Fergus sizes up the sprinkler
Not all sports are organized activities like agility and flyball. And in the hot summer months it can be especially rewarding to make up your own games that include a nice refreshing spritzing of water.
My pal @FergustheDog has done just that, as he shows me some of his summertime favorites – Dog vs. Sprinkler and Sprinkler Hockey. The beauty of these activities is that you get to make up your own rules as you go, and all you need is a hose, a sprinkler and a little creativity.
To stay in shape for these activities, Fergus says he likes to chase a frisbee now and again and he also enjoys racing the greyhounds that live next door.
How to get started in Dog vs. Sprinkler
In Dog vs. Sprinker, it’s helpful to start by sizing up the height and trajectory of the sprinkler spray. You’ll also want to consider the speed in which the sprinkler rotates so that you time your next moves perfectly. As Fergus is demonstrating, it’s also helpful to work on your hindquarter strength. Squats are a perfect exercise to prepare for this activity.
Fergus displays the lunge and hurl technique
The next step is to hurl yourself into the oncoming spray. Use those muscles you’ve built up in your rear legs to lunge yourself forward. Do not be timid about it… it is best to just plunge right in and go for it.
It takes a little practice to get the timing just right. And sometimes you may need to shakes things off if you get ahead of yourself and get a head full of water.
After just a few tries you should get the hang of it. As you get more advanced, you might like to try capturing a refreshing drink of water on the fly, just before leaping over or through the spray.
Fergus shakes it off and gets ready to give it another go
The advanced "drink and go" maneuver
Sprinkler Hockey Basics
Another favorite summertime activity for Fergus is Sprinker Hockey. This can be played on a deck or patio or even in a driveway. The only requirements are a relatively smooth surface and plenty of room to “skate” by the sprinkler.
Fergus explains that the goal in Sprinkler Hockey is to position the sprinkler “just right” in order to get your humans as wet as possible! Also, if you’re not winning, you can always just pick up the sprinkler and take it away.
Here, Fergus displays some of the finer techniques. Who do you think wins this game?
Do you have any favorite summertime activities or sports you like to play? I’d love to hear about them and tell your story, too! Please send me an email at cosmohavanese at anipaltimes dot com and tell me a little about yourself. From one athlete to another, I look forward to woofin’ with ya!
{ 7 comments }
Oh this is one happy dog
) What fantastic techniques!!
he he- Dat Fergus really knows how to have a good time. Great idea.
Pawesome job on the article, Cosmo!! I love it
Looks like we needs a new sprinkler. Mine is just plain boring! But I does love da hose so I knows I’d like dat sprinkler. Thanks Fergus, for demonstrating how to play dese games properly.
Go Fergus! You’re the man! Go Fergus! So kewl – we could watch you all day!!
This really made mom laugh because her dog Skipper was a splashing water attack dog that could give Fergus a run for his money! She took him to the beach once and there was a jetty where the waves crashed. Skipper ran out on the jetty and mom thought she would lose him for good jumping and trying to swallow all the water. Skipper is now chasing water spigots at the rainbow bridge but this was a great memory for mom.
What a great article,Cosmo.Ferguson is so full of doggy joy,fabulous!!!!
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