FitDog Friday Hop Archives - Page 3 of 4

5 Reasons To Have A Blog Friends Meet-Up

May 24, 2013

12 days ago (Mother’s Day), we had a blog friends meet-up in the city.
I am Golden Excited as I love going in the city.
We met with Rocco and mom Diane from To Dog With Love.
They were visiting family in Chicago and its Rocco’s first time traveling via air.
We also met Dolly and mom Sandra from Dolly the Doxie.

5 Reasons To Have A Blog Friends Meet-Up

1) A socialization opportunity for both you and your dog.
2) Great activity for the day. Chasing and running are PAWsome calorie burning activity.
3) Another opportunity to practice/reinforce your basic commands of Sit, Stay, Come. As we said before, it does not matter the age of your dog. It is important that these basic commands must go hand in hand with any of your dog’s activity. It helps a lot especially when your dog is off-leash.
4) Explore new place.
5) It’s FUN!

Did we accomplished these 5 reasons? Yes, absolutely.

It was my first time to meet Rocco and Dolly. For our moms, it was a pre-BlogPaws meet-up.
Rocco is a young pup and he sure has lots of energy. I’m happy that I was able to keep up with him. Dolly might be small but she can certainly keep us with me and Rocco. I brought a ball which was the center of our play besides running and chasing.
We played on the lawn off-leash for about 2 hours. Many residence who live in the area joined us and chatted with our moms. A family brought their dog and 2 kids who played catch on the lawn. Well, I’m a golden that enjoy catch games too and since the ball I brought broke I joined the kids while Rocco and Dolly rested.
From the photo above, I’m in between the 2 kids and tried to catch the ball when they threw it. My mom regret not taking a video of it.
It was hilarious. I had a great time playing with them until we heard a voice from a megaphone. “Put that dog on a leash.” Ooops, its the police. I guess off-leash was not allowed on the lawn. This ended our lawn play. We said good-bye to Dolly and mom Sandra.
We wanted to explore the park, Lincoln Park. For the past years, it has gone through a renovation. Rocco and mom Diane joined us for a walk around Lincoln Park: Nature Boardwalk (half a mile walk around the out skirts of the Lincoln Park Zoo). The city of Chicago certainly did a great job renovating the area and making it such a delightful walk. Rocco and I surely enjoyed the scenery where we saw camels, goats, horses, and ducks. Also, we enjoyed posing for photos.

It was a 3 1/2 hours blog meet-up play date.
I was exhausted but definitely had a PAWsome time.

I am joining FitDog Friday Hop,
hosted by SlimDoggy, Peggy’s Pet Place and To Dog With Love.

Click Here to read our review of SlimDoggy App.
Read our previous posts on my Dog’s Health page.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

Joining A Dog Walking Event, Add FUN in Fundraising

May 9, 2013

It’s that time of the year, where many dog walking events are happening to benefit rescue organization. Why join a dog walking event?

1) You and your dog are Walking For a Good Cause.
2) It’s FUN …

a) fitness/workout for the day.
b) socializing with other dog breeds and dog owners
c) getting educated about rescue organization and dog’s health/product information
d) practicing basic commands and re-learning old commands

Last Saturday, we participated in the 19th 5k Bark in the Park benefiting the Anti-Cruelty. Since 1899, The Anti-Cruelty Society has been committed to caring for animals and educating the community. The facility has an open door policy (they will not turn away any animal in need) and it’s open 7 days a week. We’re glad to partake and help in their fundraising event.

We arrived at the venue very early (to avoid traffic and to get a good parking space). We walked for about a mile around the park/beach and had a chance to see the morning sun shining over the lakefront.

Arriving early, also provided us an opportunity to visit uncrowded sponsor/vendor booths.
I was particular attracted to one of the vendor who got a truck.
WHY? Check it out …
A Tasty Treat truck! How cool is that. Love what it says on the back of the truck.

One of the owner of the Tasty Truck is an advocate of dog health and fitness. He had FitPaws Peanut ball on the lawn by the truck. FitPaws ball is a peanut-shaped stability ball designed for canine fitness and core conditioning. The FitPaws Peanut Ball is used for core conditioning of sporting and working dogs as well as for animal rehabilitation and therapy. The unique peanut shape limits its movement to front/back or side/side, which is important for a dog like me new to this type of equipment. You can also adjust the balance challenge by under-inflating so the ball is not as firm. I got to try it … and the ball was very firm.
Cool! I did it … no issues at all getting on the ball. Good thing I was wearing a harness (short leash) for easy assistance on the peanut ball. I was able to stand for seconds. We also learned that a dog can get a full body workout using FitPaws Peanut ball. Interesting!

