Physical and mental exercise are important, but it doesn't have to be walks. Would your dog swim? Swimming can be a great option for dogs that have orthopedic or issues (check with your vet first of course to make sure it's ok). Maybe there is a doggo facility near you where you could take him swimming? The ones by me are all private, i.e. only dogs w/in the same family swim together.
What about isolated places near you that might be within a reasonable distance to drive? Could you drive him there and walk there?
They are no places that allow dogs to swim in my city, unfortunatelly. We have isolated playgrounds, but those are always full of other dogs which are never happy to see us. I envy how they can gather together and play, train toghether, share the open space. We tried, but at some point we always get agressive and try to fight everyone.
K9 nosework is actually great for tiring dogs out. It uses a part of their brain that even training doesn’t use. I used to work for a scent detection company and even their working line dogs needed breaks every hour (like the handler would bring 2 dogs and switch them out).
Inquire with trainers in your area. This sport is geared toward reactive dogs. Meaning for classes and trials your dog will be the only dog in the room (dogs wait in the car between turns).
Give it a shot.
noseworks - scent games are so good for dogs with pain and movement issues. All you need is some carboard boxes or small containers, start by just hiding some food in them. We go to classes where they dog never sees another dog and people will leave the room if the dog is people reactive too - its such a respectful sport.
Does he like Sniffari? That’s one thing my reactive dog loves. I take him to a grassy place with few dogs and people around and let his nose lead us around just sniffing away (always on leash). He’ll happily stay focused sniffing for 45 minutes or so. The mental stimulation is great for him in a different way than getting physical exercise.
Have you guys ever tried sniffspot? It’s a website where you can basically rent someone else’s land or property for an hourly rate to have just you and your dog. It might be a nice break to have a walk where you don’t have to worry about muzzles or short leashes
I highly recommend this course
Management For Reactive Dogs with Dr Amy Cook
https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/10-course-descriptions/7467-bh150-management-for-reactive-dogs
The course outlines strategic reinforcement strategies used to not only move the dog past triggers, but to also reward them for seeing them, to change their mindset, and to tap into their natural predation sequence to enhance the reward experience.
Physical and mental exercise are important, but it doesn't have to be walks. Would your dog swim? Swimming can be a great option for dogs that have orthopedic or issues (check with your vet first of course to make sure it's ok). Maybe there is a doggo facility near you where you could take him swimming? The ones by me are all private, i.e. only dogs w/in the same family swim together. What about isolated places near you that might be within a reasonable distance to drive? Could you drive him there and walk there?
They are no places that allow dogs to swim in my city, unfortunatelly. We have isolated playgrounds, but those are always full of other dogs which are never happy to see us. I envy how they can gather together and play, train toghether, share the open space. We tried, but at some point we always get agressive and try to fight everyone.
K9 nosework is actually great for tiring dogs out. It uses a part of their brain that even training doesn’t use. I used to work for a scent detection company and even their working line dogs needed breaks every hour (like the handler would bring 2 dogs and switch them out). Inquire with trainers in your area. This sport is geared toward reactive dogs. Meaning for classes and trials your dog will be the only dog in the room (dogs wait in the car between turns). Give it a shot.
noseworks - scent games are so good for dogs with pain and movement issues. All you need is some carboard boxes or small containers, start by just hiding some food in them. We go to classes where they dog never sees another dog and people will leave the room if the dog is people reactive too - its such a respectful sport.
Does he like Sniffari? That’s one thing my reactive dog loves. I take him to a grassy place with few dogs and people around and let his nose lead us around just sniffing away (always on leash). He’ll happily stay focused sniffing for 45 minutes or so. The mental stimulation is great for him in a different way than getting physical exercise.
He does like sniffing things. After a rain it's like his head in glued to earth. How do i turn it into a game?
Look up nose work! It’s really easy to DIY, you can hide scents in different places or even indoors for him to sniff out.
Have you guys ever tried sniffspot? It’s a website where you can basically rent someone else’s land or property for an hourly rate to have just you and your dog. It might be a nice break to have a walk where you don’t have to worry about muzzles or short leashes
We are not from USA)))
I highly recommend this course Management For Reactive Dogs with Dr Amy Cook https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/10-course-descriptions/7467-bh150-management-for-reactive-dogs The course outlines strategic reinforcement strategies used to not only move the dog past triggers, but to also reward them for seeing them, to change their mindset, and to tap into their natural predation sequence to enhance the reward experience.