Don’t Let Cold Weather Freeze Up Your Exercise Routine With Your Pet.

It’s so easy to settle into the ‘I’ll exercise tomorrow’ routine, especially during colder months. Keep in mind that weather really shouldn’t have an impact, especially for your pets. As you’re aware, health maintenance is an all year round mode of living and cold weather shouldn’t interfere. Stay in shape TOGETHER – knock off two routines at once.

Here are a few ways how:

• Take brisk morning walks. Brisk walks promote cardiovascular health for both you and your dog.
• Play TAG! Dogs love chasing and being chased (well, most do anyhow!) so why not play a little tag! Chase your pooch then switch it up and allow them to chase you!
• Play fetch! Space permitting, indoor fetch can work just as well as the outdoor kind. If space is limited indoors, take Fido outside and play fetch! It can also be tons of fun right after a fresh snowfall.
• Stairs anyone? If you live in a home that has an abundance of stairs, get your pooch climbing them a few times. Walking up and down or jogging are great ways to burn off some of that excess energy. Do it together!
• Ever heard of intervals? Mix up your walks a little with a 1-2 minute walk followed by a quick 20-30 second jog. Now remember, you’re not training for the olympics so gauge both your paces and start slow building up and mixing the timing a bit.

Fall is just around the corner and winter not too far away so keep that exercise routine top of mind and keep that healthy state of mind for the two (or more) of you!

Enjoy and always remember to HAVE FUN!

Home is where the pooch lives. For Ruckus Dog Home Dogcor™, please visit our website @ ruckusdog.com

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Eat. Play. Bark. Setting Up Play Dates For Your Dog.

Are you planning a play date for your pooch? Play dates can either work out amazingly well OR be a complete recipe for disaster. How great would it be if your dog was able to EAT, PLAY and BARK with fellow Fido?

Here are a few tips to help you bring in the new guest and create the ideal environment:

• If you’re considering an overnighter, when your guest and Fido arrive, take beds and crates inside right away and choose a safe place for each to sleep. Selecting separate sleeping quarters is really important because the last thing you want is having to break up a squabble in the middle of the night. Baby gates are great at helping with separation.
• Take both your pooch & Fido out together on a walk. This will encourage doggie interaction, ‘pack-building’ and give them both some exercise before the visit gets underway. Be sure to lead the walk so that Fido knows who’s in charge and who’s leading the way.
• If the walk was stellar and no issues came about, get into your home by leading the way in, guest and Fido afterwards.
• Now it’s time to get the dogs playing TOGETHER! Ideally, a fenced in backyard would be great but if that isn’t an option, choose an indoor play space where less to NO damage can occur. Your home ‘scents’ will play a big role AND set the stage letting Fido know that you and your pet are primary.
• Don’t be afraid to lay down the rules! It’s important that you take a few minutes to specify house rules (without offending anyone of course!) so for instance, if dogs aren’t allowed on furniture etc., make it clear to your guest.
• When mealtime comes about, you may want to consider separating the dogs for feeding to make sure there are no food fights! You want to minimize the potential for any incidents to take place and food aggression could result.
• Have FUN! If all seems to be going well, PLAY, catch up with your guest, have an abundance of treats on hand and ENJOY all of the company!

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