Discover four sports activities to do with your dog during the summer holidays

Le canoë est un sport aquatique que l’on peut faire avec son chien. ArtistGNDphotography/Getty Images

In recent years, dogs have become full-fledged members of the family. So out of the question not to entertain them during the summer holidays.

Luckily, there are many sporting activities that "dog parents" can do with their pet. Here are a few.

The hike

Accustomed to walks, dogs can be pleasant hiking partners. But be careful, certain rules must be respected. First of all, you have to choose your hiking route carefully. Trails with difficult passages, such as suspension bridges, areas to climb or climbs that are too steep, should be avoided, especially if the dog is not used to getting a lot of exercise.

It is commonly accepted that an average-sized doggie in good health can easily walk 10 kilometers per day. The most trained can cover up to 20 kilometers. Some breeds are also more suited to hiking than others: Brittany Spaniels, Border Collies, Beagles and Pointers thrive when they are active. They will therefore have no trouble walking alongside you for long hours. The age of the animal is also a criterion to take into account, puppies tire much more quickly than adult dogs.

If you take your dog hiking, you should always keep an eye on him. For more peace of mind, keep him on a leash. This will allow you to control it if, by chance, you come across walkers who are afraid of canines. Also remember to take all the equipment necessary for its well-being: kibble, water, bowl but also first aid kit, to disinfect your dog's pads in the event of an injury.

The canicross

Notice to running enthusiasts. Running is a discipline that can easily be adapted to practice with your dog. This is where canicross comes into play. This sport consists of carrying out a sporting race with your animal. The dog is generally attached to its master's waist using a belt specially designed for this activity, and a traction harness. This way, they are forced to run at the same pace.

Before you start canicross, make sure your pet is well trained. He must obey simple commands like "not move", "left" and "right". At first, start with short training sessions and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the runs. Also choose carefully the places where you are going to run with your dog: favor paths with little traffic and shade. Avoid surfaces that are too hard or too hot to preserve your doggie's pads.

If you don't really like racing, know that there are several variations of canicross on bikes, rollerblades and scooters.

The cani-paddle

It's been a few years since paddle boarding became an essential summer sport, as it is accessible to everyone. Children can practice it, as can seniors. And then the dogs ? Well yes. It is entirely possible to introduce your little four-legged companion to the joys of paddleboarding. You just need to take a few precautions.

First of all, make sure your dog likes water. Not all dogs are good swimmers, some enjoy swimming and water games more than others. So test your pet's reactions near a body of water, before introducing him to cani-paddle. Also make sure he obeys basic commands (“sit”, “lie down”, “stay”): this is for his safety when he is on the paddle board. And don't forget to put a life jacket on him that fits him.

At first, focus on short cani-paddle sessions, ideally on calm stretches of water, to allow your dog to gradually get used to this activity. Work on his balance as well as yours. If your dog sees you fall into the water, there's a good chance he'll jump off the board to join you! But, with a little practice, you'll be able to enjoy this activity with him.

Cani-canoeing

Canoeing is another water sport that you can do with your dog. It’s the ideal discipline to share a beautiful moment of complicity with your animal. It has the advantage of being less physical than cani-paddle, which allows older doggies to practice it.

As with any aquatic activity, it is essential that your little companion feels comfortable on the water. But also in the canoe. Consider renting a boat that is spacious enough for your dog to sit comfortably on. You can also put an ultra-absorbent towel in the bottom of the canoe: this will help delimit its space on board.

Before setting off, do a few tests. Have your dog ride the canoe on land and simulate the boat's movements on the water. This will allow your furball to get used to the instability he will feel on board. Reassure him and warmly encourage him throughout the exercise to build his confidence.

Throughout your canoe trip, make sure your dog wears his flotation vest. Also remember to take regular breaks on dry land so that your pet can stretch its legs, and to regularly give it water. Canines tolerate heat less well than us, so be vigilant for any signs of sunstroke.