Ready for some ideas on how to keep your dog active this month? Then look no further—April is Active Dog Month! Here at Kennel Club LAX, we understand how important it is for dogs to stay active in order to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle. That’s why we’ve come up with 5 fun ways that you can keep your canine companion moving during this special time of year.
From taking them on hikes and beach trips, to setting up an obstacle course or teaching them new tricks, there are plenty of activities that both you and your furry friend will love! So get ready for some serious bonding time; check out our list of ideas below for a barking good time!
1. Take your dog on a hike or walk in the park – exploring new sights and smells will keep their mind engaged and their body active
If your pup is looking for an adventure, try taking them on a hike or walk in the park! New environments are a great way to keep their mind engaged and their body active. The scents of nature, unique environment and potential scenic views also make exploring hikes or parks a treat for both you and your pup— a small day trip like this can go a long way when it comes to staying active. So stretch those legs with your furry friend this month! Check out some amazing hikes on our post about 10 great spots to take your dog in LA.
2. Play some fetch with a frisbee, ball, or stick to get them running around and having fun
How about some good old fashioned fetch? Nothing beats a game of frisbee, ball, or throw toy with your furry best friend! The unlimited boundless energy and enthusiasm they bring to every game never fails to make us smile – even when it’s our turn to chase after the toy! To keep everyone safe, be sure to choose a closed off location where you can both have fun and not get into traffic or disturb others. You don’t want to have to worry about other dogs. A fenced backyard or empty dog park works great. Happy fetching!
3. Let your dog choose where to walk
Let your pup lead the way! Give your furry friend the freedom to choose their own pathways once in a while. Let them sniff around and show you some new sights. Who knows, with your pup as a guide, you might just unearth the best-kept secrets of your neighborhood. This approach encourages exploration and physical exercise – two essential pillars for an active dog lifestyle.
4. Play hide-and-seek indoors – training your pup’s nose to find you is great exercise
One of the easiest ways to get active is a classic indoor game of hide-and-seek. Have some fun and challenge your dog to find you in a room or in the yard. Boost their confidence by inviting them to search using their nose to sniff out where you’re hiding. Increase the excitement by offering a treat, praise and scratches when they successfully find you! To ramp up the indoor fun, try adding an indoor obstacle course into the mix.
5. Work on teaching your dog new tricks
During Active Dog Month, why not add something to your dog’s repertoire – teach your dog a few tricks to impress everyone! Teaching your pup even just one new trick can be incredibly rewarding. Need some ideas? Why not start with the basics and try some simple commands like ‘down’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and then move on to ‘shake’ and ‘roll over’. Get outside and practice when possible, and give lots of praise (and a treat) when they get it right.
BONUS: Book daycare play date at Kennel Club LAX
We’ve got tons of fun activities like Picnic in the Park and Jamboree to keep your dog busy and engaged. We’ll provide the toys, loving attention and play time, you provide the pup.
From playing fetch to teaching them new tricks, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate movement and healthy habits into your pup’s days. Happy tails and trails this April!
Make your daycare reservation with us today.
