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

    Best Cat Pheromone Diffusers

    Does your cat have behavioral issues you can''t curb with training. We''ve found the best cat pheromone diffusers to help you out with the problem.?
    Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

    What a strange habit! But why do cats eat grass at all? Digestion? Tasty treat? If you''ve got a furry lawn mower on your hands, we have the answer for you.
    Red-Eared Slider Turtle

    The Red-Eared Slider Turtle is one of the most popular and commonly kept pet turtles. Even thought they are personable, these turtles are easily startled.
    J.M. Smucker Company Expands Voluntary Recall on Canned Cat Food

    J.M. Smucker Company is expanding the recall on certain lots of 9Lives, EverPet, and Special Kitty canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine.
    Unexpected Iron Dog Joins The Swedish Adventure Racing Team

    Arthur, a stray dog, adopts the Swedish Adventure Racing Team in Ecuador Talk about one tough pooch! Sweden’s Peak Performance team began their journey…
    Glossy Black Cockatoo

    The unique and rare black cockatoos are rising in popularity. Find out more about the Glossy Black Cockatoo, the friendliest breeed of the bunch.
    Red Lored Amazon

    Often called the Amazon''s prettiest bird, the Red Lored Amazon is also considered to be one of the most popular and interesting pet parrots of the region.
    Southern Painted Turtle

    The Southern Painted Turtle is commonly kept as a pet.These semi-aquatic turtles are low maintenance and a good beginner option.
    Cortese

    Cortese Basics Petite, adorable, and happy-go-lucky, the Cortese will charm your pants off in an instant. This designer dog breed comes from crossing the cut…
    Stripe-Necked Musk Turtle

    The Stripe-Necked Musk Turtle will be anywhere from olive brown to brown in carapace color. They should only be handled when it is necessary to do so.
    Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Therapy Dog Fraud?

    Just because you can register your pooch as a therapy dog, does it mean that you should? A few thoughts on if a dog should be registered for convenience.
    4 Springtime Fresh Safety Tips For Dogs

    Helpful spring safety tips for dogs and pet parents What is that we finally see? Could it be? Yes, it is! A patch of grass! The snow is melting, the sun is s…
    ‘Unadoptable’ Cat Shares Special Bond With New Furever Family

    There is a someone for everyone, and that''s no better proven with the story of a special-needs cat and a little girl with whom he shares a special bond.
    Scottish Deerhound

    Heralded as the ""Royal Dog of Scotland"", the Scottish Deerhound is elegant, graceful and regal. He is a true gentleman and is a calm and polite dog.
    Balinese

    Elegant, graceful, and intelligent, the long lines of the Balinese create a svelte, muscular cat that is both supple and strong. Playful and affectionate.