching a dog to lie down
With the dog sitting, guide the dog with your hand towards the floor and wait for him to put his muzzle where you indicated. You may need to repeat a few times until he understands what movement you expect. Don't forget to praise and reward the dog when he gets it right!
8) Playing dead
With the dog sitting, bring the treat to the floor so that it lies down. After that, pass your hand with the treat slowly around the pet's neck, as if drawing a necklace in the air and say the word "dead". The moment he obeys (that is, staying still) reward him. Repeat several times to perfect the command.
9) Teaching the dog to roll over
Stand in front of the dog and ask him to lie down. Hold the treat near the dog's muzzle and say the command at the same time as you move your hand around his head. Naturally, the dog's muzzle will follow the food.
10) Running for dogs
For those who want to start exercising together with their dog, running is a great option. But first, it is important to pay attention to your friend's breed, because not all dogs have the breath for this type of exercise, and a trip to the vet may also be necessary to make sure everything is fine with your friend's health. With the green light, just choose a day, preferably at the beginningin the morning or late afternoon, to put the dog run into practice.
11) Frisbee: dogs are passionate about the game
Chances are you've seen or heard of frisbee games. Dogs simply love the accessory, and it turns out to be a good way to exercise your pet outdoors. With the frisbee in hand, just throw it in one direction for the dog to chase, similar to throwing balls.
12) Swimming for dogs
One of the best sports for dogs is swimming! And there is no denying that most dogs love to play with water. This is a physical activity that can exercise the whole body of the animal and has a low impact on the joints, so it is highly recommended even to maintain their health. There are several centers that offer swimming for dogs with professionals, so if this is the right one for you, you can try it out!a regular activity in your pet's routine, it is worth looking for a place with good references.
13) Cycling with a dog
Another option for exercising together is cycling with your dog. This way, both you and your four-legged friend can burn off energy together. However, it is important to take some precautions when doing this type of ride: the dog needs to have a leash attached to the bike with an adapter or fixed. This is an accessory that keeps the animal at a safe distance and avoidsAlso remember not to walk long distances and to respect your dog's breath.
14) Skateboarding with a dog
Just as it is possible to ride a bike with a dog, it is also possible to do the same with a skateboard. In this case, just make sure that the animal is on a leash or that it is able to accompany you side by side without running away or running off in other directions. In this second scenario, training will help you take control of the situation.
15) Dog tug-of-war
A great game to distract and spend your pet's energy is tug-of-war. Dogs are usually very interested in games in which they can "measure forces" with their human, which is precisely why tug-of-war turns out to be very cool in this case. It is possible to play with dogs with simple objects, such as an old shirt or a rag forgotten around the house, as well as you can alsoto buy a toy that is specifically made for it.
16) Agility for dogs is the sport of the moment
Agility has become increasingly famous in the canine universe. In addition to stimulating the animal's cognitive abilities, this is an excellent activity to spend the dogs' energy. But how to do agility for dogs? It's simple: as mentioned earlier, it is possible to start creating the circuit indoors with simple objects to train the dog. If you decide to join the sport in the routine of the dog, you can do it.animal, just look for clubs or schools that offer this sport.
17) Throwing ball, stick and other objects at dog
Everyone knows that dogs simply love games where the guardian throws objects and they have to run after them to catch them. So, how about spending your pet's energy with this? It can be with a simple ball (which they love, even) or with anything else that the dog can put in his mouth without the danger of swallowing, such as a piece of stick.
18) Ball pool for dogs
If dogs are already fascinated by a simple ball, imagine a pool with a lot of them? The ball pool for dogs is usually the same as the one used for children and can be found in stores on the internet. One thing is certain: your four-legged friend will be super entertained in this new corner and will burn a lot of calories!
19) Climbing up and down the stairs of the building
For those who don't have a good space to exercise their dog indoors, the stairs of the building can be a great way to do physical activities with the dog without having to go out on the street. But watch your dog's breath, huh? If you notice that he is very tired, it is better to stop and go home.
20) Interactive feeders
It's a mistake to think that the interactive dog feeder is only for putting the pet food in. In fact, the accessory can also help your pet to spend a lot of energy! As it works as a kind of dog puzzle, your four-legged friend needs to figure out what he has to do to get the food.
21) Canicross
Canicross is a sport for dogs that consists of a variation of the classic dog sled race. Only, instead of the sled, the dog runs with an elastic rope that must be attached to his human's waist. The collar must also be cushioned to avoid hurting the dog if there is any pulling. Some rules are pre-established in the sport, but it is worth itcheck and practice with your four-legged friend.
22) Dog freestyle
If dancing on your own is fun enough, then with a doggy by your side it's twice as much fun! The name of this type of activity is called canine freestyle and it consists of training your four-legged friend to learn rehearsed dance steps. It is usually a modality indicated for performances and competitions, but you can dance with your doggy without having to take it so seriously, just tospend some energy and spend some time with him!
