April, the month of rain and Spring time makes us feel fond of being outside when the sun is shining! This month, American Grooming Academy wants to keep your pup busy whether it’s rain or shine.

Getting Into the Sun

Dog agility isn’t just for the breeds you see competing in trials, all dogs can participate in agility. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon, then exercising both you and your dog, for better mental, and physical health? Feeling self-conscious? You can start your own agility course at home by making a few household items into something you can train with.

For example, start using trash cans to help your dog learn to weave. You can also use plastic buckets. Have your pets walk over large branches without stepping on them. Ready for some more advanced work? Follow the link here to see instructions on how to build your own backyard agility course!

Learning how to do agility comes with some great advantages to your pet and yourself. It creates a social network you and your pet belong to , it gets paws moving for better health and it helps your pet feel like they are accomplishing a job! Cesar’s Way gives us some great tips on training and agility with your pet!

Staying in during a storm

Most dogs hate the rain, but not because it’s wet, because the sound of the drops is overwhelming considering they hear at 30 disciples while the human ear hears at 14. so staying inside is the best thing, but this causes some issue with pets who are used to having a great deal of exercise. Try these helpful rainy day activities to help chase those rainy day blues away!

Hallway Fetch

Get one of your pets softest toys, and “toss” it instead of throw it down an empty space of your home. even though the running isn’t very far, the new space will cause your pet to think about the new environment!

Rainy Day Spa Special

Paper your pet, give them a good brushing, a gentle massage and wash their face. You can even try baking some spa treats to end the amazing rainy day. Here’s one of AGA’s favorites!

HOMEMADE PUPCAKES

A homemade cupcake for your dog, also known as a pupcake! Treat your four-legged friend to a dog-safe treat that they are sure to love!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• ¼ cups apple sauce (I used Mott’s Natural)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 4 Tbsp honey
• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 apple)
• 6 oz. Vanilla CANDIQUIK Coating

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl mix water, apple sauce, vanilla, egg, and honey together with a whisk.
3. Combine whole wheat flour and baking powder and stir into wet ingredients.
4. Fold in chopped apples.
5. Spoon mixture into greased muffin tins.
6. Bake for 35 minutes; let cool.
7. Melt CANDIQUIK according to package directions.
8. Pour CANDIQUIK into a piping bag (or plastic bag with one corner snipped off) and pipe on designs.

You can also celebrate the April Rainy Season with American Grooming Academy’s “Bring The Rain” Spa add-on package!