Activities with your dog

What are some good things to do when you want to spend time with your dog by building a closer bond? I walk my 8 month puppy everyday, playtime (fetch/tug-a-war), I'll walk him at parks, I've taught him tricks, and sometimes I let him off the leash and I bike by my house. What should I do with my dog that are fun for both of us, and thats good exercise for the spring!? I was thinking this summer I could go swimming with him at the lake. I need creative new things for him!
Thanks

The last time you asked for advice you were thinking of getting rid of Teddy...It sounds like things are calmer with more activity than a twenty minute walk a day...GOOD FOR YOU!!

Well, for sure...when the weather warms up, swimming is GREAT exercise, and if MoJo is any example, he's loved it from the very start. It's also good for young dogs, because it's easy on their joints and tendons. However, a Welch Terrier may or may not be inclined to swim...you'll probably have to get into the water, too...after putting a long line on him...and 'convince' him he'll like it. It's very scary for them the first time their feet aren't touching bottom.

You can play hide and seek with treats around the house, too...dogs LOVE that game...make him sit and stay...then hide treats under the couch cushions, on low shelves...anywhere he can find them. After you've hid them, say 'OK'...and let him use his nose to find them. This game only takes once for them to 'get it'...LOL...

phrannie

Teddy has already had experience with swimming, not a good one though. he was off his leash and was one our pond in the back yard and he thought it was still frozen! but I called him and he swam to me!

lol, yeah dogs are natural swimmers, but not all of them will like it (especially if the first time is a complete surprise, absolutely hilarious for us though to watch him skid into the pool). mine runs after us while we're swimming though...
do you have dog parks?

I'm glad things worked out with your dog...

I would never get rid of my dog. but I really hope he likes swimming. we have a lot of ponds where I live, so I dont want him jumpin in them ALL the time! but I thought it'd be fun

If you live near the beach, take him there and watch his reaction to the waves. see if he likes it...