This weeks theme for The Gallery is Fitness.
Himself is a keen kayaker, it's an excellent way to keep fit as well as being great fun, for many years he has been an instructor, teaching mostly young people the benefits of this brilliant sport.
Several years ago Himself decided to teach our Cocker Spaniel Badger to stand on the front of the kayak, as he kept swimming around and around, and appeared to want to join him. This picture was Badgers first lesson.
Within minutes he had learnt to balance, and soon discovered that it was very comfortable to curl up on the spraydeck and have a little snooze.
So whilst Himself is paddling around getting a massive upper body work out, Badger is busy exercising his right to take things easy, as only a dog can.
Badger is free to jump off at any time, but he will always opt to go back to the kayak after a swim, and refuses join me on the shoreline until Himself has finished, he loves it that much.
Please note:-
We used only positive training methods and went at Badgers own pace. Not all dogs like water, or the instability of being on a kayak and could become very stressed very quickly, so do not try this if your dog is not 100% happy in water.
Why not pop over to Sticky Fingers to check out other peoples ideas on Fitness.
The Gallery has teamed up with Coca-Cola and their Work it Out Calculator so you can see how much exercise you need to do to burn off the calories, what a great idea..
The Gallery has teamed up with Coca-Cola and their Work it Out Calculator so you can see how much exercise you need to do to burn off the calories, what a great idea..
Wonderful, makes keeping fit so much more fun when you can share with Badger Boo swimming hound :-)
ReplyDeleteBB comes everywhere with us and hates to be left out of anything, he is so versatile and we all have so much fun.
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They do say that exercise in water is good for lots of muscles. So, next stop a mini-kayak for Badger Boo?
ReplyDeleteThat would be so funny, but himself would have to tow it along as BB would probably just go to sleep in it!
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Fantastic pics, what fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it is great to do things as our strange little family.
DeleteAww lovely dog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly we love him, there are lots more pics of him if you click the tab at the top marked "The Dogs Blog"
DeleteWhat a great picture and sounds like you have a great dog too.
ReplyDeleteHe is the best although I am a little biased lol
Deletexxx
Fabulous photo of Badger getting in on the act of fitness! Love it X
ReplyDeleteThank you, he goes everywhere with us and loves to join in, he is so versatile about things, I'm sure it's because we always introduce him to everything slowly..
Deletexxx
What a cute snap! Our poochie is just getting used to giant puddles, still wont go near water bless him x
ReplyDeleteAhhhh some dogs just don't like water, but they can be taught it's not going to hurt them if introduced gently and not forced into it. Forcing dogs into water is the worst thing you can do.
DeleteFirst time BB saw the sea he was really not sure about the waves that kept chasing him lol, but now he loves it, the rougher the better for him..
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Brilliant! He looks the part too!
ReplyDeleteNowadays he wears a harness to help lift him in and out of the kayak, he only has a lead on in this picture as we wanted to make sure he felt safe enough to be let go of, and to keep hold of him if he should fall in, which he didn't.. The rest as they say is history xx
DeleteThat is so brilliant! So fantastic that they can share the experience together!
ReplyDeleteI hate the thought of doing things without him, dogs are most happy when with their people doing daft things in our case lol
Deletexx
Well done Badger! That's great that he can enjoy the experience too.
ReplyDeleteHe sure does enjoy himself, although we have to watch he doesn't get too tired these days as he is nearly 11 years old now xxx
DeleteI have spent many an hour watching my daughter Kayak, but have never seen a dog on one, he looks at home there x
ReplyDeleteHe loves being with his dad, causes quite a stir when they go out lol
DeleteThat's amazing. Have to say I've never seen a dog on a kayak before!
ReplyDeleteYou have now lol x
DeleteWow, what a clever dog, love the picture ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, he really seems to enjoy it lol
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