In lovely Brisbane, spring has sprung – not that it is ever really that cold that we can’t get outdoors with our dogs.

Before it gets too hot, here are some great activities you may like to try to keep you and your dog active and moving.

Forest or trail walking

There are several forests and parks around Brisbane where we can take our dogs walking with us. Visiting a new place stimulates our dogs’ minds by exposing them to new sights and smells. Amble along the trail and let your dog enjoy the outing too.

Remember to take precautions against ticks if walking in bushland.

See this link to find a park near you that you can visit with your dog.
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/list.php?facility=145

Enrichment walks

Find a quiet, local park and let your dog tell you where they want to go. You simply wander around with your dog while they enjoy all the smells on the ground. This can be quite novel for some dogs who may have always walked close by your side on footpaths or been taken to dog parks with other dogs. For these dogs, you may need to give them permission to sniff by throwing some tasty treats on the ground to get their nose down.

This is a lovely activity for nervous and older dogs. By having the head down on the ground, the dog gets a great stretch through their back and neck which can be very relaxing for hypervigilant dogs who worry about what is around them and for older dogs who sometimes move their weight forward, off their hind limbs.

Swimming

Depending on your dog’s preferences for surf or calmer water, find a spot for a paddle and a swim. Swimming is great exercise for dogs. It builds strength and allows dogs with sore joints to exercise without discomfort.

For dogs who don’t enjoy swimming, walking in water is great exercise and I often recommend it as part of rehabilitation programmes. For the best workout, try walk your dog in water that is up to their chest.

Swimming and water walking is hard work, so observe your dog for signs of fatigue and give them plenty of rest breaks.

Dog sports

Why not have some fun with your dog by joining a dog sports club? There are a range of fun sports you can enjoy with your dog. Why not look into dock diving, flyball, agility, disc dog (Frisbee dog) nosework, treibball or dancing with dogs. These sports build the relationship between you and your dog. They also help keep your dog’s body and mind fit and active.

Here are some links to get you started.

Dogs Queensland http://www.dogsqueensland.org.au/ for some dog sport clubs near you.
Dock Diving clubs http://www.dockdogsaustralia.com.au/clubs/
Nosework clubs https://acsw.co/
Disc dog clubs http://www.caninediscaustralia.com/
Flyball clubs http://www.flyball.org.au/clubs/

Tips to enjoy springtime activities

When you are enjoying springtime activities with your dog, please remember to:

• Take plenty of water for you and your dog.

• Make sure your dog is fit enough to participate in the activity. If you dog has sat on the lounge for the last couple of months, then work on getting him or her in shape for a couple of weeks before attempting any strenuous activities.

• Warm up for you and your dog – Even though the weather is warming up, make sure you warm up your dog before starting any of these activities to reduce muscle fatigue or injury. See blog on warm up routines: http://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/Do-I-need-to-warm-my-dog-up-before-exercise

• Check your dog is wearing comfortable, safe and appropriate equipment for the activity. See a blog on safe equipment for dogs: http://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/can-dogs-pulling-on-lead-hurt-their-neck

To get your dog in springtime shape, why not book a maintenance treatment. Full Stride offers in home and clinic based canine massage, physical therapy and nutrition services. Please click here to discuss how a treatment or change in diet may benefit your dog.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.