We got more time to spare before the 5k walk starts. We headed to the free agility field.
Oh! I used to do agility .. a good test if I still remember some of the equipments and commands. Did I …
Of course … my peeps were surprised and the trainer too. I had lots of cheers and claps from the volunteers who were watching on the side. I was too excited and I went on the agility course many times. Mom had to bribe me with a tasty treat to stop.

Finally, we were at the starting line.
But everyone was asked to stretch … yes all the dogs need to stretch too.
We were guided on how to stretch. 3 Steps to Stretch Your Dog Before a Walk?
1) Stretch front paws then the back paws.
2) Ask your dog to go up or hold front 2 paws enabling a stretch too on the back.
3) Give your dog a smooch.

As we walked, we enjoyed the cool breeze and lovely scenery of the lakefront beach. One thing we did not like were dog owners who used flexi leash and did not know how to control how far to let their dog go. I am not fond of other dogs sniffing my butt as I walk. We wish and for safety reasons that flex leash should not be allowed on walking events.

There were many water bowls available for all doggies. As I blogged before, I have issues of drinking water other than water that came from my house. I sniffed every water bowl available and did not drink. Lucky mom brought some water from home.
I ended the fundraising walking event by having a delish snack of bananas, which were provided free for all the attendees. Lastly, could not help to get a Tattoo For a Good Cause. Mom selected a Red Heart tattoo which represents Golden Love. It was applied with a heart stencil and water-based paint. The ladies who applied were very sweet. I was a bit ticklish …

All in all, I had lots of Golden Excitement joining the 19th 5k Bark In Park benefiting the Anti-Cruelty Society. PAWsome event and organization to support.
I invite you to check your area’s rescue organizations for dog walking events. Also, check other organizations for walking events like MS 5k Walk (we attended last Sunday) that was dog-friendly. Yes, I did two 5k walks last weekend.

I definitely had a PAWsome Golden FUN For A Good Cause.

I am joining FitDog Friday Hop,
hosted by SlimDoggy, Peggy’s Pet Place and To Dog With Love.

Click Here to read our review of SlimDoggy App.
Read our previous posts on my Dog’s Health page.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

Bring Creativity On Your Dog Walks

May 3, 2013

Do you take your dog for a walk in the park? For sure there are accessible walking paths. Do you tend to take the park’s walking path all the time. It’s gets boring … for and your dog. Yes, dogs gets bored. Look around your park and check out some of the accessories available.
Use your creative mind on how to utilize them.
Find the opportunity to deviate from the park’s walking path. Why?

5 Reasons to Bring Creativity on Your Dog Walks
1) To get rid of boredom and redundancy.
2) Stimulate your dog’s mind. Providing a challenge on your dog’s walk.
3) Great way to reinforce and/or practice important basic commands
such as sit/stand, stay and come. It does not matter the age of your dog,
it is always good to practice these basic commands.
4) Eliminating fear and/or any uneasiness on unfamiliar places/equipments.
5) The main propose on going to the park beside walking is to have FUN. Being Creative is Fun.

How do we make our daily walks creative.

When I was a young pup I did agility. I went to shows, competed and mastered many agility equipment terms. I carried this knowledge to make my walks creatively Golden FUN.
1) Bike Racks – Most parks have bike racks and they are now built in many different ways. My favorite is the round bike racks which I associate as a tunnel. The second one is just the arch bike racks which I associate as weave poles.
2) Tables – Many parks have picnic tables, it a good place to rest or take a break from your walk. Also, reinforcing/practicing sit, stay and come commands.

3) Playground – Nowadays, many playground equipments are built in recycled materials, a great way for your dog to get familiarized. I usually enjoy walking on the bridge then thru the steps several times. Take Note: please obey your park rules, many do not allow dogs in the playground and only go when no children are playing.

4) Fitness Equipment – Take this opportunity to rest your dog while you take advantage of the series of equipments. Another good way to reinforce/practice stand, stay and come commands.

5) Stairs – We’ve previously shared how we enjoy stair climbing, its our favorite. I’m fast so mom goes first as I stand and stay at the bottom of the stair. I wait for her to say command “come” and I go. Sometimes I go first and I wait for her at the top. Got to try it as it’s FUN! You can always start and/or practice on park ledges.

