A New Sport!

TREIBBALL

A sport new to the United States and quickly gaining popularity.

Treiball (pronounced, "Tryb-bal," which means "driving ball" in German)is a problem-solving game that keeps owner and dog thinking and moving together as a team. It is played with large, plastic balls.

The game begins when the handler sends the dog out into a playing field containing eight large colored balls. The dog has 10 minutes to roll the balls into a target in the order directed by the handler. It ends when the dog brings in all the balls and lies down or time runs out. In competition, the fastest dog-handler team with the fewest errors wins. Canine errors includes using paws or teeth to move the ball.

Any size dog or breed can play Treibball, but the dog should have, or be willing to develop, good listening skills. Because it does not need a wide-open field of a traditional herding course, it can be done in urban environments which has earned Treibball one of its many nicknames, "urban pool."

Because the sport is fairly new, you may not find a group in your area. You can still teach your dog the basics at home, referring to the association handbook for specifics found on the website.

If your dog craves physical activity and mental stimulation, and you would like to be a part of an up-and-coming trend, check out Treibball. Your dog may not be satisfied by chasing a tennis ball again!

Summer Time

Summertime is such a great time for you and your dog to have fun together.

So go ahead, have fun. It is a wonderful opportunity for you and your dog to spend time together, and it will do you both a lot of good both body and soul.

But remember rules still apply. Freedom for a dog is understanding rules, boundaries, and limitations. In the wild, animals are not just roaming around aimlessly. Their parents teach them a structured life.

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, recommends that before you start to play, set the limits in your own mind. Will you play for 10 minutes, 15 minutes—longer? Make sure you and your dog are relaxed before you begin and that she understands that playtime is over when you say so. Then wait until she is relaxed and calm before you start another game or activity.


Cesar also suggest to check your own emotions too. How are you going to enjoy summer if you are not emotionally free? Stop and acknowledge how you really feel. Try using breathing exercises to put yourself in a calm state.

Spending time on a trail, in the park, or at the beach gives you and your dog the chance to reconnect to nature together, which will strengthen the bond between you. Structured play can also work with your dog’s natural instincts.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, make sure there is some structure to your activities. You will know your dog is happy when he ends the sessions tired but fulfilled.

Vacation is a state of mind, and if you use your imagination, even a trip to your local park can be a great getaway. It would be wonderful to reach that state of mind every day!

How Well Do You Know Your Dog?

How well do your know your dog? Really.

You know him well enough to know that those bacon flavor biscuits are his favorite. That worn out spot on the far end of the couch is his favorite place to sleep. You know that he seems genuinely pleased to see you when you get home from work each day. When he scratches at the door and gives you "the look", you definitely know it's time to get the leash. You know a lot about your dog. But do you know him well enough to make him really happy?

Yes, a dog needs a good bone, a soft bed and a loving companion to take care of him. But for a dog to be really happy, all those wonderful things simply aren't enough. He also needs to be interested, amused, entertained and challenged. A dog needs to have some fun to make him truly happy.

Yes, a dog needs to play. Playing makes a dog happy. Toys are important. Quality playtime with you is important, too. I'm sure you spend a lot of time playing with your dog, and you buy him toys that he can play with when you're not around. But do you buy him the right kind of toys to hold his interest? Do you do the right kind of activities with him to make him really happy?

All dogs are different. They have different styles of play. Some dogs like to play in many different ways while other dogs are only interested in one certain type of play.

Do you know what kind of play makes your dog happy?

Think about it. Some dogs won't fetch. They simply will not do it. Some dogs like to cuddle. Some love to tug. Some really get into a challenging toy that they have to "figure out" and some dogs just want a toy that squeaks. All dogs are different.

To make your dog really happy, you must understand how he likes to play. Then, you can buy him the kind of toys that will actually hold his interest and play the kind of games that will bring him real joy. Find out what stimulates your dog. Good satisfying play is important for a dog's mental and physical health. Engage your dog in the kind of play activities he loves and you will make him truly happy.

Dog and Deer Playmates

This video came across my radar today.

I believe this little dog was attempting to chase off the deer.
But the deer decided she wanted to play.

Take a few minutes to catch these two at play!

Dogs and Play; Part 2

Yesterday I shared about dogs and play. What type of dog toy does your dog prefer? Does your dog like to chew, tug, cuddle, fetch, or be creative with his toys? Is fluffy, rubbery, squeaky, bouncy, or ropey his preference? There are many options to consider when choosing a dog toy. Check out yesterday's blog for ideas.

Have you ever seen anything like this? This dog can actually balance a ball on his nose and considers it play! Makes people stop and ponder - is it a dog or a seal. You'll see why when you watch this video. Watch, Is it a Dog or a Seal?