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

    Hiking Hounds: Why Hiking Backpacks for Dogs Help Lighten the Load

    A hiking we will go! Whether you and your pooch are heading out for a hike or roughing it, a dog backpack will allow you to share the load.
    Bocker

    Despite being sweet and easy going, training a Bocker (a mix of Beagle and Cocker Spaniel) may be a challenge as they like to do things their own way.
    Frogfish

    The species known as frogfish are all members of the family Antennariidae which is sometimes known as the anglerfish family, especially in Australia.
    Works of Art You Want Your Cat to Shred

    When a traditional scratching post doesn''t cut it, you need to shred it up a notch. For your fancy-pants kitty, only a Copycat Art Scratcher will do!
    Helping A Child Cope With A Loss Of A Pet

    Losing a pet is hard on the whole family, no matter the circumstances. Children are often especially burdened by the loss of a pet as death is hard for them…
    U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation To Protect Pets In Air

    Policy changes regarding the transportation of pets have been proposed by two U.S. Senators after the tragic death of a puppy on United Airlines.
    What on Earth is Earthdog?

    Little dogs have a lot of energy - especially the ones that were bred to hunt and catch critters. You can put these skills to great use at Earthdog trials.
    Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Boof

    We’d like to introduce you to Boof, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. He’s a 6-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix…
    Pom-A-Pug

    Pom-A-Pug or Pugaranian is the mix between a Pomeranian and a Pug. Read more to find out what they look and behave like and how to care for them.
    The Jolly Jet-Setter’s Holiday Guide For Boarding Your Dog

    Indispensable tips to ensure your pooch is happy and safe while you’re away for holidays The holidays are upon us, and not everyone will be spending th…
    Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Kiwi

    We think that Kiwi is a sweetie – that’s why she’s our Adoptable Dog of the Week! Hailing from Salem, OR, Kiwi is a 3.5-year-old female Ame…
    Bolognese

    A companion dog in every sense of the word, this small breed will be stuck at your side. Forever curious, the Bolognese want to always be with you.
    Best Heated Beds for Dogs

    Whether it''s cold weather or senior years, a warm bed comes in handy. These are top 15 best heated beds for dogs that will keep any fur baby warm and comfy!
    This Cat Library Is A Novel Approach To The Mewey Decimal System

    What a brilliant way to promote adoptable animals and get more people to read books - it''s a cat library! Now all they need is a Starbucks...
    Serbian Hound

    With his deep red coloration, the Serbian Hound is a beautiful breed that serves dual purposes as a talented pack hunter and a devoted family pet.