Cavorting With Your Favorite Canine
Fun things to do with your dog in the great outdoors
By: Kathleen M. Reilly

Is Your Dog Physically Powerful?
If you dog is big and physically powerful, a sedate game of fetch might not be stimulating enough. If you prepare for a walk with your dog by triple-wrapping the lead around your wrist and leaning back to brace yourself against the pull, consider a sport that harnesses your pet's energy-literally. For those who live in winter climates "skijoring" -where you ski and your dog pulls you-or traditional dog sledding can keep you both busy for hours in the winter and provide both of you with a thorough workout. But you don't need snow to let your dog have fun pulling. Consider "carting", where your harnesses dog pulls a small cart, or "scootering," where your dog pulls on a scooter. Before you begin such strenuous activities, check with your dog is physically able to tackle these new sports. Remember, safety is of the utmost importance.

Is Your Dog Nimble And Quick?
If long days indoors have your dog literally bouncing off walls, focus on his leaping potential and get outdoors for some active fun. Agility courses, which can be fantastic way to let your dog employ all the great doggie skills he loves to do-running, jumping, and barking. Playing catch with a flying disc is fun for the high energy dog, too.

Is Your Dog Ball Obsessed?
If your pet dreams of nothing but balls, nothing beats a good old game of catch in the backyard. Make sure you use a ball that's made especially for dogs-tennis balls meant for human play aren't durable enough, and your pet could choke on them if they break. If that's not exciting enough, check out "flyball" opportunities in your area. In this event, teams of dogs race over a series of hurdles, catch a ball, and return. For dogs that love the water, consider water fetch with a floating article. Again, make sure the toy is made especially for canine play.

Is Your Dog Determined And Focused?
Does your dog display those traditional terriers qualities-dogged and determined? Look into Earthdog, an event where your pet races through a narrow tunnel maze to find safe quarry. Even with out a formal event, it's still great fun to hide a toy in the sandbox and encourage your dog to unearth it while you enthusiastically cheer him on.

Is Your Dog Always By Your Side?
If your dog's ambition is simply to be by your side, unconditionally, consider activities that allow you to share time in quiet connectedness. Long hikes or backwoods camping provide great opportunities, but make sure your dog stays on a leash at all times and be sure to bring along some water for long hikes. Competitions at your local obedience school offer another chance for the two of you to work as a team.

Is Your Dog Graceful?
Dancing with dogs? Sure. Musical freestyle allows you and your pet to show off your style and creativity as you and your dog perform tricks and moves together in this fun competition. Check with local obedience schools to see if there are any doggie dancing classes in your area, and you just might become the Fred and Ginger of the canine set.

Safety First!
As with all activities, safety comes first. Take your time introducing new activities to your pet. While even very basic young dogs can be introduced to sports, ease them in slowly with very basic activities first, like carrying around a flying disc or walking over flattened jumps. Dr. Clemans urges owners to use caution. "Before you start a new activity with you pet, he should have a complete veterinary checkup." She advises. "Once you do begin, start slow, and when your pet tells you that he's tired by sitting down or getting less enthusiastic, honor that and quit for the day." Pets may be sore the nest day or two after a vigorous workout. Dr. Clemans says, so consider alternating your new activity with days of rest. Remember, you're supposed to be enjoying yourselves, not overexerting. A good obedience program, a thorough checkup by your veterinarian, and a healthy dose of common sense will keep things fun and safe for you and your canine companion for years to come.

Surfing For Ideas
For more information about fun outdoor activities that you can share with your dog visit these Web sites:
Scootering: www.dogscooter.com
Carting: www.cartingwithyourdog.com
Musical freestyle: www.canine-freestyle.org
Agility, flyball, and Earthdog: www.akc.org