Outside Fun for Your Furry Friend: Training, Enrichment, and Outdoor Activities

As the summer sun finally begins to warm up our days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some fun and engaging activities with your dog. At Doggy Kaizen LLC, we believe in making every moment with your pet count. Here are some great ways to keep your dog active, happy, and healthy this season.

Training Exercise: The Recall Game

Purpose: Improve your dog’s recall skills while having fun.

What You’ll Need:

• A long leash or a safe, enclosed area
• Your dog’s favorite treats or toy

Steps:

1. Warm-Up: Start in a distraction-free environment. Call your dog’s name followed by the cue “come” in an enthusiastic tone. When your dog comes to you, Click or Mark and then reward them with a treat or their favorite toy.
2. Increase Distance: Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. You can use a long leash if you’re in an open area to ensure safety.
3. Add Distractions: Once your dog is consistently coming to you, add some distractions like toys or other people. Call from a hidden place, using landscape and furniture as hiding places. Call from unusual positions, like flopped on the ground or while climbing a tree! Call your dog and reward them when they come to you despite the distractions. (And tone it down if you’re making them nervous with your strange human behaviors. Remember to keep this fun and exciting!)
4. Practice Regularly: Incorporate this game into your daily routine to strengthen your dog’s recall skills. Try to play 3 times daily and keep it fresh!

Enrichment Activity: DIY Snuffle Mat

Purpose: Stimulate your dog’s mind and encourage natural foraging behavior.

What You’ll Need:

• A drainage tile with holes, like this.
• Or a Jolly Ball or something like this.
• Fleece fabric
  • Remember that EVERYTHING is potentially toxic, or a choking hazard, or otherwise dangerous to your dog. Always supervise your pet when introducing new toys and materials to make sure they are engaging with them safely.

Steps:

1. Cut the Fleece: Cut the fleece fabric into strips about 1-2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long.
2. Tie the Fleece: Thread the fleece strips through the holes in the mat and tie them securely. Make sure the knots are tight so your dog can’t pull them out.
3. Hide Treats: Once the mat is ready, hide small treats or kibble pieces in the fleece strips.
4. Let Your Dog Forage: Place the snuffle mat on the ground and let your dog use their nose to find the hidden treats. This activity can keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated for a long time. If you leave a few strips extra long, you can roll treats into the length of the fleece!

Outdoor Activity: Backyard Agility Course

Purpose: Provide physical exercise and mental stimulation through agility training.

What You’ll Need:

• Household items like broomsticks, hula hoops, and chairs, step stools, and anything else you can safely implement. Be creative, and be safe!
• Treats or toys for motivation

Steps:

1. Set Up the Course: Use broomsticks for jumps, hula hoops for your dog to jump through, and cones for weaving. Arrange them in a sequence that your dog can navigate.
2. Introduce Each Obstacle: Start by introducing your dog to each obstacle individually. Use treats or toys to guide them through or over the obstacle.
3. Combine Obstacles: Once your dog is comfortable with each obstacle, combine them into a course. Guide your dog through the entire course using positive reinforcement.
4. Practice and Have Fun: Regular practice will improve your dog’s agility skills. Keep the sessions short and fun to prevent your dog from getting tired or frustrated.

Have fun!

Summer is a wonderful time to bond with your dog and engage in activities that are both fun and beneficial for their well-being. By incorporating some training exercises, enrichment activities, and outdoor adventures, you’ll keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and entertained all season long. Be spontaneous on your walks. Chances are, if you think that log across the river looks like a bridge, your dog is thinking the same thing: go exploring! Have fun, stay hydrated, and watch out for ticks! Happy training!

~Dani, who enjoys the quiet summer days, too.