TulsaPets Magazine November 2022

November / December 2022 • TulsaPets 41 Puppies can enjoy these activities: • chasing “rollers” instead of airborne discs • learning to swim while wearing a life jacket • doing age-appropriate agility training • playing sniffing games • having some nose fun — “sniffari,” sniff garden, seeking treats hidden in boxes Adolescent and adult dogs can take the fun stuff up a notch. If you have built a solid foundation, go for it! • Play Frisbee® games. • Go swimming and try dock diving. • Take an agility or nose-work class. • Begin more formal training for competi- tions such as obedience and rally. Keep dogs active during their adulthood. Don’t put off training sessions or playtime with them. If you bring home another pet, be sure to continue all the things you have been doing with the established dog. The life span of dogs varies greatly depending on the breed and size of the dog. Small guys such as terriers generally live longer than their giant counterparts. During these years, as you continue to do all the things, your dog might need additional support from your veterinarian or specialist. Routine vet visits should be at least twice a year, along with annual dental exams. Of course, your veterinarian is the best person to determine what your dog’s needs are. Many sport dogs have regular chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, or hydrotherapy treatments. This is also the age to consider products for joint health and other sup- portive therapies. Keep Canine Veterans Active As your dog ages, training might include lower jumps and shorter training sessions, walks, and hikes. In many dog sports, dogs can compete as “veterans” once they have reached a certain age. It is not uncommon to see dogs more than 10 years old compet- ing at high levels, which is fantastic! Senior dogs need more time to sleep and rest — but don’t let them become couch potatoes. Turn walks into sniffari walks as you did when they were puppies. Their sense of smell is still keen throughout their lives. In scent work or nose games, dogs learn to find target odors hidden in differ- ent areas or containers. Although it is not a physical workout, a sniffing opportunity is just as tiring and satisfying. The hides, or plants, might be easier for them to access than when they were younger dogs, but the game is still strong. Senior dogs can still enjoy chasing rollers rather than catching airborne discs. Swimming feels good on their bodies, and a life jacket can assist. Agility at low jump heights is just as rewarding for your senior dog as it was in his prime. I have seen older dogs run an obstacle course with no jump bars and still show the joy they did as youngsters. It can be challenging to get senior or elderly dogs to eat enough. If you return to rewarding the basics of good-manners training, they tap into those early memo- ries of reinforcement training. Their time on earth is short enough. Make the most of it. RESERVATIONS 918-744-4280 pologrill.com A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Tulsa’s Favorite Pet-Friendly Patio Dining Among the Trees at Utica Square Enjoy our iconic “Little Italy” in the center of historic Cherry Street. Paws & Claws are welcome on our Patio! 1344 E. 15th St. • Tulsa, OK (918) 582-3456