Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Exercising your Dog

We described how the dog sport of Fast CAT works, and you can read the post here.  One of the great things about Fast CAT is that every dog can participate.  It doesn’t matter how fast they run, if they run slower it may take them longer to earn a title, but they won’t be disqualified for a lack of speed.  In fact, I believe the only way to be disqualified is if the dog attacks another person or dog, or if the dog relieves herself on the course.  Addi learned this the hard way, when after a run she stopped for a potty break.  She was on grass, so I couldn’t fault her, and she still had fun during the run.



If you are looking to rank your dog in Fast CAT, then helping them to get their best score, might be one of your priorities.  One of the key things to achieve this, other than encouraging your dog’s enthusiasm for the sport, is to make sure they are physically fit.  Overweight dogs, or dogs who are not used to running, will not be able to run very fast.  It doesn’t mean they can’t try Fast CAT, I watched an older French bulldog stroll down the course, taking his own sweet time, but also enjoying himself immensely.  


Since our girls are young and fit, and giving their best effort at chasing the lure, I have been watching their AKC ranking.  My employers gave me a scooter for my work anniversary this Summer, so I’ve  been using it to help Addi increase her speed.  I cannot run with her, so I ride the scooter and Addi runs along side, which she loves!  We also do walks and hikes with the collies, which helps keep them healthy and fit, but the scooter really helps build speed and endurance.  I can’t use it with the older collies, as I’m always mindful of their age limitations, so for them it’s strictly walks and easy hikes.  But we are curious, do you exercise your dogs?  How do you get them the exercise they need?

9 comments:

  1. The scooter is a great idea as no 2-legged can run as fast as a dog with 4 feet! I love my morning walks!

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  2. Your pups are so gorgeous and that scooter sure is a good idea for keeping them moving!

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  3. How great to have the scooter to let Addi get additional exercise to increase her speed. We have a huge yard (1 acre) that the pups get to run around in if they want. Now that they are both over 12 there isn't much running going on anymore.

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  4. What a cool scooter and what a nice work anniversary gift! Due to her age, Elsa gets shorter walks (almost 1-3/4 miles) but Wilson walks 5 miles a day. It's been good for him (and me), hs helped him learn about life in the city with all of its traffic, sounds and smells. When I can get him to focus on sniffing for things other than finding squirrels, his daily sniffari helps wear him out along with the long brisk walks.

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  5. Java Bean: "Aside from the usual walks, I get the exercise I need by running around the yard while Lulu chases me!"
    Lulu: "And I think I get more exercise than I need by doing that ..."

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  6. Exercise is so very important. What a great action shot. It's perfect.

    I want the scooter.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥

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  7. Absolutely amazing, gorgeous collies.
    Saw your post at Comedy Plus - Wordless Wednesday.
    My entries this week are numbered #39+40
    Come and join us weekly at https://esmesalon.com/tag/wordlesswednesday/ Now open

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  8. That is too bad. Pooping on the course is a fantastic way tp dispute an official's call. It worked for Mookie Betts.

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  9. Hi there,

    Marjorie here from Dash Kitten. You asked about what is involved in Blog for Peace in the CatBlogosphere. I am adding the link (which might/might not work https://peaceglobegallery.blogspot.com/2024/09/dona-nobis-pacem-blog4peace-2024-join-us.html) but I think people write about what Peace means to them. This year the theme is Hold the Light and Mimi gives an example.

    You hold the Light for your amazing pups with their training and to show others how good it can be.

    Marjorie and Toulouse
    DashKitten

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