Exploring can be tiring for old bones. Don’t forget to give your adventure partner some time to relax between excursions! Riley usually takes a few days of rest between big outings to recoup a little energy. He still gets his walks throughout the day and plays, but at 14 those big days are a lot of excitement for this wiggle butt!
Even when tired its important to ensure he gets his exercise, we just have to remember to take our cue from him on how much he needs. Our walks the day after a big adventure tend to be shorter and less frequent so he can rest his joints. But he tells us when he wants to go out and how fast he wants to move!
Learning to listen to what your dog is not saying is a key skill when adventuring. They can’t tell us when they are tired, but they will lay down or droop those ears. Knowing your dog’s tells keeps the adventure fun and comfortable for both of you!
On an average day, Riley gets 4 to 6 walks. Each walk ranging between 15 minutes to 45 minutes. He chooses how long the walk is and which direction we go. At 14, with arthritis in one leg, the shorter more frequent walks were recommended to us by our vet. We started strengthening his legs with 5 to 10 minute walks about 4 times a day, building up over the last 6 months to 15 to 45 minute walks 4 to 6 times a day. Now he hikes and runs again (in moderation) and has strengthened his leg enough to handle the terrain we intend to take him out in over the next year. The Kurgo will help with the sections he can’t do and when he tires.
Take a moment for yourself and rest into life again. Stroll to a beach and read a book. Watch that Netflix show you’ve had on your watchlist for years. Learn to crochet or cook a new dish for dinner. Just spend some time listening to music and breathing. Take a rest day. Take a spa day. Take a moment day. Rejuvenate.
Do you have an adventure dog that needs some assistance? We would love to hear what you have found beneficial!
ASR Adventures 