Many behavior problems in a dog are as a result of boredom and excessive energy, which is justifiable because this animal is supposed to be physically active. Some owners breed domestic dogs for specific purposes like protection, farming, hunting, etc. On the other hand, wild dogs are more active because they only hunt and scavenge for food.
Whether dogs are helping us at home or hunting for their food, we should be aware of the fact that physical exercise keeps their brains and bodies active. Therefore, a practical way to enrich the life of your dog is engaging them in physical and mental practices. In addition to that, your dog benefits a lot when you spend quality time together. Here are some fun activities that will keep your dog active mentally and physically:
Get moving
You should never disregard the significance of taking a good walk or jog with your dog. Walking and jogging are beneficial to your dog in that it gives him or her the privilege to explore the world. To ensure your dog benefits a lot from this, take different routes when jogging and visit new places as much as possible.
Games to play
Games are an opportunity to enhance the relationship between you and your dog. However, it is essential to play games that will be enjoyable and safe for both of you. An example of some games that will exercise your dog's body as well as the dog's ability to chase, search, and grab are:
- Tug-of-war. The tug-of-war is a game that you can use to engage your dog in a rewarding physical activity while at the same time teaching the dog some vital lessons. This game will allow you to train your dog on how to listen to you when it is excited and so on.
- Fetch. Teaching your dog how to fetch is also a significant advantage. Your dog needs to exert a lot of physical effort to carry out this game. It can be used to teach your dog how to pick and drop things at a particular location. It's also a perfect way to train your dog on how to find hidden items.
Your dog is a special member of your family; so it’s imperative you’re mindful of his or her physical state. The weekend is almost here, take your dog to the nearby park for a stroll or fun game of fetch.