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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 21, 2007 - 35 Tired dogs are happy dogs D ogs are being surrendered at an alarming rate to shelters all over the country for one main reason ­ `hyperactivity'. Normal dogs can be misclassified in this way when the real reason for their behaviour relates to a lack of opportunity for exercise and social time. There's no reason to have a bored pet when there are so many ways to give your dog both a mental and physical workout. Doggie Daycare -- Dogs that spend all week crated -- aren't leading the best quality of life. Regardless of the size of the dog they enjoy socializing and being mentally challenged. Sending your pet to a doggie daycare facility run by knowledgeable individuals can have many benefits. If the facility is monitored for the well being of the dogs and that fights and bullying are not permitted, a doggie daycare can be beneficial. Check out the facility to ensure there is suitable supervision. Large and small dogs should be separated to avoid injury. Alternatively, for the less social dog, having someone walk your pet once a day can be helpful. Dog agility ­ Agility training is a dog's version of an obstacle course and offers a great workout. Agility is best left to dogs one year or older to ensure that the dog is physically able to handle it. Agility is great for socialization and tends to create a strong bond between you and your pet. Most schools require your dog have off leash control so you may need obedience classes before signing up. Canine Musical Freestyle ­ Freestyle is a combination of obedience, trick moves and jumping, choreographed to music. Dogs of any age or size can do it and you do not need any dance experience to participate. Classes are fun. Flyball ­ This is a team relay sport involving hurdles and a box, which throws out a ball when triggered by a dog landing on it. This sport is a little more difficult to get into because it is a team sport and it can be quite competitive. Dogs must have an interest in a ball and be able to retrieve to play. Teams usually practice once a week and compete on weekends. Carting ­ Even the smallest dog can learn to pull a cart. Many of the larger breeds have a history of pulling carts. Dogs learn selfcontrol to work off leash and to be more bodily self-aware. Frisbee ­ Kids love to catch a flying frisbee. Many dogs are the same and you can compete in this. Dock Diving ­ The dock at the cottage has found a new purpose. Dock diving is a really new sport that has your dog jumping off a dock and then measuring the length of the jump. For information visit www.dockdogs.com. Tracking ­ Put your dog's nose to the test. Your dog will learn to follow a scent path to an object when it's tracking. Search and rescue programs are an extension to this form of activity. Demo Teams ­ Once you have a lot of training under your belt and your dog is very reliable in a number of areas you might want to consider it. These touring groups are often seen at festivals and public shows. Therapy Work ­ If your dog enjoys people and is well mannered, visiting people might be a way of spending social time together. In addition to these organized activities, walking and hiking are always wonderful choices. Find time for your pet and your pet will remain a positive part of your family -- instead of potentially one of the surrendered statistics at your local humane society. Lady Chelsea Welcomes Back Wednesday, June 6, 2007 At Le Dome Banquet Hall 1173 North Service Rd E, Oakville, ON Cocktails/Dine Around Dinner 6:30-8:30 p.m. Host Bar Silent Auction/Raffle Show 9:15 p.m. Tickets $150 per person/Tables of 10 All proceeds to the Oakville & District Humane Society Building Fund For tickets contact Trudy Barber 905-617-1400 Tracy Powell 416-917-5315 JIMMY KEYS check out The Oakville Beaver for the best automotive tips every week ... www.oakvillebeaver.com KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED Our LivingWell Events are Open to the Public Six Banks. Six Beds. One great cause. From April 2-28, 2007 six banks are working together to raise funds for new hospital beds for the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. On April 29th, the banks will race their beds in downtown Oakville. Visit your local bank branch to find out how you can support them and come cheer on your bank team as they race for the Bed Race Winner title for 2007! Bank Bed Challenge TM More info: www.bankbedchallenge.com