Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

People with dogs are strongly encouraged to take their pets out on walks daily as much as possible. Without question, daily walks are important to keep dogs active both physically and mentally. Dog walking is also beneficial as the human can get regular exercise while sharing quality bonding time with his or her pet.

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

If you have a spacious lawn, you may consider creating a special area where your dog or dogs can enjoy happy play time every day.  Why not!  There are many advantages.

Imagine how convenient it would be if you could spend a few minutes with your dogs out in the sun each morning without having to take your pooch to the dog park.  Dogs won’t feel bored due to a lack of things to do.  You can provide toys outdoors and not worry about finding your home a mess upon your return.  Yes, having a play area right in your own backyard is wonderful especially if you have two or more dogs.

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Tips on Creating A Dog Playground

If creating a playground is possible, the most important thing is making sure that the area is properly enclosed so your dogs can’t run off the streets or the neighborhood which can prove to be unsafe. See to it that the walls or fence is high enough and sturdy enough to keep even the largest dogs inside.

Are your dogs of small breed? See to it that there are no holes or cracks. Don’t forget that dogs are skilled diggers, and even a small gap can quickly become an opening big enough for a dog to get out from.

Installing one or two playground equipment is also recommended as these can help strengthen their bodies, and stimulate their minds. Choose an equipment that is especially made for dogs. See to it that the equipment has no sharp edges which can accidentally hurt your dog.

Examples of playground equipment are the double tunnel, hole jump, double tunnel, “A” bridge, S-tunnel, hoop jump, high and low, up and down ramp, and more. These are often used in dog agility training competitions and dog shows, and found in public dog parks. You may also add a shaded area where your dogs can freely roam even on a rainy day.

Shade structures are simple structures with a series of poles that support a large canvas piece on top. Most shade structures are made for larger spaces but homeowners can find smaller structures that should fit their lawn or backyard.  You can place a dog house or crate right in the shaded area for times when you’re not home and you don’t want your dog or dogs to be spending the whole day in the house on their own.

3 Ways to Help Your Dog Overcome Stress and Anxiety

Like humans, our dear pets can experience anxiety that can affect their behavior.  As a pet owner, what can you do to help your pet overcome the stress or anxiety?  Consider these three stress management tips for pet owners:

 

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Know the cause of anxiety.

There are many possible reasons why dogs and cats get stressed out.  It can be the presence of an unfamiliar object or another animal, loud noises, or an unfamiliar situation.  Find out what’s causing your pet to be stressed out or agitated and do something about it.  If it’s an object that’s inducing stress, get it out from your pet’s sight.  If it’s the surrounding, take your dog or cat to another area where it can feel safer, more calm.

If it’s not possible to remove your dog or change the situation, give it a place to hide like a crate or shelter, and make it as comfortable as possible by providing cushion, toys, or treats.

Don’t add up to your pet’s agitation.

A pet owner’s initial reaction might be to take it into his or her arms to cuddle it and give it assurance.  However, such action would only strengthen the fear that your dog or cat feels.  It sends out the wrong message that there is a reason to be afraid, and will only encourage panic.

The best way to react when a pet is agitated is to not to show any sign of concern.  Just treat your pet as you usually does.  Talk to it in a calm voice and praise it if it’s showing good behavior.

Try a natural stress reliever.

If agitation continues and it  seems that your pet’s anxiety is getting out of control, herbal products that offer stress relief for pets could help.  For instance, certain flower essences have a calming effect for pets, such as dogs and cats. Flower essences are commonly used on pets that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.

For example, giving your pet a small amount before a thunderstorm can help it to calm down. As the pet uses the product, behavioral issues should lessen or completely go away. When the pet fully overcomes anxiety, you can wean it off of the essences. Other pets like birds, horses and hamsters can also benefit from herbal anti-stress products.

It is also good news for people who have just brought home a pet or adopted a pet.  Anti-stress products can help pets get adjusted to their new surroundings more quickly. The essences are ideal for dogs and cats who show signs of separation anxiety or depression.  People who have several dogs and cats at home can also use herbal essences that promote calmness to avoid fights between pets.

You can check out such products that will help here. However, when considering products for dog anxiety, remember to do your research and make sure that the product is safe for pets.