Top 5 Reasons to Stand Up Paddle with Your Dog
Number One: New situations help us grow!
The more we do something, the better we get at it. A higher volume of new situations promotes learning and growth. This concept is the same with dogs too. Of course dogs love a good routine, but change is constant and character is built through situational diversity. When dogs are brought to the ocean we typically see two types of reactions. The first is excitement! The wonders of unknown territory can generate incredible amounts of energy in dogs. The second is uncertainty. Some pups are simply not confident, or not a fan of the water. And that’s ok! They can still benefit from exposure to uncomfortable situations. Expose them to safe and light water activity, and over time they're confidence will grow and fear will diminish. Post SUPDOG sessions we like to see relaxation. Thats when we know, today was a good day.
Number Two: Being in the ocean nourishes your soul.
A mental & spiritual cleansing. Escape from the go go go, and jump in the water. It’s the easiest way to invoke calm and serenity into your life. Your dog will feel it too! Exploration into the ocean stimulates confidence, wholeness and physical strength. Allow the small ripples from the earth pass through your being, and translate that energy to your dog. Envelop them with love and wonder.
Number Three: Helps prevent fleas.
If you have already dosed your dog with preventatives, and your still having trouble with fleas, know that water activity can help shed those pesky buggers off your pup. Fleas hate water, so the more often you soak your dog, the less likely it is for those fleas to stick around. Also, you will want to follow up your ocean dip with a fresh water shower on the beach too. Make sure to use some good shampoo so as not to leave behind any unwanted particles for the fleas. Soak your pup in the ocean and shower with shampoo, you’ll see a noticeable difference in flea itching behavior.
Number Four: Exercise for you and your dog!
Stand up paddling is an amazing low impact work out. It doesn’t feel like much, but by simply standing on that board on the water, you are engaging a whole variety of muscle groups including both lower body, upper body, and core muscles. When done correctly, stand up paddling is also great for improved back posture and pain relief. For dogs, the exercise comes from beach running and swimming. Most dogs like to take a dip or two off the board when prompted. This gives them a perfect low impact full body work out that is sure to have them snoozing later in the evening.
Number Five: Dog / Parent Bonding.
We’ve got to say it, there is simply nothing quite like the joy of stand up paddling with your furry friend. It’s simply magic. It feels super good sharing ocean moments with your family members. It further solidifies that special bond being built between you and your dog. Always know that they look to us for guidance. Show them a new path, one full of excitement and uncharted territory.