Leash Your Fitness Blog

We offer mental stimulatin in LYF classes!

Most dogs don’t get enough mental stimulation to be satisfied or happy, and behavior problems are often a result. Dogs need just as much mental stimulation as they need physical stimulation, so simply taking them for a walk isn’t going to cut it! Your dog might be tired after the walk, but will end up bored with even more stamina in the long run to fuel that boredom in the long run!

Always incorporate dog commands and games in your dogs workout – the mental stimulation will tire them and you can have fun teaching them new things. Teach them new tricks and practice them when you are out on your daily walk or run! Even taking them to new places will give them some mental stimulation from all the new sights, smells, and sound. Just remember – it’s important to find a balance between the physical and the mental. Your dog will become even happier!

Thanks,

Walking on the Trails

Take severe caution when walking your dog on the trails this summer! Make sure you always keep your dog on a tight leash, and try to avoid allowing them to sniff in tall grass and bushes. Rattlesnakes can be found on or near trails taking in the sun and won’t hesitate to attack if surprised by your furry friend.

Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded creatures, so they can often be found in the open during the late spring to early fall period, so you will want to be safe during this time. It is not instinct for these snakes to be overtly aggressive, but if they feel threatened, they won’t hesitate to attack. Younger snakes are extremely dangerous as they haven’t learned to control the amount of venom they release with their bite.

If you run into a rattlesnake on the trail, back away slowly. The snake will usually warn you with it’s rattle before striking. It’s uncommon, but rattlesnakes don’t have to be coiled to strike. If bitten, keep the wound low and still. Running around and panicking will only increase your blood flow and the spread of the venom. Try to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. It is recommended to stay close to civilization and never wonder onto a trail alone. Always have your cell phone on you at all times. If your dog is attacked, keep your dog calm and seek out veterinary attention immediately.

Remember, be safe on the trails this summer. There are a lot of dangers and it would be smart to be prepared!

Thanks,

Dogs have highly sensitive hearing and can detect sounds high above human capabilities. Their ears are mobile due to 18 muscles that turn, lift, and tilt them to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Because of their acute sense of hearing, dogs can hear sounds from four times the distance a human can.

This holiday weekend, make sure your dog is in a secure environment, especially if you are leaving them at home. Because of their sensitive hearing, many dogs are afraid of fireworks. If you are out with your dog, make sure they are on a secure leash so the don’t run away. When dogs become frightened, their behavior can become unpredictable, so the safety of your dog and the people around you should be your main priority.

Thanks!

Kayak with your dog!

Summer is here! Be creative with your exercise: take your dog rollerblading, kayaking, hiking, surfing, etc. It’s going to get hot, so try to keep cool while exercising! Run at the beach rather than at your park. Do your stretches in the shade. Go swimming with your dog if they know how to swim.

The Leash Your Fitness team is going Kayaking at the end of July. Stay tuned , or visit our class page for more information. San Diego is full of amazing things to do with your dog during the summer, so don’t wait until then to get creative!

Continue with last weeks advice. Break up the rut of just doing daily walks. Incorporate your dog in your stretching and yoga to keep things fun and interesting.

Thanks!

Make your dog walks a workout walk.  Incorporate exercises along the way to help with your upper body and leg strength.

Your dog is the best workout partner. They never make excuses and are always eager to go outside. You are already going on a walk to exercise your dog, so why not mix in some stretches to exercise yourself?

Don’t forget last weeks tip! Always have water and keep yourself and your dog hydrated.

Shelly doing a lunge.

Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water during your walks and hikes—especially as the temperature starts to rise. Remember that dogs do not sweat like we do—they cool off by panting, and through the pads of their feet and their nose.

Some breeds are more susceptible to overheating than others. If you are going to exercise, try to do so in the early morning hours before the sun gets too high or later in the evening when it cools down. Remember, always have water ready for your dog and don’t push them too hard!

hiking with a dehydrated dog