Outdoor fun is calling
you and your pet
Time to kick up your heels - it's spring!
One of the best times of the year to get outside with your dog is the springtime, especially in Florida. The weather is mild, the sun is out, and you’re ready to get out of the house since you’ve been cooped up all winter. If you’re looking for something to do with your pet, then consider the things you can do outdoors. Hiking and dog parks are great choices.
Getting outside usually means getting more exercise. Like humans, dogs require exercise in order to live healthy lives. Hopefully you take your pooch for a daily walk or jog already. Spring weather is a great excuse to take longer and more frequent walks. To keep things exciting, throw in other forms of exercise. Or, more specifically, take your cardio routine to a dog park or hiking trail.
Hiking trails are fun because they offer a change of scenery. Depending on where you live, the trail may venture into the forest or along the beach. Sometimes the trails are more difficult than a walk around the block, so do some research before you put on your hiking boots. First, call ahead and get details on the trail. Are dogs even allowed? If so, what are the leash requirements? Is the trail well marked, clearly showing beginner and intermediate stretches? Find out everything you can, so you can make sure the experience is a pleasant one. It’s not a bad idea to check out the trail on your own before you pack up the pooch.
If you don’t live close to hiking trails or can’t utilize them for whatever reason, consider taking a trip to a local dog park. Dog parks are beneficial for a number of reasons: your dog has other dogs to play with, you have plenty of people to talk to, there’s space for your pet to roam, and it’s easy to start a game of Frisbee or catch.
Like trails, dog parks come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important that you check out or research the different parks ahead of time. Some parks require that your dog remain on a leash at all times (sometimes even requiring a specified leash length), while others let dogs roam free under the supervision of responsible guardians. Most parks have some sort of pet waste policy. You may have to take your own waste pickup tools, or the park may provide plastic bags and disposal bins for the waste.
If you’re unsure on where to take your pet, talk to another dog guardian such as a neighbor or a friend. He or she can provide you with suggestions. It’s never a bad idea to set up a play date with others. You and your dog will both have someone to relate to, while having a blast outdoors.
As spring approaches, we’re all itching to get outside. Take advantage of the wonderful weather, and take your pooch somewhere new. Hiking trails and dog parks are great for exercising, and they are a breath of fresh air to a stale routine. Whatever you do, invite a friend along. You and your pet will have even more fun when you both have companions.
Editor's Note: This article was written by Danielle Roberts and Ratelines.com, a reliable online source to find the best cd rates and mortgage rates.
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