Want to Include Your Dog in Your Adrenaline Adventures? Here’s What You Need To Do

Training with your dog should be rewarding and fun. However, very active dog breeds tend to be naturally inclined toward adventure. If something is going on, they feel the need to be involved as well. Most of these dogs chase feelings of excitement and frenzy, and even when the owner is not around, most of these dogs find a way to do something that gets them excited. Here are some easy tips for you to follow so both of you can enjoy activities together.

Choosing Your Activity

Some breeds of puppies are more naturally inclined towards physical activity. If you enjoy doing intense exercises such as swimming or running more than once a day, and you'd like to bring your dog along for the ride, choosing a breed that can keep up with you and your personal capabilities is a good idea. Certain dog breeds have more endurance than others. For instance, welsh corgis and retrievers will have far more energy than, say, pugs. Other active breeds include border collies and Siberian huskies. While certain breeds of dogs are definitely more active, it is still important to remember that you do not want to push your dog too hard when it reaches the limits of its endurance. Signs that your dog may be reaching the point of exhaustion include an increased heart rate, drooling, panting, diarrhea and vomiting. It is especially important to pay attention to signs of exhaustion during periods of hot weather.

Behavioral Training

Very active dog breeds need to stay in an environment with very little stimuli so that they can have a way to switch off the adrenaline. Active dog breeds need structured activities daily that exercise both their body and your mind. The activities you choose should exhaust their mind rather than just tire their body. They also need to be retrained to have alternative reactions to triggers in their environment. Chewing a toy is a great alternative to a stimulus that may have previously been excitatory. The activities you choose as an owner should reinforce self-control in your dog. This way your dog can better learn to deal with their frustration and environments that may have previously provoked excitement. Your dog should come away from these activities with a more calm demeanor and should learn to associate calm behaviors with favorable outcomes.

You may need to choose a dog trainer based on your dog’s personal needs. Does your dog need help with more basic commands, or can your dog go to the next level and participate in doggy sports? Carefully evaluating a dog trainer’s credentials can help you to choose a dog trainer who is best suited for you.

Technical Training

You may need to bring certain gear with you if you plan to go backpacking or hiking with your dog. This gear may include water, a collapsible bowl, canine first aid kits, a leash, and an identification tag. The leash that you choose needs to be durable enough to withstand the tribulations of the trail that you choose. Nylon and leather are good bets, however, if you choose to use an expandable leash make sure that the leash is taut enough to maintain control of your dog. Also, having an identification tag with your phone number and your dog’s name will be useful for anyone who may find your dog if your dog happens to get lost.

Equip Yourselves

Agility training can be a fun activity for both you and your dog. In agility training, you and your dog will complete an obstacle course as quickly and accurately as possible. This activity requires a great deal of teamwork and concentration, but you don't need to compete to enjoy the benefits of it. You can set up agility courses in your own backyard. However, you will need certain pieces of equipment to correctly do agility training with your dog. These pieces of equipment include open tunnels, jumps, weave poles, and agility kits. The open tunnel will be the easiest piece of equipment for your dog to master. You can use jumper bars that are lightweight enough for you to move around, and you can raise the jumper bars to different heights as your dog gets better.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Training with your dog, regardless of what skill level your dog is at, can prove to be intense. Don’t forget to relax and have fun with your furry friend! These outdoor adventures are a great time for both of you to release some energy and enjoy the world around you. If you enjoy your first adrenaline adventure together, plan one every other weekend so you and your pet both have something to look forward to. Research different places to go that offer new scenery and great selfie opportunities for you and your dog. This way, you’ll have a visual reminder of your adventure!

The outdoors are a great place to unwind and have fun. Doing activities with your dog, whether those activities be agility training, swimming, or going backpacking, should create a stronger bond with your dog and help you get your thrill-seeking kicks together. Next time you plan an adrenaline fueled adventure, consider bringing your canine friend along.

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