SPRING FEVER
Grab your leash and let’s go for a walk!
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it’s time to get re-introduced to the great outdoors. Spring is finally here and everybody is itching to get out of the house. We may even find that we need to brush up on our leash-walking skills and start conditioning our pets for the summer months.
Get Some Exercise
Being couped up all winter may have resulted in a little weight gain for us and our dogs. It’s time to start walking again and building up our stamina for the warmer months ahead. While some people and pets stay active all winter long, a lot of us live out the winter in slower and quieter environments.
In the spring dogs can experience sensory overload and we may think that they are over-excited, not
listening or generally behaving badly. In reality, there are so many re-emerging sights, sounds and things for our pets to explore and Spring Fever is out in full force.
Getting outside will not only help them physically, but it will stimulate them mentally and socially too. Both ends of the leash can brush up on loose leash walking, recall, and get a chance to explore new areas. It will work out some of that pent up energy.
Never Stop Training
Whether you had good leash skills or not, spring is a great time for a new start. Working on behavioural issues or obedience training while you are out for a walk will not only help with a better behaved dog, but will tire them out mentally and physically.
Who says sand boxes are just for kids!
When you’re picking weeds in your yard does your dog try to help by digging along with you? Why not
designate an area in your yard for your dog to do their own digging. If you are into scent or search work, you can bury items for them to search out while letting them enjoy their natural digging instincts.
What’s a little dirt or sand to wash off when you are creating an enjoyable enrichment activity for your dogs.
No matter what activities you decide to do be sure to bring some high-value treats when you are out and about to reward good behaviour and a little extra incentive for when Spring Fever hits harder than you expect.
