Designed by a dog behaviourist to keep pets happy and healthy
Designed by a dog behaviourist to keep pets happy and healthy
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Agility equipment
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Platform
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Tunnel
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Jump
Introducing a platform to your dog can really help increase their ability to channel energy, they have to be calm and steady to get it right which is great mental stimulation.
You can include basic training throughout the challenge by asking them to walk up, sit and stay at the top and even include a basic recall to dismount. Don’t forget you can include obstacles like this in every day exercise, as an example a large fallen tree makes a good platform.
Behaviourist Nick Jones, MA adds “In my experience dogs who have a trusting bond with their owners and lots of varied exercise experience less behavioural issues.”
Tunnels can be great fun for dogs and help develop their confidence. By asking your dog to go away from you and through a dark space there needs to be mutual trust between dog and owner.
There are lots of ways to include this type of activity in regular walks, create something similar in your own garden, or basic agility equipment is readily available if you wanted to purchase something more specific.
Behaviourist Nick Jones MA advises “Set your dog up for the exercise well, making sure they know what you’re asking. A friendly face at the other end of the tunnel or a small treat often go a long way. Don’t forget to make it fun for your dog and to make a fuss of them when they get it right.” Build confidence slowly and never force the dog through the tunnel.
Most dogs enjoy jumping and not only is it good fun it can support physical wellbeing. “Fit and active dogs often have strong hearts, lungs and bones” comments Brian Faulkner MRCVS Petplan veterinary advisor.
It’s best to start with very low jumps to build your dog’s confidence and only very small ones until your dog is at least a year old. Some dogs will be able to jump high and others will get more enjoyment over a smaller obstacle, remember to keep the height well within your dog’s comfort level.
Dog Behaviourist Nick Jones MA concludes; “you can ask your dog to jump these agility type obstacles or there are plenty of jumping opportunities during regular exercise, such as a fallen branch.”
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Dog Behaviourist Nick Jones, MA
Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.
Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.