Rev Up Your Ho-Hum Walks With Dog Parkour

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Turn your surroundings into a doggie playground. Parkour is a fun way to to burn your dog’s energy and teach polite leash walking skills.

For many dogs, a routine walk just doesn’t cut it; they pull and lunge at everything that interests them on the sidewalk, and even after the walk, they seem to have plenty of energy to burn. Can you blame them? How boring it must for a dog to go around the same block, day after day, peeing on the same unfortunate shrub and getting stink-eye from the same belligerent squirrel. Rather than walk longer, it’s time to walk smarter by incorporating dog parkour into your excursions outdoors.

The World is Your Dog’s Oyster

Like parkour for humans, dog parkour turns your environment, whether urban or rural, into an obstacle course. Why walk past that brick wall when you can use it as an object for your dog to put his front paws, or even back paws, on? A boring old park bench isn’t boring anymore when your dog can crawl under it, or jump on and off it. All of these interactions burn a lot of mental and physical energy, while building the communication and bond between you and your dog.

Related:Add Canicross to Your Cross Training Routine for Perfect Performance

Though you can certainly make up your own parkour routines, first get some guidance from one of the recently established parkour organizations, such as the International Dog Parkour Association or All Dogs Parkour. These groups emphasize safety considerations such as the proper equipment to use and how to safely spot your dog. They even give you the option of earning parkour titles by submitting a video of your dog’s parkour skills.

Parkour Primer

Here are a few ways to spice up your walks by making everyday objects part of your dog’s personal obstacle course. (Note that these may not be according to parkour organization regulations.) Most parkour moves, at the most basic level, can be taught by luring the dog into a certain position with a treat. Once he gets the “game,” you won’t need the lure.

    Related:5 Foot-Friendly Tips That Will Save Your Athletic Dog’s Paws

    In all cases, keep your dog’s safety and health in mind. Dog parkour isn’t about attempting incredible tricks, but rather about providing enrichment activities for your dog in a controlled and comfortable way. Your dog shouldn’t jump unassisted onto anything higher than his head or off anything higher than his shoulder-height, nor should he be pushed to do any behaviors against his will.

    The great thing about dog parkour is that you can do it practically anywhere, indoors or out, with whatever tools the environment has given you. After practicing a little parkour, you and your dog will start to see your neighborhood as an obstacle course, breathing new life into your walks. So what are you waiting for?

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    What You Should Know About Canine Hydrotherapy

    Did you know that a dip in the pool can be used to rehabilitate your injured dog? Find out if canine hydrotherapy is right for your dog.
    What To Do If Your Dog Gets Sick While Traveling

    Be prepared for the unexpected when your away from home For many pet owners, their dogs are their best friends and also their preferred travel companions. No…
    Best Snuffle Mats For Dogs

    Snuffle mats are a fun way for your dog to eat and are great for aiding in digestion. Here are our top 11 favorite snuffle mats for dogs!
    Brushing and Bathing Your Cat

    Rub-A-Dub – Should you be putting your kitty in the tub? You know that your cat likes to keep clean. She will wash herself several times a day –…
    Welsh Pony

    There are four categories of horses within the Welsh Pony breed: Welsh Mountain Ponies, Welsh Pony of Riding Type, Welsh Pony of Cob Type and Welsh Cobs.
    PupPod Smartphone-Connected Puzzle Toy Wins Innovation Award

    PupPod, an amazing interactive new dog toy, recently won the 2017 Award of Innovation at the KC Animal Health Corridor Investment Fund.
    Connemara Pony

    Ireland''s only native equine breed, it is believed that the Connemara Pony has a rich history that dates all the way back to the ancient Celts.
    Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Dot Dot Dash

    We''re pleased to announce a brand-new feature - our Upsidedown Dog of the Week! We''ve teamed up with Upsidedowndogs.com to bring you a topsy-turvy pup.
    Nimble Nibblers Need Outward Hound’s Slo-Bowl Feeder

    Slow down - don''t you know that feeding is also fun? Dogs who eat way too fast need to take meals slow with this adjustable and challenging food bowl.
    7 Ways a Shelter Dog Can Improve Your Life

    If you want to experience the joys of owning a dog but aren''t sure that buying a puppy is the right choice for you, think about adopting a shelter dog.
    Recall Alert: Nature’s Variety Recalls Instinct Raw Chicken Formula

    Nature''s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of their Instinct Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with due to possible Salmonella contamination.
    Morkie

    Tiny and adorable, the Morkie is an affectionate crossbreed who loves people and pets. He attaches to his family, which can be a problem when left alone.
    Top 10 Reasons for Adopting an Older Dog

    It''s a sad fact that older dogs in shelters and rescues have a harder time finding a forever home. But we have lots of reasons for adopting an older dog.
    Scarlet Macaw

    The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most recognizable and popular pet parrots today. With a lifespan of up to 75 years, they''ll make a lifelong companion.
    It’s Natural That Your Dog Wants Jones Natural Chews

    Have you got a bone to pick... with dog bones? If you''re thinking of giving your dog one to chew on, remember that not all meat bones are created equal.