Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Training At Elevation With Your Dog

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This summer we have come to Taos, NM for our get away and for some training, both for ourselves and for our dogs. I guess it sort of goes without saying, active people have active dogs. As with many people these days, we’ve decided to hang out and do activities that are close to our home for entertainment and doing so we’ve found some of the coolest trails to hike, mountain bike trails to take dogs on with us and creeks the dogs can jump in to cool themselves down.

Taos is at elevation, high elevation. Our other home is in San Diego at sea level. For ourselves and our dogs the contrast is absolutely wonderful, but we have found its best to keep some simple training guidelines in place for ourselves and our dogs.

One of the most important is hydration. Elevation requires more water in order to stay properly hydrated. Dehydration is the cause of more bad health situations than one really realizes. One of the first rules to keep in mind when it comes to staying hydrated is to drink BEFORE you feel thirsty.

If you are feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. For the dog, if you are thirsty, your dog is thirstier! Read this article Hydration and Dogs: 7 Ways To Your Dog Drinking Enough Water to find why your dogs hydration level needs even more attention than yours does when doing any kind training activity, be it hiking, biking, running, or fetch the ball.

When you are at elevation with your dog make sure to bring water on outings for you and your dog. Drink often. Drink before, during and after your activities.

Now go out and have some fun. Elevation training rocks as long as you do a little planning you and your dog can end up in the shape of your lives.

For more fun dog training tips, cool dog photos, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog or K9 Coach Facebook.

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