Dog Exercise Tip - Training An Athlete

One dog exercise tip that is really important...

All dogs are athletes. At least they start out that way. Unlike humans, dogs do not generally stop when they are injured, thirsty, or hot.

It is up to you, the human, to be your dogs coach. You have to tell them when it is time to take a break. If you leave it up to your dog, it will be too late, and the injury, exhaustion, or dehydration will have already happened.

Dog exercise tip... If your dog starts to lay down during exercise. Stop the exercise immediately! This is a sign of being pushed too far. This could also be a sign of a medical condition so take them to the vet ASAP.

The Dog Park

Dog parks can be the sanity of dog owners who live in cities. Often, even the most popular dog park is empty at certain times throughout the day.

If you can get to the park when its empty, you have a great place to bond 1-on-1 with your husky. But if you work a schedule that only allows you time at the park when everyone else is there, try this dog park exercise.

Dog exercise tip for the dog park... Fights can be avoided. Watch who is at the park and whether they have control of their dog. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason leave the dog park. Trust your senses...that is what your dog does.

Practice entering and leaving the dog park. You may not have noticed how much your dog tunes into the dog park...and tunes you (the owner) out.

For now, go ahead through the gate and let your dog loose, after 5 minutes call her and lead her out of the park. Walk away from the park, and stroll around for 10 minutes.

Turn around and lead her back to the park. Let her back in to play for another 5 minutes. Lead her out again for another 10 minutes. Your done!

Don't feel like you are teasing your husky. This dog exercise is simply keeping your dog aware of you. Without much work, you are exercising your husky, rewarding her by letting her play, and training her all at the same time. The goal here is to bond with your husky.

Dog exercise tip... You probably noticed I did not end this exercise while inside the dog park. This is because you do not want to just grab you dog and go home. This would end the exercise by saying to your dog fun is over, now you come with me. This creates a hard to catch dog at the dog park.

End playtime outside the dog park, and then smoothly get in your car and go home.

The Dog Street

Do you have an alley or street where all the dogs live? There is a particular street near my house where all the fenced in yards have dogs, and all the fences meet at the sidewalk.

For many people this might be the street to avoid, but I look at it like a terrific training tool. I think of it as controlled distractions.

Dog exercise tip... This exercise will take time to get right. Don't rush. Just do what you feel comfortable with.

I walk down a quiet block (one without barking dogs). Then I head down the dog block. I don't just hold my breath and beeline down the block. My goal for the block is to hold my huskys attention on me.

I hardly ever use food as a training tool, but this is one of those places I make an exception. Some huskies are not food motivated so this why I do not rely on food as a training tool.

Just walk calmly down the block, ignoring the barking dogs. breathe. Stay tuned to your dog (and calm) the entire block. Breathe.

Now, walk down the quiet block again. Breathe. Do you feel a difference in your body? Do you breathe normally on the quiet block? Do you hold your breath while walking down the dog block?

Okay, one more time.

Walk down the dog street again. Keep the same presence you had when you walked down the quiet street. Great. Go home. You are done with this dog exercise. That was a huge accomplishment.

Trail Day

I love trails. They are by far my favorite place to exercise my dogs. I can find a trail almost anywhere. Of course Alaska has some easily accessible trails, but I have been able to find trails in many big cities too.

Dog exercise tip... Make sure you bring water for you and your dog. Don't assume there will be potable (drinkable) water for you or your dog on the trail.

Pick your favorite trail and head out. Don't let your dog sniff and mark everything along the way (distractions!). Keep the pace brisk. This is where you get to let all that stress from work and life drift away. Your goal is leash training so keep your husky on a leash. This is your day too. Enjoy.

Doggy Day Care

This is a great way for your dog to get exercise and socialize. Of course if you can let your dog be at doggy day care every day of the week do it There is nothing better than a tired husky at the end of a stressful day.

Dog exercise tip... A dog daycare can get rid of some of that pent up energy, but at the end of the day, your dog still needs to bond with you!

Picnic Day

Take the whole family outside to interact with your husky. This is where you practice an outing with your dog. Instead of taking your husky to the soccer game to see what will happen, you will be practicing at home first.

Dog exercise tip... Remember you are building a relationship with your dog so this exercise gives her a chance to be good before you give her chance to be bad.

That is called positive reinforcement!

Have everyone practice leash walking. Practice giving treats. Have friends who have dogs come over. Hold a mini obstacle course contest. Give prizes to everyone.

Remember Dog Training Should Be Fun!

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