Newest Way to Exercise With Your Dog
If you attended this year’s APDT conference, you may have seen the seminar on a new fun dog activity known as the Canine Adventure Course, by Laura Ryder, CPDT-KA.
This novel, relaxed style of class features a non-competitive 15-20 piece course of obstacles, both homemade and purchased. Multiple dogs can work the course at once, on leash, with their handlers.
What a great human / animal bonding activity!
Obstacles can be anything from bales of straw, PVC jumps, broad jump sand pits to light-weight Agilite tunnels, or even milk crates as chunky stairs to a sturdy platform. Different surfaces like bubble wrap, safe child toy barriers, mazes, and thinking games with a ball can all be part of the mix. You are only limited by your imagination and creative craftsmanship. Trainers make sure all obstacles are safe and functional.
Any dog, any age can participate! AZ Dog Sports loves this course because dogs have lots of opportunities to exercise, do multiple runs, and various patterns of the course all in 1 hours’ time! Pet people love how much time they get to spend having new exercises and obedience reinforcement with their dog. It also improves focus.
Once students know each other and the dogs progress, the course may also be done off-lead as well. Sometimes this is dictated by the size of the group.
We do suggest waiting to feed until after the activity if possible to avoid upset stomachs that may arise, just like when you go to the gym. Do bring a toy or treat to motivate your pet when learning in this positive fashion. You never force the dog or scare them if they are not ready to do an obstacle.
If you are looking for the newest fun way to exercise with your dog, safely, and confidently—try Canine Adventure Courses.
Click here for more class info, or call us at 602-237-6775 to register for the next session!
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