I invite you to look around your park and check the accessories.
Surely you can think of Creative FUN Ways to utilize them on your dog walking.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

A Good Park For You And Your Dog

April 26, 2013

A good park is essential to have a joyful stroll/walk/run with your dog.
We are very fortunate that there are many parks around us.
Some are walking distance but a car ride is needed to go to our favorite park.
What makes a good park for and your dog? Here’s our 5 criteria…
1) The location need to be SAFE.
2) Ample SPACE of grass area and walking paths.
3) Assurance that the park is dog-friendly.
There are available materials cleaning up after your dog (bags and garbage cans).
4) Available resting areas/facilities and water fountains.
5) Natural visual barriers within the park such as plants, trees, hills, etc
One of my favorite park is called Gallery Park. It is about a 20 minute drive from my home but well worth it. My “4 Paws Up” photo was taken from this park. This is where mom and I do our walk/run interval workouts. Also, this is where I go running up-hill and down-hill.
Gallery Park is 142 acres, one of the largest park located in Glenview IL.
There are approximately 6 miles of bicycle/jogging and walking paths which encompass a man-made 45 acre lake. The lake and surrounding area provide habitat for wildlife such as blue herons, crayfish, snapping turtles and dragonflies. Its prairie like landscape provides the opportunity for hiking recreation and/or quiet reflection.
Gallery Park used to be part of a Naval Air Station which closed in 1993. It primarily operated as an aircraft training facilities as well as seaplanes then it was reconfigured as a Naval Air Reserve base. Do you see the aircraft control tower behind me?
We usually spend hours when we go to this park.
I always have an enjoyable Golden FUN walk/run.
Do you have a favorite park?

I am joining Park Day Hop, hosted by Gizmo and Finn.
AND
I am joining FitDog Friday Hop, hosted by SlimDoggy and Peggy’s Pet Place.
Click Here to read our review of SlimDoggy App.
Read our previous posts on my Dog’s Health page.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

Making a Golden SPLASH: Canine Hydrotherapy

April 25, 2013

I am a Golden Retriever that enjoys swimming. When I lived in HI last year I swam in the ocean 2-4 times a week. I Golden LOVEd it and if you’ve followed my blog you’ve seen photos and read many of my HI beach blog posts. Click Here to read my HI beach adventures.

Swimming is an excellent total body conditioning activity. For an active senior dog like ME, swimming will always be on my list of activity. Now that I am back home, swimming in the lake is not an option. I swam in the lake when I was young but my Golden skin did not do well with the quality of the lake water. An indoor pool is the only option. It is certainly not free but mom says it’s well worth it. In our area, most of the indoor pool are built for Canine Hydrotherapy. The pool tends to be smaller than a human swimming pool. The water is safely treated and heated in certain degree like 88-92 degrees which helps relaxes the muscles. The warm water allows for a decrease in pain, muscle spasms and stiffness.

Typically canine hydrotherapy is used as treatments for injuries and rehabilitation. Nowadays, lots of dogs use canine hydrotherapy as a form of exercise to help maintain a fitness level.

We found out that a 20-25 minute swim is equivalent to about a 4-5 mile walk. WOW!
Exercising in warm water and a controlled environment provides many benefits, such as:

Non weight baring exercise
Builds Muscles
Reduces stiffness in the joints
Lessens stress on joints and muscles
Improves circulation
Provides anti inflammatory relief
Improves overall well being

I went to Splash Dog (about 30 minutes from my home). I went for a Canine Hydrotherapy fun swim. Even though I am a good swimmer, I had to wear a safety vest. The harness on the vest was used to guide me on the pool (stay in the pool). There’s a bench on the edge of the pool which serves as a resting place. ME resting … I only rested for seconds and I Woof Woof and more Woofs ready to go again again again …

I brought my beach buddy Chuck It. Definitely, A Golden SPLASH Joyful Swim.
Golden Thanks to Splash Dog for their superb service and
making my first canine hydrotherapy fun swim enjoyable.

I am joining this post to FitDog Friday Hop,
hosted by SlimDoggy and Peggy’s Pet Place.

Click Here to read our review of SlimDoggy App.
Read our previous posts on my Dog’s Health page.

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR

5 Reasons To Have A Blog Friends Meet-Up

Joining A Dog Walking Event, Add FUN in Fundraising

Bring Creativity On Your Dog Walks

A Good Park For You And Your Dog

Making a Golden SPLASH: Canine Hydrotherapy

Golden Retriever Resources /Adoption

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