Another fun way to get your pooch in shape: skating

Sometimes, a daily walk just does not cut it. Your pet may be hyperactive, and you may need a way to calm him down. Or, perhaps you are tired of the same old exercise routine and are looking for a change. Exercising with your pet does not have to be mundane. Why don't you resort back to your childhood? Grab a pair of inline skates and get going!

Skating with your pooch can be a wonderful experience. He'll be happy that you can keep up with him, and you'll enjoy the workout. But, skating with a dog is not for beginners. Only owners that are completely confident and practiced in their skating abilities should try to take their pets with them. In addition to being a great skater, your pet should be well trained. Your pooch needs to understand and obey a variety of commands. As you skate train, you will be able to somewhat teach your pet as you go, but he needs to be a master of the basics before you hit the road. So, if you are not completely confident in your abilities or your pooch's abilities, you may want to practice without your pet for while.

You won't need any fancy equipment before you head out, but you will need protective equipment. A helmet and knee pads are a must; you should also grab elbow pads and wrist guards. You never know when you or your pet may get distracted and cause an accident; there's no sense in returning home with scrapes and bruises. Plus, many communities require that skaters wear helmets, so you can't go wrong.

The great thing about skating with your pet is that you can use a leash you have a home; he doesn't require any fancy equipment either. But, owners who spend lots of time skating with their pets have made recommendations. For example, a normal leash is around six feet in length. A longer leash is recommended for skating, because it gives you a little more reaction time for control over your pet and yourself. Conditioned skaters also recommend using a halter instead of a collar. If you fall or if you jerk the leash for whatever reason, the halter will prevent you from choking or injuring your pet!

If you have never skated with your pooch, then it's a good idea to start easy, even if you are an excellent skater. If you have a hard-surface driveway, then it can be a great place to start. If not, head out to a park early in the morning or late in the evening when there are few people around. For safety reasons, the fewer people you can run into, the better! Remember that it is going to be a new experience for your pet, so he may not understand what you want him to do. Start with practicing basic commands, such as "stop" and "go." It's up to you what other commands you would like to teach. It's a good idea to throw in directional commands just in case a pot hole or group of people is on the horizon. Also, realize that your pet may see another animal and start a chase; you must be able to control your pet if such a situation occurs.

If you decide to skate in a place where other people are around, then be considerate of them. Yes, you are the one on the skates with a dog while they may just be walking, but be courteous. Let a person know you are coming up behind them by saying "passing on the right" or "passing on the left." This is another situation where directional commands can come in handy for your pet!

If skating seems overwhelming, then start with bicycling. For biking, you can buy a special leash that keeps your pet away from the tires. It's a good starting point to teach your pet certain commands that can translate to skating. But, no matter what you choose to start with, don't get angry with your pet. He's learning the ropes just like you!

If you are looking for a way to get your pooch in shape while getting a little exercise yourself, then try to spice things up! Instead of going on a daily walk or jog, try to incorporate other activities, such as skating, into the routine. Keep your safety, your pet's safety, and other's safety in mind while skating. Wear protective gear, and be courteous around others. Your pet will love the fact that you are keeping up with him on skates!

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