23) Rafting with dogs
For those who have a more adventurous spirit, rafting with a dog can be a great option. The animal has fun and has greater contact with nature in a totally safe way. Some companies offer this type of service that include dogs on the route, it is worth informing yourself!
24) Dog surfing
It's not just humans who can be surfers: dogs can also develop this skill. The sport is even quite popular and there are even dog surfing championships (or surf dog, as it is called). Have you ever thought about having a furry one who surfs? It's a great way for him to exercise too. Just look for a dog school.
25) Dog jumper
There's nothing more fun than playing on a jumper, right? Because the little dogs think so too! The dog jumper is usually very successful in the canine universe, so this is an option that can also be considered to spend your pet's energy.
26) Walking near home
Another simpler option for exercising dogs is walking. And it doesn't even have to be very far: it can be around the block from home, going around the street itself or doing a route close to where you live. It's already a great initiative to move your dog from time to time.
27) Fetch with dog
If you have a good space to play with your dog, the catch, which is very famous among children, can also be a success with these animals. Of course, they will not understand exactly what the game is about, but just seeing you running around will certainly excite them to play along.
28) Jumping rope with a dog
Have you ever thought about teaching your dog to jump rope? It may seem difficult at first, but it's not impossible. The living proof is the various videos of dogs jumping rope that go viral on the internet. So, if you want to teach your friend something new, jumping rope with a dog may be a good idea.
29) Playing chase-ration
Dogs have a very powerful sense of smell, so a game that can be quite cool is a scavenger hunt, as if it were a treasure hunt but with grains of food. Thus, the puppy must use his snout to find out where the pieces of food are hidden around the house. He has fun, and in addition, he spends energy too.
See_also: How to treat cat skin wounds?30) Dog biter
It is usually recommended to use a puppy teether, but the truth is that dogs of all ages can enjoy the accessory. There are even several models of teether in different sizes, shapes and materials. Just find which one pleases your four-legged friend the most and he will certainly spend a good time with the toy.
31) Dog puzzle
This is a type of interactive toy that is super useful and that, in addition to exercising your puppy, is also able to stimulate his cognitive side. The dog puzzle can be of different shapes, but usually the goal is the same: the dog needs to figure out how he can find the food hidden in the toy.
32) Soap bubbles
Even a simple game with soap bubbles can become a fun moment with your pet! It works like this: you will release the bubbles into the air, and his mission is to destroy them. Dogs love this type of activity and it is great for burning the calories of the pet.
33) Beach with dog
Another outing that can be part of your routine with your dog is the beach. But first, don't forget to find out if the place is pet friendly and accepts pets, as not all beaches are allowed for dogs. This way, you can spend quality time with your dog and still practice activities such as swimming and hiking on site.
34) Dog soccer
Just like other sports, dogs can learn soccer. Of course, it won't be the same as playing with humans, but you can teach your four-legged friend to try to hit a goal with the ball, and it can be just as fun as any other activity.
35) Reiki
See_also: Cat with diarrhea: 6 diseases associated with the problemVeterinary reiki is a holistic therapy, but it is still something that can be inserted into the daily life of the animal, because it brings several benefits and promotes the balance of the vital energy of the physical, mental and spiritual body, improving the well-being and health of the doggy.
36) Hide and seek with a dog
Several videos went viral where the guardian appeared to the dogs with a sheet in hand, threw it up as if it were a "magic" and then disappeared. This is what helped create a kind of doggy hide-and-seek, where the little dog must find his guardian who is hiding around the house. It's worth playing!
37) Dog ball thrower
Imagine not having to worry about throwing the ball for your dog to fetch? Well, that's exactly what the dog ball launcher is for! It does the job that the guardian should have to throw the ball, and it can be a great accessory to spend dogs' energy on a daily basis.
38) Guessing games with the dog
If you want to train your puppy's mind, guessing games are great! They can be done in many different ways. Here's a suggestion: take a treat and show it to the animal. Then take 3 or 4 cups and hide the treat under one of them. Move them without taking them off the surface so that the dog does not see where the food is and, in the end, he must find out by himself.
39) Pet bottle toys
No one can deny that dogs love pet bottle toys. Although they are simple, they are always able to entertain the little dogs, and best of all, this material is super versatile. You can make several different types of toys and all of them usually please the furry ones, such as...:
40) Pet bottle with feed inside
41) Pet bottle with sock that becomes a teether
42) Pet bottle hung and filled with snacks
43) Dog toy with a pet bottle and a broom handle
44) Rope toys for dogs
Another multifunctional material is rope. You can play with dog in many ways and create the perfect rope toy for your four-legged friend. Usually, the favorite accessories for puppies are:
45) Dog rope as tug-of-war
46) Braided dog rope
47) Dog rope with elastic band