Another exercise option is to turn the
backyard into an obstacle course for the dog, kids and adults. Use a clicker to signal the next move. Four or fi ve hula hoops spaced a bit apart provide a pattern for a sit/stay game as the dog moves into each one on command. A thin wooden dowel across two boxes and anchored to a stick-on photo hook on either end provides a hurdle. A child’s oversized plastic golf club hits a tennis or plastic ball just far enough for the dog to retrieve. For a doggie triathlon, add more elements, such as yard races between dogs and children on their tricycles or scooters down a straight path, with everyone cooling off in a hard-plastic swimming pool as part of the event. For dogs that are older or have mobility issues, some stretching before
or even after exercise is suggested. “Doga [dog yoga] has become a daily ritual with my 11-year-old golden retriever since the onset of arthritis in her hips and back. Besides keeping her joints limber, it’s good one-on-one time for us,” says latchkey dog expert Eileen Proctor, in Castle Rock, Colorado. “Whenever she wants to stretch, she will come up and gently paw me,” relates Proctor. “Her favorite is the upward dog pose. Before practicing doga, this dear one had trouble getting to her feet, and then was lame for a minute. Now she is able to get up and move about immediately.” When exercising with pets, always keep plenty of water handy, start slow and watch out for how the weather or workout affects the participants. Scientists have changed from saying it takes 21 days to form a new habit to admitting it may take up to three times that long. That might be true for people, but try explaining it to the dog standing at the back door on day two—he’s ready to do it again.
Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Dog Running Tips by Jeff Lutton
Start slow Run warm-up laps Take breaks Always carry water Keep nails trimmed
Avoid running on hot pavement with longhaired or thick-coated dogs.
Shorten mileage for pups under 2 years, as well as older dogs.
Avoid concrete surfaces, which are rough on paw pads.
Stay away from winter road salt; it can cut and further damage paws.
Watch for hip or knee problems; if a dog lags behind, it’s time to stop.
Jeff Lutton, of Dogtopia, conducts a running club for people and their pets in Alexandria, VA.
407-894-5678
Eco-Friendly Since 1999
State Certifi ed, Licensed & Insured
Keeping Bugs at Bay The Natural Way
September 2013 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48